Understanding Power Dynamics: Interview with Dr. Amanda Aguilera | Youth Empowerment Radio

Join Audrey on the Youth Empowerment Radio podcast as she interviews Dr. Amanda Aguilera, the Executive Director of the Right Use of Power Institute. In this insightful episode, Dr. Aguilera dives deep into the nuances of power dynamics, the importance of being 'power conscious,' and the significance of youth voice in today's society. Learn about the unique approach of the Right Use of Power Institute, how to cultivate a responsible relationship with power, and the impact of cultural differences on power. This episode is essential for anyone interested in understanding and navigating power with awareness and integrity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

02:19 Understanding the Right Use of Power

04:42 Developing a Conscious Relationship with Power

06:31 The Importance of Youth Voice

09:18 Navigating Power with Awareness and Integrity

10:50 Examples of Positive Power Use

15:23 Challenges in Embracing Ethical Power

18:09 Global Impact and Cultural Differences in Power

22:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Empowering Youth Voices: Advocacy in Foster Care and Juvenile Justice Systems

This is part 1 in a 2-part series. In this episode of the Youth Empowerment Radio podcast by Youth Move Colorado, host Carmen kicks off a series on youth voice and advocacy. They are joined by Braden Babcock, Shelby Costello, and Dominique, three youth advocates with lived experiences in the juvenile justice and foster care systems. The discussion delves into how youth can utilize their voices for change, influence policy, and raise awareness about youth advocacy within organizations. The guests share their personal journeys into advocacy, highlight important initiatives like the Sibling Bill of Rights, and stress the critical role of adults in supporting and listening to young advocates. They also explore the complexities and nuances of advocating within different systems and the impact it has on creating meaningful changes.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio
01:38 Meet the Youth Advocates
02:32 Shelby's Advocacy Journey
03:29 Al's Advocacy Work and Challenges
05:18 Understanding Youth Advocacy
07:03 Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
16:50 The Role of Adults in Youth Advocacy
18:47 Improving Support Systems for Youth
23:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In Episode 18 of Youth Empowerment Radio, Part Two of the special series on youth voice and advocacy, host Carmen speaks with Tori and Jordan about the importance of inspiring, amplifying, and utilizing youth voices to create meaningful change. The discussion highlights the issues of trauma and re-traumatization, the need for genuine listening, and the challenges youth face in advocacy spaces. They emphasize creating inclusive spaces by meeting youth where they are and offering diverse opportunities for participation, including both group and individual settings. The episode also addresses the importance of lived experience in advocacy roles, combating biases in child welfare, and the necessity for organizational preparation and intentionality in fostering youth advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Youth Empowerment Radio

01:24 Challenges of Incorporating Youth Voice

03:18 The Importance of Lived Experience

08:35 Creating Inclusive Advocacy Opportunities

17:04 Advice for Organizations and Youth Advocates

22:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts