PA Youth Voices

Education has often been viewed as an equalizing force. It gives people the ability to climb the socioeconomic ladder and pave a path for a better life. However, opportunities to receive an education of high quality and good worth are not equally available to all. There are massive disparities in resources and quality of education across the country. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted schooling across the country, the circumstances highlighted this inequality, as many schools closed for months and transitioned to virtual learning. This emphasized the differences that exist between students with access to the internet and upscale technologies and those who struggled as they were unable to afford them or be provided with them. In this episode, the team provides a background on the history of educational equity, current problems with school funding, recent events in Pennsylvania, ways to achieve equity in schools, and more. Hosts: Simir, Gayatri, and Anika --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

For our first episode of 2023, PA Youth Voices spoke to the incredible Kadida Kenner! Listen in to hear her speak about what sparked her passion for voting rights, the ups and downs of her journey as an activist, the founding and growth of the New Pennsylvania Project, the organization's achievements over the past two election cycles, and her advice for those interested in pursuing a modern career in civic engagement. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Welcome to another exciting episode! We have a special one for you today. Our hosts Gayatri and Laqueenda interview two Black West Point students, Amani Haskins and our very own Sheyla Street, about civic engagement and their experiences at a military academy, especially as part of the MELANATE club. They talk about getting involved in political activism and community service, and how they plan to implement aspects of civic education throughout their time at West Point and in their lives post-graduation! Follow us on all social media platforms @payouthvote To find out more information about our initiatives, head to payouthvote.org --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, we (Anika, Gayatri, and Sehaj) discuss how the idea of success may or may not align with the idea of happiness, depending on how you approach accomplishment and growth. In this day and age, we are often taught that success comes in the form of wealth, fame, social status, and respect, but this viewpoint narrows our potential and progress. We define success in the contexts of school, work, family, life benchmarks, and productivity. Tune in to join our conversation and reflect on discovering yourself, navigating expectations, and pushing your limits but being sure to set boundaries for yourself. Be passionate. Be persistent. Be positive. And of course, learn from the journey. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Hello listeners! The recent Supreme Court decision Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization effectively overturned Roe v Wade. Our youth discuss their viewpoints on this divisive issue, along with the importance of being open to conversation and making your voice heard. Listen, learn, collaborate, and create the change that you want to see in your community. Follow us on social media @payouthvote. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, we (Gayatri, Sajda, and Zion) analyze the psychology of gossip. Gossiping is something that we are all aware of, and it has both positive and negatives. We deconstruct the importance that rumors, scandal, and provocative stories have in society. Listen in to hear us "spill the tea" on disihing the dirt and how the shock factor of gossip plays a role in all of our lives. Follow us on social media @payouthvote. And make sure to tune in every 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month for more episodes! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Hello Listeners! We are back again with another episode! For this episode, our amazing team discussed false diversity - in the corporate world, in media, in books, and in many more aspects of society. We hope you enjoy it and take away something constructive from our conversation. Take time to really listen and understand your perspective. And, as always, thank you for tuning in! Follow us on social media @payouthvote or check out our website at payoutvote.org. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Hello listeners! We have another episode for you all! Today's podcast is on AAPI month. For those who don't know what AAPI month is, it is a month that celebrates Asian American Pacific Islanders. We show respect for Asian American Pacific Islanders for the contributions and sacrifices they have made in making our country and world a better place. Our youth podcasters will teach you about notable figures like Patsy T. Mink, an American attorney and politician from the U.S. state of Hawaii and also the first woman of color and the first Asian-American woman elected to Congress; and more! Thank you for listening! Follow Us on Social Media @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

We hope that this episode helps you understand the great impact that you can make as a civic participant in the rather near future when you vote in this upcoming election. We hope you are more well informed on the primary elections, especially those for the midterms, and why they are so important. As you now know, not voting means not having your voice heard so make sure that you REGISTER before MAY 2ND. This includes people who are 17 but will be 18 before election day on MAY 18TH. Also, don't forget to go out and VOTE after doing some research on the candidates and elections we talked about. For more information visit our website payouthvote.org and follow us on instagram @payouthvote for civic education updates. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Welcome Listeners! This episode discusses topics ranging from books, music, and movies. Our incredible host dive deeper into the role in which people of color and other minority communities are portrayed in movies. Their discussion emphasizes the need for movies makers to properly present minority communities in a non-stereotypical manner. In addition, they provide some amazing recommendation for books, music, and movies that have had an impact on their lives. If you are in need to a movie, book, or music playlist, then you definitely need to check out this insightful podcast! For more information about PA YOUTH VOICES, follow us on social media @payouthvote! THANK YOU! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart provides an illuminating perspective on healing from trauma. Touching on topics ranging from vulnerability, community building, emotional and self-growth, she uses her experiences as a preacher, professor, black woman, and queer individual to explain her approach to emotional reparation and insight on the concept of closure. Tune in to hear a wonderful conversation embodying the idea that although growing is painful, nothing is more painful than staying where you are. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Hello and welcome back to PA Youth Voices! In today's episode, we will discuss the importance of proper school funding coupled with a discussion on the recent school funding trial. Why does it matter? And what do students think about it? Listen in to hear our host for this episode, Derek King from Equally Informed Philly! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

