Do you find yourself struggling with the current climate around race and racism? Are you wondering about how to discuss racism with the youth in your ministry? Racism can have a negative impact on the health and well-being of youth, and the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine has recognized the critical importance of addressing racism with young people. Public conversations about race and racism have increased, but sometimes these can often feel like they occur in spaces where youth don’t feel safe in expressing their real feelings, concerns and questions. Because a youth group is an intentional space of unconditional love and acceptance, youth leaders can and should encourage youth to talk about this issue that impacts all of us.
In this course, we will talk about addressing racism with youth. This is designed such that each section may be completed in one gathering. If every section were to be completed, with the group meeting weekly, this course would take five weeks to complete. It is also possible to complete the course in a shorter period of time by combining sections based on your team’s availability. Similarly, it could be expanded, and the focal Scripture passages—merely used here as a discussion starter, and a backdrop for the youth ministry topics— could be used as a jumping off point for a whole Bible study for each gathering. We are hopeful that the person leading this effort will feel free to adapt what is provided to their particular community’s needs.