Wellness and Leadership

As both teams prepare to integrate in the fall, we take time to reflect on the lasting impact, legacy and influence by modeling a strong foundation for youth. At the heart of our codesign approach lies the importance of genuine communication and mutual respect. It is crucial to connect and bridge the generational gap. We’re still building relationships striving to amplify youth voices, ensuring they’re included in the decision making and deeply supported. We encourage self-expression in unique ways that encourage young people to show up authentically.

We emphasize the influence of collective well-being in our meeting spaces by playing music, beginning with a guided meditation practice and ending with self-reflections. We are committed to being accountable and embodying our actionable value of wellness. This includes intentional practices, shared language across both groups, behaviors that help maintain balance in their work and personal lives. Youth who participate in organizing with a strong emphasis on wellness and self-care teach them how to self-sustain their efforts long-term.

During our learning journey, we expect that there will be moments when it is challenging to envision successful outcomes. Our goal is to maintain transparency on our journey. It has been challenging to build relationships while addressing harm as it emerges. The design planning team has put in dedicated effort to ensure that we are creating a space for youth when both groups merge. We anticipated differences in personal values and lived experience. We offer mental health and wellness support for all of our project participants to access that contribute to our individual and collective wisdom in a respectful manner throughout the codesign collaborative process.

A recurring topic of conversation has been the significance of wellness in leadership. Youth have emphasized the importance of prioritizing self-care and wellness to cultivate success as a leader.  Youth team members shared examples of qualities and traits they believe make a strong leader. We’re continually inspired by their brilliance and passions. 

“When a leader takes care of themselves, they’re better able to handle the stress and responsibilities that come with leading others. Taking care of myself helps me be a better leader by keeping me energized, focused, and able to handle challenges with clarity and resilience.”

– Youth Team Member  

We start each meeting with our “Opening Moves” with a permission slip as our check-in where everyone answers, “I am, I aspire, I ask.” After each person has shared, deeper connections are made through these intentional interactions, creating a sense of joy and unity within the group. We come together to celebrate and amplify moments of joy, further strengthening our individual and collective relationships. It is a privilege for AHSHAY to create and hold safe and supportive spaces where everyone can be heard.