Generation-Z Community Voices
Thursday, September 24, 2020 (7:00-8:15 PM EST)
As part of its Community Voices Series, the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria (CCNA) held a Generation-Z Community Chat Session with four young leaders from across the region.
“You are the leaders we have been waiting for”, stated Alexandria City Councilman, John Chapman, as he welcomed the Generation-Z panel members. That sentiment echoed throughout the 75-minute, fast paced, interactive session.
With the theme focused on civic responsibility and voting, CCNA Volunteer Coordinator, Kyra Parker, moderated the Chat. Panel members included:
- Chelsea Eickert – Children & Youth Master Plan Coordinator, Alexandria, VA
- Chloe Edwards – Voices for Virginia’s Children Outreach Coordinator, Richmond, VA
- Kevin Perry – Management Consultant at PwC, Charlotte, NC
- Marquis Skinner – Master Sergeant, US Air Force, Stafford, VA
Parker, a T.C. Williams High School alum and recent Virginia Tech grad, opened the session with a definition of Gen-Zers. Born between 1996 and 2010 we are avid techies, especially engaged in social media. Hard workers, Gen-Z cares about the world. “I am inspired by Florida’s Stoneman Douglas High School students who decided to use their collective voices to bring change. As young leaders, it is our civic obligation to do the same,” opined Parker.
Nodding in agreement, panel members responded to Parker’s opening question: “What does civic responsibility and engagement mean to you?
Edwards of Voices for Virginia’s Children offered her viewpoint: “Civic responsibility is outreach and informing. It also means showing up, making the community a part of the solution.”
Her colleagues shared similar sentiments.
“Civic responsibility is simply giving back and paying it forward.” Offered Master Sergeant Skinner.
Gwendolyn Day-Fuller, immediate past CCNA Board Chair, stated, “I am not a Gen-Z, however, I also learned what civic responsibility was by watching people in my community give of their time. It would be nice to use the virtual platform and highlight grandmothers having conversations with young people.”
The emphasis shifted to the need for basic civic education.
Delaware State University grad, Perry responded, “I understood what civic education was after watching the support I received at T.C. Williams High School. I saw volunteerism in action.”
Bringing greetings from Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS), Kennetra N. Wood, Executive Director of Equity and Alternative Programs, hailed the value of “hearing young leaders voices”.
U.S. Army Officer and former NATO Peacekeeper BOL Mayal joined the conversation. A refugee from South Sudan, Bol offered his views on civic responsibility, “I attended Morris Brown High School in Charlotte, NC and learned firsthand the value of civics. In fact, I received the citizenship award that I still have today.
There was eager participation from the chat room as well.
CCNA’s program manager, Gina Bruce asked Edwards to share her views on the need for community engagement.
Edwards, who held the first “Racial Truth & Reconciliation series of events recently, noted that it was created by “community members as a result of a survey I created and disseminated. In addition, Youth Prose, blogs and the Mic Series are programs that were created to educate and hear the concerns of the community…”
Kevin Paige, an artist and entrepreneur from Houston TX, asked CCNA patron, Bernard Marable, CEO, Premier Consultants, based in DC, “why are you such an avid CCNA supporter? Mr. Marable’s simple reply, “I love what they do to help our students and families.”
Agreeing, Bob Prince, noted transportation consultant and nationally recognized thought leader based in Jacksonville FL, pledged his continuing support for CCNA. “They are definitely making a difference”.
Micheala Francis of Visual One Design in Alexandria noted her impression of the chat. “This is a great session. Thanks for inviting me.
Addressing COVID and virtual learning moderator Parker queried panel members on what their respective organizations were doing to address the crisis.
Master Sergeant Skinner – “The Air Force was quick to respond to the COVID situation. Telework was initiated immediately. In addition, social distancing mechanisms put in place for necessary in office visit. Ensuring sanitation is performed on a daily basis. The Air Force is also accommodating by understanding the need for members to handle changing family situations that have evolved with the closures of daycare centers and schools.
Edwards – “Unfortunately COVID has had a negative impact on funding. Everything has virtually paused at this time.
Moving to social justice and systemic racism, Parker asked panel members to address racial equity in the school system.
Perry – “Look at the data. Give black and brown students the same opportunities in all aspects of the educational environment that students not of color are benefiting from.”
Referring to Chelsea Eickert’s earlier comment that “citizens are getting burned out”,
Jacqueline Burrell, CCNA Communication Director asked, “how do you self-care carrying the pressure of the work you do?”
“One way to self-care is to share community needs across all types of organizations within the city of Alexandria, replied Eickert.
Jim Paige, CCNA Executive Director, shared an email message, from Bryan Porter, Commonwealth Attorney.
“Every election matter, and none more than a presidential election. I strongly encourage every citizen to utilize this most fundamental of civil rights. Every vote counts!”
As the session closed, Dr. Bernard Jackson, CCNA Board Member, congratulated Parker a “job well done.”
With a simple and heartfelt thanks to all for their participation, Parker ended the chat with a reminder to “do some selfcare and Vote!’’
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