Young people from a wide range of schools and organisations, including People Arise Now and Advocacy for All, came together to discuss Anti-Racism, their experience and join together to suggest ideas to combat it to be presented to decision makers after.

As with the previous Youth Board, it was fully led by the young people, including facilitating and time-keeping.

There was an interactive icebreaker looking at “where we identified as coming from” and a chance to sample cultural snacks including plantain crisps, “belly button biscuits” and Eastern European treats. People Arise Now lead an interesting taster for the workshops they ran at the T.L.E. Anti-Racism Summit earlier this year which was very well received.

Along with interactive discussions and talks, the young people worked in groups to come up with ideas to improve racism in the borough, especially in schools. These ideas were voted on to create the top three which were submitted to key decision makers.

Three key actions / ideas young people came up with:

1. “Reports regarding racist incidents to keep track of racist pupils, victims of racism to follow up on victims, perpetrators. Can demonstrate whether schools experience lots of racism.”
2. “Expanding curriculum within schools, for example when teaching about the Industrial Revolution – consider other perspectives. This could be encouraging teachers to talk about Transatlantic Slave Trade, Ireland and other cultures.”
3. “More workshops e.g. talking to adults (adults can inform children’s negative opinions).”

They’ve had three responses back already to show how young voices are important, powerful and lead to change.

Watch below to see three key speeches from students from Carshalton High School for Girls, and two Young Commissioners.

And further on for the three responses from:

• Bobby Dean MP
• Vanessa McCain CEO of People Arise Now and co-creator of the T.L.E. Anti-Racism Summit
• Mrs P. Durrett from Carshalton High School for Girls, Mrs Durrett, Assistant Headteacher for Student Achievement and Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI).

A young attendee said they "liked all the talks and the workshop from People Arise Now".

If you would like to be involved in the next Youth Board meeting scheduled for Thursday 11^th September, please get in touch with youngcommissioners@vcsutton.org.uk.