By See Vang, AACA youth leadership coordinator Youth-focused programs often tout “youth empowerment,” the notion that these programs exist to help youth realize their own voices and their potential to effect positive changes in their communities. I am by no means suggesting these programs are not needed, as youth voices have historically been excluded from major decisions that oftentimes directly affect them. What I am criticizing is the one-way street assumption that inspiration, empowerment, impact, engagement and learning travel from […]