From Jul. 16th to Aug. 20th, Let’s Talk Democracy will be hosting their first ever summer leadership training program for teens called “Youth Talk Democracy” at both Queens College and the Forest Hills Library.
Let’s Talk Democracy is a non-partisan organization started by a group of residents in Forest Hills who are dedicated to educating, encouraging dialogue and empowering people to make their voices heard.
Founder and director of Let’s Talk Democracy Dr. Ida Messana – a medical physician in Forest Hills – noticed a decline in her patients’ mental health as a result of Donald Trump’s initial election in 2016. “It was like history repeating itself,” said Dr. Messana.
Since Fall 2017, Let’s Talk Democracy has hosted many classes, seminars and discussion forums. The organization was initially for people ages 18 years and older.
However, a student from Forest Hills High School was interested in getting involved in the organization, which led to an expansion for Youth Talk Democracy in order for high school students to get involved.
The application deadline ended on Apr. 10th allowing the Youth Talk Democracy summer program to take in several students, all of whom applied from across the city. Interviews took place over the week of Apr. 27th with 12 to 15 students in this year’s program.
The organization encourages brainstorming to follow a think tank procedure where students and learners can submit topics they are interested in. The top three topics were civil rights, education and immigration.
“Policy proposals, youth vision, community outreach, workshop pieces and roundtable discussions—it is not just a workshop but something for them to get out and learn something,” said Dr. Messana.
Participants will meet in-person for roundtable discussions and community action events over a six week period with the goal of creating a learning experience.
The workshop roundtable sessions will alternate between QC and the Forest Hills Library, on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Dr. Messana added, “The community action piece will have students go to street fairs, green markets, or any type of gathering to get people’s opinion and have the ability to talk to their neighbors.”
The expectation for Dr. Messana’s program is to have structure and knowledge. She hopes that participants will learn leadership skills for the future.
“We will be looking for students, alumni and faculty to know about this program and get involved in it,” said Dr. Messana.
QC students are encouraged to attend the Youth Summit on Sept. 20th to listen to the presentations and participants’ proposals to learn more about Let’s Talk Democracy and how to get involved.
