We designed our time together to reflect these commitments through plenaries, breakout sessions, and design institutes that will bring attention to the promising innovations and practices that OYF communities are using to scale reconnection. Ultimately, our goal is to share strategies that prepare us to face the challenges that lie ahead and for our communities to thrive. During our opening plenary, we will be joined by Toshi Reagon, a singer, composer, and curator who will help us consider how music, art, healing and imagination can help inform our vision of a just future and a vibrant and inclusive democracy. We will also engage in conversations with leaders who will help us think about the role of narrative change, cultural strategy, and healing systems in advancing our vision of a more equitable and just country.
Finally, we are excited to once again convene key communities of practice while also welcoming new ones to our network: our philanthropic partners will come together for the Funder BMWP Community of practice, as well as the new Scaling Creative Youth Development Working Group, which will focus on scaling and expanding access to pathways in the creative arts.
During our time together in Aspen, we look forward to reaffirming our commitment to the foundational values of the OYF and to finding belonging, healing, purpose, and joy in our work. We look forward to being together, and the entire design team is thrilled that you are here.
Best regards,
Melody C. Barnes
Chair, Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions