Youth Advocacy
Youth Advocacy
Year 3, Week 340 (230 total reports)
06.11.2024-12.11.2024
REVIEW and ANNOUNCEMENTS
This marks the first time I’ve released a musical compilation in decades. The compilation is called, “Resistence, Resilience” and the details are below.
NEW RELEASE of MUSIC!
This week marks the debut of my newest music compilation focused on youth advocacy and especially building Resilience and Resistance (the name of the compilation). Because I’m unable to play instruments like I used to, I used Suno (an AI tool) to assist in making the lyrics come to life. I’m so impressed with that app, it allowed me to be much more eclectic in my writing and save me tens of thousands of dollars in recording costs. That’s very important to me as I do not charge for my music and proceeds from past albums and books are donated to various causes. Please enjoy and share…
You can get the compilation at the following link:
Top Links of the Week
12.11.2024
What Trump's first 100 days in office could look like
https://apple.news/AZg8wixDnS6-o_MSmQ381lg
It’s important to know what to prepare for and what to expect if we are going to offer resistance and resilience for the next years under Project 2025. We can’t resist if we’re unaware and can’t be resilient if we stand alone. Seek out givers of hope.
11.11.2024
Bertrand Russell’s 10 Commandments for Living in a Healthy Democracy
Bertrand Russell is an essential voice in building healthy democracies (small “d”). These ten “commandments” are a primer for his thoughts. Worth a read.
10.11.2024
The United States of Selfishness Won Trump the Presidency
As we have been examining this week, the loss of the Presidency and Senate to a convicted felon and his party, is not an exterior issue, fixed by a technical tweak, but an existential one, that must force us to look deep into our relationships and the way we raise humans today. This article points out that the US has become the “ME” Nation. A nation about “ME,” not “WE.” What’s most concerning is this is condoned, it is an acceptable viewpoint to think about self first, second, and last. Over the next years, we are going to see how that plays out nationally and internationally; in economic terms and immigration terms. It is not going to be pretty, but in the words of the voters today—as long as it doesn’t affect, “Me, I’m okay with that.”
09.11.2024
It's About Our Identity, Stupid!
The writer of this article has an extremely valid point; the election wasn’t about the economy, “stupid…” it was about “identity.” People didn’t want to be woke, they wanted to be affirmed. For many of us, the affirmation was for values we cannot comprehend. But our comprehension must now go underground. It must become the basis of resistance and resilience. This article is worth a read to understand the Democrat’s loss, both electorally and by popular vote. This is no surface fix, no “tweak” there’s a deep, abiding rupture in the way two Americas think.
08.11.2024
Kamala Harris’s Concession Was a Masterclass in Resilience
Yesterday we looked at the difference between regret and depression, today we look at the difference between hope and optimism and its impact on resilience. The author uses Vice President Harris’ concession speech to lead us in the process of growing resilience in the face of defeat. Hope more than optimism (according to research by this author) is the key to facing the difficult challenges that will lie ahead of us as we both foster our own resilience and become a beacon to others.
07.11.2024
How to Deal With Disappointment
Thank you to Arthur Brooks for this wonderful article. This is an in-depth study of disappointment looking at the epigenetic history of the experience. Contrasting is with regret and depression (anhedonia—dysregulated dopamine levels associated with clinical depression). I hope that you will find it as helpful as I did, if you are feeling “disappointed” over the results of the US election.
06.11.2024
Trump Won. Now What?
This morning, many of us might be in shock. Since very early this morning, I’ve been considering my long-term strategy for resilience and resistance. What will be your plan for mental health? What will be your plan for relationships? Economics? How will you support those you know who will be targeted by the policies of white, christian, nationalism? This is no short-term turnover. Once Project 2025 gets in, they are not going to let go and they are going to do everything they can to crush opposition. They are not going to want an election in 2028. Despite all his victory dances, T-Rump is not long for this world. Not only is he old, but 2025 doesn’t need him now that he’s secured the White House, Senate, and a potential House win. I expect a purging; both in the US and abroad. I also expect a mass exodus from the US (from people who do not want to live under a dictatorship, but also people who don’t want the Far Right to decide their immigration, relational status. or bodily autonomy).
Youth Advocacy Training Link of the Week
How Different Forms of Cognitive Distortion Can Lead to a Continuous Cycle of Negativity
https://laughingsquid.com/cognitive-distortion/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=topic/lifesciences
This chart gives excellent graphics for types of cognitive disorders often experienced by people who have experienced childhood adversity (sometimes leading to Trauma). It’s really worth a look and if you work with those recovering from painful pasts or trying to build a whole life. Hint: You might want to post this in the staff room.