Berks County students gathered via VOiCEup to develop and execute an online pledge called “Stand Together Against Racism” and it is quickly gaining momentum in the local community and beyond.
High School Students from around Berks have been working since July on projects to promote tolerance in our community. One of these projects is a pledge to “Stand Together Against Racism.” The pledge is for anyone who supports the cause to sign, as well as for organizations and companies to also show their support.
The journey on this project began as a virtual, youth-directed series of discussions on inequality, police relations, and personal stories which culminated in a session on youth action. After meeting every Tuesday and Thursday throughout July 2020, the group decided to take the discussion further. Still meeting on a weekly basis, the team of VOiCEup and YVC Leaders and students from seven districts across Berks County are setting new goals in hopes of bringing awareness and change to their communities and beyond.
With the current events surrounding racism in our country, these students began hosting Community Conversations for Change, during which the idea for the pledge was born. “Our mission is to address racism and injustice in our community through education and dialogue which is initiated, supported and facilitated by youth.”
