Lesson Plan

A youthfesto is a declaration of demands, recommendations and commitments that arise from the experiences and perspectives of young people. Youthfestos are youth-led work that seek to change the world by centering and honouring the experiences and wishes of young people in collaboration with adults. It is developed collaboratively between students, educators and other changemakers in the community. While changemakers are collaborators, they are also the typical target audience of youthfestos. Changemakers can be teachers, parents, principles, coaches, local politicians, leaders and other students.

The first youthfesto was created in the context of the More Than Words Spring Retreat held at McGill University in May 2023, which brought together youth from Eskasoni, Rankin Inlet and Treaty 6 Territory, the homeland of the Métis (Saskatoon), along with community leaders and researchers This youthfesto was inspired by the Montebello Girlfesto, which was created by youth participants of the NetworksforChange project from around the globe in Montebello, Quebec. Both the youthfesto and girlfesto center perspectives of Indigenous young people as they call on adult supporters to collaborate with them in creating safer communities and better futures for everyone. These festos have been opportunities to explore collaborations between diversified groups youth and adults, Indigenous peoples and settlers, and an array of genders to work towards common goals.

Activity Overview

This activity will begin with an introduction to youthfestos, moving into reflection and writing as the students determine what changes they wish to see for the future and develop calls to action. Once some ideas, calls to action, and commitments have been generated, the group as a whole discusses and generates a starting point and conclusion. Later, the teacher consolidates the youthfesto into a single document and gives participants the opportunity to make changes or additions to it. Typically, after the youthfesto is produced, it will be shared with changemakers, however, possible modification could invite other teachers, school staff or community members into the process earlier.

Activity Goals

Empower students

Engage adults in youthled work

Identify positive changes to be made

Engage students in community

Explore the dynamics of intergenerational collaboration flipchart paper markers, pencils, pens

Supplies

post its in different colours

Artwork produced by students or relevant resources

Time required: approx. 3hrs + follow up in the next days

Remember: It is important to enable the students to reframe the product and infuse it with their own expectations and objectives. The instructions and expectations should be clarified, and the students should be given the opportunity to change the outcome of the process if they choose to do so.

Introducing the activity and the prompts

Introduce the concept of a youthfesto (possibly with an example) and an overview of the steps of the activity

You can use the first paragraph of the introduction as a short definition of what a youthfesto is

Read out the prompts on each flipchart

Our Vision is

To Realize This Vision We Need To

We Urge Stakeholders To…

As Youth We Commit To…

As Adults We Commit To…