Youth Advocacy
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 46 (184 total reports)
13.11.2023-01.21.2023
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
Advocating for young people as we sleepwalk towards authoritarianism and experience generalized event trauma.
Best Links of The Week
14.11.2023
"We are sleepwalking towards authoritarianism," says scholar who studies democracy
The pressure must be getting to Donald Trump, his rhetoric continues to amp up as he and his chosen (search for “Project 2025”) seek to continue their march toward an authoritarian takeover of the US Government. One commentator suggested, “this is not about the presidency to Donald Trump, this is about power-grabbing.” Trump is not concerned about the institution and the constitutional path to the Presidency, he is only concerned about taking power and inflicting revenge on those he is now calling, “Vermin.” Trump threatens to arrest, prosecute, or put in mental institutions (read concentration camps) those who have offended him in even the slightest manner. It’s becoming clearer by the week; the upcoming election is a bilateral option, choose to vote for Biden or choose to lose the ability to vote.
13.11.2023
The 50 Very Different States of American Public Education
https://www.the74million.org/article/the-50-very-different-states-of-american-public-education/
There are many key indicators of healthy education. This article covers most of them and provides you with an opportunity to measure the health of your own State. Clearly, one key indicator is NOT book-burning. The widespread losses of Moms-for-Liberty candidates at the polls last week indicate that people are ready to get back to education in schools, not religious or political indoctrination.
12.11.2023
The neural impact of “generalized trauma event witnessing”: How violent news affects our mental health
Our collective psyche is being pummeled—as is the subconscious of our children. No matter how much we think we can shield them from images on television and social media today, it is not possible. Perhaps that should not be the goal, the holy grail should be to deal with the tragedies we are witnessing around the world together with rational conversation. “Use your words,” becomes increasingly important in a world where adults-in-power have so obviously failed at using theirs.
11.11.2023
4 Unimaginable Ways AI Will Change Your Life Within the Next 5 Years, according to Bill Gates
Like many of us, Bill Gates has some character flaws. Yet, I still remain impressed with his keen insights into world health and technology. There were some conspicuous applications of AI in this article I had not considered. This is not something that will affect our children (and their children) but it will affect us in the coming decade. This is the man who did so much to create and market the software so many use today and it is interesting to hear a chorus of experts announcing that, “software is dead.”
10.11.2023
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist and talk show host, appointed New York's 1st ambassador to loneliness
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/dr-ruth-westheimer-appointed-new-york-ambassador-to-loneliness/
When I worked with Social Services in the Canadian Province of Saskatchewan, I suggested we should start a provincial response to loneliness. It is interesting to see the State of New York is taking this seriously and appointing such a well-known ambassador; the renowned therapist, “Dr. Ruth.” Loneliness eclipses age, gender and income. As social media has increased our distance (rather than reduced it), it is imperative we seek widespread responses to this social epidemic and the many ramifications it has on our daily choices and behavior, including making us more prone to cultish leaders and authoritarians.
09.11.2023
The State of America’s Mental Health
https://apple.news/AAmmlrpY2Q9G9tcdbbLEcDA
I loved the opening sentence of this article by Milan Polk and Marty Munson, they describe the U.S. of A, as The United States of Anxiety. How insightful… Read the article and I’m sure you will agree. I would suggest that the most important act we can take to lower the anxiety—in our own lives—and the lives of those around us, is kindness. Simple acts of courtesy, especially the healing act of listening.
This Week’s Links
14.11.2023
"We are sleepwalking towards authoritarianism," says scholar who studies democracy
Trump’s ramped-up rhetoric raises new concerns about violence and authoritarianism
Childhood Stress Has A Greater Genetic Impact Than Brain Injury
https://neurosciencenews.com/child-stress-genetics-brain-25203/
Internet use predicts heightened anxiety symptoms in adolescent girls, but not boys
Trump Isn’t Merely Unhinged
https://apple.news/AiMPGnJebQqmN61qM-xv7-g
Pronouns are the essence of self-definition & we stand unwavering in our right to claim them
Four Qualities of Mentally Strong People
Fear of Failure Holding You Back?