This episode involves a discussion about a concept that has been made up to be quite a bit complicated and multi-faceted when really it can be personalized and therefore manageable...productivity! Whether it be school, work, or any other responsibilities, a set of tasks that needs to be completed causes most if not all of us to be faced with the concept of productivity in some way. And often, this can be overwhelming. Two members of our team, Anika and Simir, have an insightful conversation in which they tackle and break down productivity through a multitude of questions, whether that be what their personal definitions of productivity are, whether productivity is an ideal or a state of mind, the difference between being busy and being productive, how to focus on a task at hand, how the pressure to be productive affects us all, how we can collectively and individually redefine productivity to be a more healthy philosophy, and most importantly, ways to be productive without experiencing burn out. Productivity can be considered both our friend and our enemy, so tune in to learn how to reconstruct it! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Listen in to hear our college freshman PA Youth Vote Ambassadors report on their eventful first years and what they have learned. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Welcome Listeners, old and new! This episode touches on some very important aspects about self. From discussions about finding your right fit as a high school student transitioning into college or skipping it and taking an entirely different path that aligns with what truly makes you happy to recognizing the value you hold within yourself. Thank you to our insightful team Gayatri, Simir, and Anika for an amazing conversation! Make sure to share with your friends, family, and any other person you know who would benefit from this incredible youth lead conversation! We are PA YOUTH VOICES! Check us out on Instagram & Facebook - @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

We have an exciting and informative episode for you! Our incredibly youth-led team -- Anika, Simir, Gayatri, and Sehaj -- will all provide you with information surrounding the long fight for equal access to voting throughout America's history and the current state of voting rights in today's society. In addition, Simir, a first-time voter and also one of our amazing student leaders, talks about his experience voting for the first time. Be sure to listen, reflect, and share! Thank you! Check us out on Instagram & Facebook - @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

This episode is meant to help you feel more informed on the municipal elections, learn how to approach the ballot, and understand why elections (especially local elections) are so important. Using your power at the ballot and making your voice heard is crucial to civically help your community and create positive change. Every election is determined by the people who show up to the polls. Make your voice heard. To quote the late great John Lewis, “the vote is precious and we must use it.” Be sure to go out and VOTE after doing some research on the candidates. The 2021 Pennsylvania Municipal Elections are Tuesday, November 2nd. Polling places will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM. Use your right. Use your power. Use your vote. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, we get into who votes, why they vote, and why it's important for more people to vote! Hosts: Anika, Simir, Gayatri, Tasfia, Sehaj, Sheyla Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, we shed light on the raw experiences of Queer youth as they navigate the world. We discuss the power of community, belonging, gender creativity, and representation, and how all of these factors affect the Queer experience. We are joined by our phenomenal guests, Zayn (she/her), Star (she/her) and Vex (they/them), contributing to this conversation and providing personal experiences that let us see how we can make our spaces more inclusive and communal. Hosts: Simir and Anika Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Tune in to this episode to hear the PA Youth Vote team break down the facts and the fiction about COVID vaccinations! They go into the details of how vaccines work, the types of vaccines, the effects of vaccines, and how to get vaccinated! Do your research and think seriously about getting the vaccine if you have not yet done so (find your nearest vaccination site on vaccines.gov). Please continue to follow masking, hygiene, and social distancing guidelines, and uplift other people to do so as well. Hosts: Gayatri, Anika, Zion and Sehaj Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In this episode, members of PA Youth Voices give you a run-through of climate change and environmental justice. Providing a clear picture of climate change and addressing misconceptions regarding its progression, especially in the context of how it affects us and how we can fight against it moving forward, this discussion will help you understand why exactly you should care about this crisis. Ranging from the history of the movement to the growing awareness of global warming, they tackle various policies and potential legislations, laying out an insightful yet digestible timeline of approaches and strategy. Moreover, this discussion will help you understand why exactly you should care about this crisis, and the small and large-scale practices we can employ to combat climate change and protect our planet. No one is alone on this journey, as all of humanity stands together to address and stand up to the predicament facing our earth. You can decide today to help improve the world and proceed in a way that will positively impact the environment. Hosts: Gayatri, Tasfia, Maryem, and Anika Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In the spirit of youth activists and rising community leaders, PA Youth Vote interviewed Tia Eberly, an 18-year-old candidate for North Londonderry Township Supervisor in Palmyra, Pennsylvania. As a passionate and driven example of a young mind at work to better her community with a new perspective, Tia is paving the way for young people to have a voice in local politics. Tune in to hear about how she is making an impact and her advice for young people with political ambitions. Hosts: Gayatri, Sheyla Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In today's episode, we talk to Tomas Varela, the Urban League of Philadelphia's Director of Advocacy and Communications, about the importance of government and how it shapes our political and social culture. Discussing various topics, ranging from the role of media in influencing change, why it is crucial for young people to be civically engaged, how to advocate for representative democracy, and more, members of our team gain great insight from an involved and knowledgeable member of the Philadelphia community. Hosts: Gayatri, Laqueenda, and Anika Editor: Giulia --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Listen in to hear some of our members talk about how juggling the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and school life has affected their mental health, as well as their advice for their peers on managing stress and improving themselves. Hosts: Anika, Gayatri, Tasfia, Sehaj Editors: Laqueenda, Giulia, Ibtithal Find us on all social media @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Listen in to hear our future leaders just getting started in their journeys. This podcast features Youma Diabira from the Philly Black Students Alliance and the UrbEd organization, Kenny Chiu, who started his own community fridge, Shelby Williams from Redefy, and Lin Lin from the Vietlead organization with Sheyla Street and Anika Chaudhry from Pa Youth Vote facilitating the conversation. In this podcast we discuss the difference between service, activism, voting, and everything in between. Sometimes these things seem to merge and become one but in this podcast these activists all had different ideas about how we can progress and make the world a better place. If you're looking for varying perspectives or trying to learn how to agree to disagree this podcast might be the one for you. Hosts: Sheyla, Anika Guests: Youma Diabira, Lenny Chiu, Shelby Williams, Lin Lin Editors: Giulia, Ibtihal, Laqueenda Find us on all social medias @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

