Neighborhood Institute Workshop Spotlight – Youth Development

Nawal Rajeh of By Peaceful Means will lead an interactive workshop session that shows how neighborhood youth can be an asset for you community. The session will include common strategies for dealing with youth and brainstorm ways to involve teens in local problem solving.

Tell us about your background and why you chose to lead this particular workshop?

I am an educator and community activist who is passionate about the need for a rising role of youth as leaders in the community. I have been part of running a Peace Camp in Baltimore City for the past 7 years and through that experience have become more inspired and energized by the our youth’s ability to turn ideas into action. They never cease to amaze me and I hope that they will continue to effect change in their communities and be supported with larger roles and resources to continue being change agents.

What do you hope participants will gain from attending your workshop? What actions will they be more prepared to take?

My hope is that those attending my workshop will become inspired by the realities of what youth have to offer our communities through their energy, passion, and work for social change. We will learn together to see youth as innovators and brainstorm ways for their greater involvement and leadership on the most pressing issues facing our communities.

Why do you love most about living in Baltimore?

I moved to Baltimore in 2006 as a Jesuit Volunteer and fell in love with the city. Though I no longer live in Baltimore, it is still one of my favorite cities. There is a sense of community in Baltimore that is unmatched in other places. There are issues, and there are people everywhere willing to do the hard work to improve their communities. Plus there really is something about Baltimore that makes it “Charm City” that is difficult to express with words!

GHCC is pleased to serve as the fiscal sponsor for By Peaceful Means.  During its 2013 summer Peace Camp, By Peaceful Means provided positive programming in peace-building and conflict resolution for 30 youth in Baltimore City.

Tickets to the 7th Neighborhood Institute are sold out. If you would like to be added to the waiting list please email Emma Simpson at espimpson@strongcitybaltimore.org with the subject line “Neighborhood Institute Waiting List”