District Futures SW: Guaranteeing Quality Jobs for Youth of Color

A person’s early working years are a critical time to acquire workplace skills, connections, income, and experiences that can help lay the groundwork for a successful career. Yet, persistent systemic inequities in the District of Columbia’s labor market disrupt the ability for young workers of color to make ends meet and thrive long-term. This year, DC Action and the DC Fiscal Policy Institute (DCFPI) are partnering on a District-wide event series, District Futures: Guaranteeing Quality Jobs for Youth of Color. Youth leaders and adult allies in NE, SW, and NW have been evaluating the Youth Jobs Guarantee proposal, sharing solutions based on lived experience, and helping to refine the policy to expand access to quality jobs and economic opportunity for young people. Join us and our Southwest partners from DC Central Kitchen on Wednesday, October 28 from 10 am - 12:30 pm at the Southwest Library (900 Wesley Pl SW, Washington, DC 20024) for our 4th and final event in the series. Coffee and light breakfast will be served. An optional debrief session and lunch will follow for youth attendees from 12:30-1:00 pm. The event will feature grounding words on the importance of career-connected systems, targeted supports, and addressing hiring and advancement barriers for justice-involved youth seeking to apply their talents, ambitions and brilliance in the workforce. We will share key elements of DCFPI’s Youth Job Guarantee policy proposal to guide us in future-focused and solutions thinking. Then, through facilitated small-group conversations, we will explore and advise on what a DC youth job guarantee program could look like and share insights on what experiences and supports young people need to thrive in today’s economy. We are committed to creating an inclusive space for youth in attendance, and encourage you to share this invitation with young people ages 16–24 with connections to SW DC. Youth in attendance will receive a $50 stipend and may request child care, transporta