On October 19th, Inclusive Communities held the Omaha Table Talk moderated by Christine Henningsen of UNL with special guest Carey Pomykata of Coalition Rx and Keenan Tomlinson of Mentor Nebraska. The topic that was highlighted was Youth Justice Reform in Omaha.
"Listen to the kids in our community in order to make the timely changes for better outcomes of them and the community overall" Below are summaries of the questions that were discussed during the talk.
How do schools affect the youth?
Tomlinson "Kids carry a backpack that we do not see." There are changes that need to be made within the school system in order to get student's day started beneficially. Youth spend most time with school staff so it is important for the staff to build meaningful relationships with the students. Outside factors might be affecting their education and it is the job of teachers to identify some the problems we don't visibly see. Pomykata "It is critical for teachers to work with the children individually in order to keep them from being involved in the system." It is important to understand the "why" of why students need the better outcomes and they need to realize their potential. Tomlinson adds "We need to teach the students about conflict management in many environments." This understanding is important to develop the why and how of a students behavior in a classroom and out.
How can we measure "success" as we talk about youth reform?
Tomlinson "The measure of defining success is students being able to articulate their character. We need to show students the importance of helping each other out." It is a core foundation to be kind and generous in order to be successful. Pomykata "Observing the changes they are doing in making decisions as a measure of success. Now I see our kids using their words and being more verbal about their feelings instead of using violence". Students need to know they have a community of support that is patient with their changes and development.
What are some changes that need to be made?
Tomlinson "It is important to have parents and other community members support the youth appropriately. No matter what life stage the student is, investing in the youth will make them grow." He adds "I like to tell the children what they see they can be. So they can see their goals and dreams as achievable." We have to expose children to the career paths and future that they don't know. Pomykata "Understanding the tools, resources in the community, and connections the children need to make. We need to teach them what to do in order for their dreams to come true" We need to strategically teach the youth about the ways they can be successful for the present and the future!
If you missed out on the Table Talk, you can watch it
here!
