Over the last several months, the world has changed dramatically due to the rise and spread of the COVID-19 virus. As we are still in the midst of global pandemic, we continue to see the ways in which it is disproportionately affecting Black, Indigenous, racialized communities, especially lower-income and migrant workers. This pandemic has illuminated the ways in which societal norms are deeply rooted in unjust systems of oppression. Over the course of the past several months, we have seen some incredible societal shifts. Now, the question is, how can we sustain momentum around these important changes to ensure a new—more just—normal? What comes next?

In this Youth Powering Community session, participants will begin by reflecting together on the pandemic thus far. From there, they will have the opportunity to engage with some incredible change-makers who have been organizing around how to make society a more equitable place, one that centres people’s livelihoods and dignity over capital profit. Participants will be dreaming and world-building together on ways to overcome the barriers that continue to exist, and how we can integrate justice for all as our world begins to recover.