For the last 30 years, OC Human Relations has engaged young people in youth organizing and leadership development. To follow safety protocols amid COVID-19, this year our BRIDGES Safe & Respectful Schools & Restorative Schools teams launched a week-long interactive online institute bringing OC youth from diverse backgrounds to participate in activities, dialogues and skill building exercises about human relations and social justice issues.
“I learned a lot on how to be a leader and how I can use what I learn to better both myself and my community. The projects and leaders I met taught me a lot and meeting the new people in my house was really fun.”
-student participant
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, the institute was offered at no cost to Orange County high school students interested in developing their leadership skills to enact social change and improve the human relations climate in their communities.
I am extremely appreciative of the thought and work put into this entire experience, for I most definitely won’t forget it.”
– student participant
An in- person, drive-through graduation was held the fifth day where students were provided with certificates, t-shirt, book and other donated goodies.
“Finding one’s voice through the interactions and discussions we had helped each student improve their own view of what it means to lead their own group of fellow advocates.”
– student participant
As you can see from the results of the post-institute evaluation, the participants had a very positive view of the experience.
The team created a website to showcase the 2021 cohort; you can view it here
To learn more about our school’s programs, please contact the Director of Youth & Education Programs, Julie Vue, at Julie@splash.ochumanrelations.org or 714.480-6589.
