RE:Imagining Power

"Only through action do words take meaning." Freechild Institute 
Adultism refers to the discrimination or prejudice against young people based on their age. It is a form of social injustice that assumes adults are inherently more competent, knowledgeable, and capable than young people solely because of their age. This bias can manifest in various ways, such as limiting young people's opportunities for participation, decision-making, and autonomy in societal and institutional settings.

Young people ages 17 & under are the most controlled group in U.S. society (aside from those incarcerated). They are seen as property and are not taken seriously until they reach the age of 18, and even then young adults experience discrimination base of on their age. Young people are more likely to do free labor while adults get paid, and likely to receive punishment if their opinions do not align with adults. 
​​If anyone is new to Adultism, this is a great place to start. We share the history, difference in allies and accomplices, how to identify Adultism, and how to start shifting language and asking better questions.
After Adultism 101, we can walk your team through your policies, practices, and handbooks to remove Adultism language. We also co-create new policies together. 

This work requires a longer dedication, with  3 to 6 meetups, depending on the state of the organization or collective.   
Sometimes you need outside support to repair a relationship between young people and adultism (or 1:1).

​Checkins are also important if an adult is being called in multiple times, and needs external accountability
Youth Against Adultism: workshops for youth (13-17) and young adults (18 - 24) who are experiencing adultism in themselves and/or others. These workshops are hands-on conversational learning spaces that can be topic specific. Examples:
  • Facilitation and Teaching Techniques
  • Speaking for yourself in Public or intimate spaces
  • Setting Boundaries
  • Being your authentic self