We are still reminiscing on the Sowing Resilience: A Bloom Kentucky Listening Tour that wrapped up earlier this summer. One session in particular that we can’t stop thinking about is the Youth and Young Adult Session hosted in Jefferson County.

In June, a group of nearly 40 young people from across Jefferson County came together to share their thoughts, ideas, and recommendations on helping Kentucky kids grow up healthy and hopeful. Discussions ranged from mental health supports, community safety, economic security for young people, foster care supports, and education curriculum.

Here is what a several of the young people in attendance had to say about their experience:

“My favorite part of the youth and young adult listening session was that I could state my personal opinion and others could relate. After sharing and discussing, I felt that people my age were able to agree and made me look at things differently.”
 – Virginia, 13 years old, PRP High School

“My favorite part of the youth/young adult listening session was when I could comfortably voice my opinion and felt like I was being listened to. I felt more aware of my surroundings after having a discussion with my peers during the listening session.”
– Anasia, 14 year old, Seneca High School.

“My favorite part of the youth/young adult listening session was having people around me who were feeling the same way about certain topics as me. I felt like it gave me a change of perspective after discussing with my peers at the listening session.”
 – Kamryn, 15 years old, W.E.B. DuBois Academy 

“[After sharing and discussing with my peers,] I listen more and open my mind more. [When advocating,] I would like advocates to think about how it would impact families and to also have an open mind.”
 – Jaclynn, 14 years old, Thomas Jefferson Middle School

“My favorite part of the youth young adult listening session was when everybody was talking about the stuff that’s going on in the world and how they can make a change. I felt that changes could be made if the right amount of people work together.”
– Dennis, 15 years old, Butler Traditional High School

“I felt very bad for some of the people. At the listening session, I felt as if [the problems] will be solved.”
– Claren, 12 years old, Farnsley Middle School

 “My favorite part of the youth/young adult listening session was that I felt heard. I felt heard because they were letting everyone get a chance to talk.”
– Brooke, 15 years old, Minor Daniels Academy

We would like to thank all of the youth and young adults who joined us to share their ideas, questions, and recommendations. 

Check out Reflections from Sowing Resilience: A Bloom Kentucky Listening Tour as we share key themes on challenges and solutions discussed by advocates and community partners from across the Commonwealth.