Dialogue Echo: Reflections + Action — Centering Youth Voices in a Time of Crisis
We listened. They spoke. Now it’s time to act.
On May 21, youth from across Los Angeles gathered at the Japanese American National Museum for the Resilience in Action Youth Dialogue—a collaboration between Days of Dialogue, the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles, and Kids Managing Conflict.
In a world that often silences or sidelines them, these young people showed up ready to share their stories, struggles, and hopes. What happened inside those dialogue circles was nothing short of transformative.
This was not just an event. It was a lifeline.
Here’s what we heard—loud and clear:
“I worry every day my parents won’t be there when I get home.”
Youth spoke openly about the terror of deportation, of loved ones disappearing overnight. For many, immigration fear isn’t a policy debate—it’s a daily reality.
“No one asks how I’m doing. They just expect me to keep going.”
The emotional burden on teens was staggering. Food insecurity, financial strain, and mental health pressure are taking a deep toll. And yet, they show up—to school, to work, to take care of siblings—often without support.
“We want to talk. We just need someone who listens.”
These youth aren’t looking for saviors. They’re asking for safe spaces, trusted adults, and resources they can actually use.
What We Did:
Brought together over 100 teens from across L.A.
Created facilitated spaces for them to share, reflect, and be heard
Honored their courage with dignity, affirmation—and a little joy (shout out to the PS5 raffle and Hawaiian lunches!)
Captured powerful recommendations for schools, families, and community leaders
What They Told Us They Need:
Mental health support that meets them where they are
Immigration resources they can understand and use
Parent-teen communication that’s rooted in empathy, not discipline
Culturally relevant outreach in multiple languages
Safe, ongoing youth dialogue spaces—not one-offs
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The Impact Was Immediate.
Youth left feeling seen, less alone, and more resilient.
Several asked to host future dialogues at their schools.
A YMCA staff member used stories shared to connect families with emergency support the very next day.
One young participant said, “This was the first time I felt like my story mattered.”
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So what’s next? That’s up to all of us.
We cannot let this be a one-time conversation. If we want our youth to be resilient, we have to be responsive.
Here’s how you can help keep the momentum going:
Host a youth dialogue in your school, church, or neighborhood
Fund mental health and immigration literacy programs that work for youth
Volunteer or train as a facilitator
Share this message. Be the adult that listens.
This was one moment. But together, we can build a movement.
Let’s keep the dialogue alive.
www.DaysofDialogue.org | info@daysofdialogue.org | @daysofdialogue
