Creating spaces for youth advocacy: The Vermont Student Anti Racism Network

Acceptance - Inclusivity - Collective communication - Using our voices no matter how big or how small - More diversity of thought - Collaboration - Develop holistic curriculum - Realism - Diverse representation in government - Voice - Equity - Calling people in - Tolerating racism is racism - Disrupt the power dynamic - We’re all connected - Sometimes you gotta create what you want to be a part of - We matter

Hi, my name is Lydia Beualieu, I am the VP on the Board of Directors at  the Vermont Student Anti-racism Network and these were just a few of the thoughtful sentiments shared at our Advocacy Day by Youth when asked “what does justice mean to you?” . The Vermont Student Anti-Racism Network – better known as VSARN – is a collective of youth from across the state. We started as an advocacy group formed by high school students and have expanded to a full 501 C3 non-profit organization in just four years – however, despite our growth, students have remained at the forefront of VSARNs leadership. That on its own speaks to the volume of Youth power and determination. 

VSARN has a wide range of programs and project groups that continue throughout the school calendar. Each summer new project ideas are brainstormed based on the current issues students face, along with initiatives like our book project exploring anti-racism concepts in literature for grades k-12 and legislative engagement opportunities where students have had the chance to work with legislators to draft bills to address issues of systemic inequity in education. In the past, VSARN has hosted numerous events at the statehouse for aspiring student advocates. Not to mention the impactful protests and petitions students organized both virtually and in person for causes they care about. 

Before joining VSARN, I felt a bit like a wandering boat in the middle of a lake. The world I hoped to help build was far off – a world where equity was plentiful, justice was rehabilitative, and empathy thrived. The distance between where I wanted to go and where I stood was blurry and the path forward was unclear. Scared to make the wrong decision, to say the wrong thing, I moved in limbo. As a lone student activist, my efforts to make change centered on fielding criticism: “you’re too young to make a difference” “This is how the world is and always will be” “learn to accept the status quo” “when I was your age…” and on and on and on. The longer I moved side to side, within the same radius I had always orbited in, the faster my ambitions faded. 

It wasn’t until the summer of 2021 when my gears began to rotate forward. The name Governors Institute of Vermont had floated in the air around me since before I was eligible to apply. But like many working class families that lived paycheck to paycheck, I couldn’t imagine asking my parents to cover the cost of a 10 day program and I knew the guilt they’d feel if I didn’t receive a scholarship to go. In 2021, however, a year after the pandemic began, GIV waived their fees. Although it was online and a grueling 5 hours on zoom everyday — it was worth the blue light fatigue. Being on a call with 50 other passionate students relieved my anxiety about making a mistake. Poof, The fear of giving adults in power positions more ammunition to leave youth out of the conversation was nowhere in sight. Because in this space, it was YOUTH who directed not only the conversation but had the agency to turn those ideas into actions. Within this inspiration network of humans, I met VSARNS executive director, Addie Lentzner. The first thing that struck me about Addie was her resilience to speak up and speak out during points of pressure. I still remember the first moment I talked with Addie — we were in a breakout room together with a group of other students as state legislators popped in and out for a Q and A. At this time in Vermont politics, Governor Scott planned to end the motel voucher program and kick out thousands of Vermonters despite there still being funds available. Addie, quick on her feet, brought this issue up to the legislators – many of whom were taken off guard by her point blank inquisition and expert knowledge of the crisis. 

After the third legislator that passed through, I sent Addie a separate  message thanking her for her voice and added a few of my thoughts on the situation: namely how hypocritical it was of them to claim housing wasn’t a priority when they didn’t have to worry about where they would sleep that night. Addie responded in typical Addie fashion: “You have great insights and a strong voice too! I’ve got your back, you should speak your thoughts… but only if you want to! No pressure.” 

Needless to say, I spoke up that day. I joined VSARN the following week and have been a member since. I realized what was holding me back was that I hadn’t yet found the people that would help push me forward. The ones, like Addie and many other stupendous students at VSARN, who share the weight of making change.

Although supporting youth voice by creating large-scale opportunities and adding seats to decision making tables is vital, let's not overlook the value of small acts. Young people – like all people – are only as capable as they are made to believe. So when you give us a seat at the table, don’t tell us how to respond to the question – instead remind us that there is no wrong answer and give us the freedom to speak our truth. 

Thank you all and happy 40th Anniversary to Voices for Vermont's Children!