VOiCEup Berks

Stand Together Against Racism

(STAR)

In the summer of 2020, VOiCEup Berks and Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of Reading came together to host a transformative series of youth-centered conversations on racial inequality and injustice. Named "Community Conversations for Change," this six-part series brought together 27 students from eight different schools in Berks County. Over the course of 10 hours, these students delved deep into discussions on racial injustice, systemic racism, police relations, and most importantly, what actions they could take to effect change within their communities.

Empowering Youth-Led Projects

Armed with the insights gained from these powerful conversations, the students embarked on a mission to turn their ideas into impactful projects. After much deliberation and the contribution of numerous innovative ideas, a dedicated team of youth, supported by YVC/VOiCEup staff, brought to life three student-led initiatives:

Anti-Racism Pledge: A commitment to actively fight against racism and promote inclusivity within their schools and communities.

Youth-Created Website: A digital platform to raise awareness, share resources, and amplify the voices of youth advocating for racial equality.

School Discussion Groups: Safe spaces within schools for open and honest dialogue about racism, fostering understanding and empathy among students.

These projects laid the foundation for the Stand Together Against Racism (S.T.A.R.) youth movement, igniting a spark of activism that has since spread to communities across the nation.

Continuing the Movement

The work initiated by S.T.A.R. in 2020 continues to thrive today, with youth at the forefront of anti-racism efforts in their schools and communities. To learn more about this inspiring movement and discover recent projects, visit the student-developed website at www.yvc-star.org.

Join us in standing together against racism and empowering youth to create a more just and inclusive world. Together, we can make a difference.