On May 26, ActionDignity participated in the Planet Youth Coalition session, delivering an information session to approximately 30 youth alongside a range of youth-serving organizations. The session provided updates on the Youth Justice Project and shared key findings related to School Resource Officers (SROs), highlighting persistent systemic barriers that continue to impact young people.
A central theme of the discussion was the importance of meaningfully engaging youth in shaping policies, programs, and community responses. Participants explored how youth engagement must move beyond consultation toward genuine inclusion in decision-making processes. By centering youth perspectives, communities can develop more relevant, effective, and accountable approaches to addressing inequities.
During the session, youth were also invited to participate in our Community Conversation Circles, which provide safe and inclusive spaces for young people to discuss legal challenges, systemic barriers, and access to justice. Through restorative and equity-informed dialogue, participants build legal awareness, identify barriers, and contribute community-driven recommendations to help strengthen the youth justice system.
Overall, the session reinforced the value of co-creating solutions with youth and ensuring their voices directly inform strategies and actions aimed at addressing the structural barriers they face.