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/breathe-mama-breathe/202311/fear-of-failure-holding-you-back
As a History Professor, This Is How I Use AI in Class
https://hyperallergic.com/855980/as-a-history-professor-this-is-how-i-use-ai-in-class/
13.11.2023
The 50 Very Different States of American Public Education
https://www.the74million.org/article/the-50-very-different-states-of-american-public-education/
At what age do adolescents and teenagers begin to think like adults?
https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/adolescence-adult-brain-executive-function/
Scientists Reveal a Simple Hack to Make Your Life Feel More Meaningful
https://www.sciencealert.com/becoming-a-real-hero-can-make-your-life-more-meaningful
A Brief History of Evolutionary Psychology
7 Phrases To Ask for Support, According to a Therapist
https://parade.com/living/phrases-to-ask-for-support-according-to-a-therapist
Mississippi Jailed More Than 800 People Awaiting Psychiatric Treatment in a Year. Just One Jail Meets State Standards.
A Moms for Liberty pep talk after big election losses to 'filthy liberal book-huggers'
12.11.2023
The neural impact of “generalized trauma event witnessing”: How violent news affects our mental health
Aristotle’s Model of Communication: 3 Key Elements of Persuasion
https://www.thecollector.com/aristotle-model-communication/
Apprentice Nation: How the "Earn and Learn" Alternative to Higher Education Will Create a Stronger and Fairer America
This school board made news for banning books. Voters flipped it to majority Democrat
https://www.npr.org/2023/11/11/1212185489/election-pennsylvania-school-board
11.11.2023
4 Unimaginable Ways AI Will Change Your Life Within the Next 5 Years, according to Bill Gates
Your brain is a prediction machine. Here’s what to know to have it shape reality
This Counter-Intuitive Self-Growth Tactic Works Everytime
10.11.2023
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, sex therapist and talk show host, appointed New York's 1st ambassador to loneliness
https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/dr-ruth-westheimer-appointed-new-york-ambassador-to-loneliness/
Teacher explains why grades don't define students in a brilliant speech in class: 'Do not stress'
Talking to Black Kids About Israel and Palestine Brings up Issues Closer to Home
https://www.parents.com/israel-palestine-war-is-familiar-to-black-families-8400135
Parents’ election plea: Could schools get back to teaching?
Voters drub Moms for Liberty ‘parental rights’ candidates at the ballot
https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2023/11/10/voters-reject-moms-for-liberty/
Wharton psychologist on how to reach your potential: People ‘really underestimate the slow learners, the late bloomers’
The Griefs of Childish Adults
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/stuck/202311/the-griefs-of-childish-adults
Is capitalism dead? Economics professor thinks it is, and he knows who killed it
https://phys.org/news/2023-11-capitalism-dead-economics-professor.html
09.11.2023
The State of America’s Mental Health
https://apple.news/AAmmlrpY2Q9G9tcdbbLEcDA
Where Are All the Missing Students?
https://apple.news/AVL_MmVzfTZqS1_vrzDNHzg
Four questions to make leading and learning more effective
https://corp.smartbrief.com/original/2023/11/right-questions-for-effective-leading
Big Bets: How Large-Scale Change Really Happens
https://nextbigideaclub.com/magazine/big-bets-large-scale-change-really-happens-bookbite/46205/
A Psychologist’s Take on Escaping From Plato’s Cave
25 Immature Habits You Can Still Outgrow According to Therapists
https://wealthofgeeks.com/25-immature-habits-you-can-still-outgrow-according-to-therapists/
People share the 18 things that are a 'subtle sign' someone is really smart
https://www.upworthy.com/people-share-the-things-that-are-a-subtle-sign-someone-is-really-smart-rp3
She snapped at a man on the street asking for money. His response moved her to tears
08.11.2023
Lack of Nuanced Thinking Disastrous for Education
Is Phubbing Ruining Your Relationships? Here’s What You Need To Know About the Connection-Killing Phone Habit
https://www.wellandgood.com/what-is-phubbing/
Which Way Is North: A Creative Compass for Makers, Marketers, and Mystics
6 forces that cause us to self-sabotage constructive feedback — and how to overcome them
https://bigthink.com/business/6-forces-that-cause-us-to-self-sabotage-constructive-feedback/
Opinion: It's World War III
https://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/23770
How to Skillfully Handle Your Regrets in Life
Three Processes for Healing Shame and Trauma
Autism advocate Temple Grandin explains why we need education tailored for autistic minds