In today's episode we talk to Representative McClinton about the CROWN Act. This act that is going through Pennsylvania congress would protect workers rights to wear their natural hair. CROWN stands for "Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair" and is an important bill to pay attention to as young people entering the workforce. Hosts: Sheyla, Anika, Gayatri, Sehaj Editors: Giulia, Ibtihal, Laqueenda Find us on all social medias @payouthvote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Primaries are in 18 days! These elections are often overlooked because they are not the presidential election. PA Youth Voices is here to tell you WHY they are so important and how to get ready. Judges, school board members, and ballot measures are all part of the primary election and they all impact YOU. If you want to see a change in your community, tune into this podcast to learn about Pennsylvania's Primary Elections. After listening, don't forget to do your own research on the candidates and ballot measures so you know who or what you're voting for on MAY 18th! Registration ends on MAY 3rd! Register Here!: http://register.rockthevote.com/registrants/new?partner=36857&source=2021 Become a Poll Worker: https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/DOS-votespa/county First Time Voter Checklist: http://www.vote411.org/first-time-voter-checklist ____________________________________________________ Hosted by: Sofia, Gayatri, Sehaj, and Anika Edited by: Giulia, Laqueenda, and Ibtihal Follow us on all social media @PAYouthVote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Kayla Cocci, a senior at Ridley High School is running for Ridley School District Board in order to make a change in her school regarding some aspects of physically executing equity—a word Kayla hates. In an insightful interview with Kayla, PA Youth Voices learned about her goals as a young adult in her community and how being young is a power, not a hindrance. Her eye-opening perspective on service in the community reveals her pure desire to help others and inspires listeners to be more involved in their own communities. PA Youth Voices hopes this encourages listeners to take their part in their community, stand up to injustice, and be true to what they believe in. Hosted by: Sofia, Anika, Sehaj, and Gayatri Guest: Kayla Cocci Edited by: Giulia and Laqueenda Find us on all social medias @PAYouthVote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

With college admission results just around the corner, and the apprehensive application process following only a few months behind, the next few months may seem overwhelming to many high school students! From the stress, confusion, and substantial workload often brought on by college admissions process, we are here to help you get through it all. Join our team and guest speaker as we discuss the experiences of previous, current, and future college applicants. Here, you can get their first-account advice, questions, lessons learned, and hardships faced during this time. And remember: we're in this together! Hosted by: Sehaj, Sajda, Sofia, Anika, Gayatri, and Sheyla Guests: Arjun and Zion Edited by: Laqueedna and Giulia Find us on all social media @PAYouthVote --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

The students of PA Youth Voice interview Judge Nichols, a Superior Court judge from Pennsylvania. We talk about bias in the court room, being a trauma informed judge, and rehabilitation in the justice system. We also get to learn about her own journey of becoming a judge and some key cases that have impacted how she rules today. Questions asked by PA Youth Votes members: Giulia, Anika, Laqueenda, Tasfia, Gayatri, Sheyla, and Alex --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Welcome to our first official episode of PA Youth Voices! In this episode, we will cover the basics of the judicial system and judicial election process in Pennsylvania. It can be very confusing so hopefully the way we have broken up the topics will help you understand everything better. This episode begins with an introduction to judges, an explanation of the Pennsylvania court system, details of the judges in running in each court level, and ends with some ballot issues and some ways to help. Hosts in this episode: Sajda, Gauri, Sehaj, Gayatri, Maryem, Samyah, Laqueenda, and Anika. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message

Meet our team's members and get to know what we plan to accomplish over the course of this podcast! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pa-youth-voices/message