Bringing Young People into BK Community - Open Space Technology Breakout Session

Notes from Open Space session on how can we bring young people – teens – into the process of creating a world that works for all?

Attendees: (Many left after the celebration and I didn’t get their last names. Maybe someone can figure this out.)

Larry Ackerman
Marjorie Adler
Juan Carlos ??
Jillian ??
Vicki Halsey
Alex ??
Barbara M
Donna ??
Joel ??

BK hasn’t focused on young people – why not? There are always adults at the table. Where are the young people?

To make things attractive to teens, we need to create technological solutions – an app? – digital learning, not just book(s)

We can learn from young people. They are not seen as peers or equals.

When we say ‘young people,’ who are we talking about? Teens? 20-somethings? 5-10 year olds?

We need to allow them to speak in their own voice.

Kids have ‘soul wisdom.’ Their spirits and emotions are connected. How can they hold onto that as they get older…for life? How can we help?

BK has a role to play in getting kids early – even younger than teens – by helping them see what their gifts are. But it can’t be via books alone…conferences? Podcasts?

How about a day like this (i.e. the open space activity) for young people?

I’m concerned that BK itself has closed itself off from kids. It’s all adults!

Make young people a BK stakeholder group – BK Youth?

The arrogance of adulthood – we think we know everything.

Have kids publish their own book(s). pull together w OBE and digital media. This would be more fluid and flexible than BKPub.

Have a BK youth conference that invites youth to help create BK Youth.