Youth Leader Check-in: Marques

As we move into our second month of physical distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, youth leaders are convening virtually to base build, organize, and advocate for their peers and families. RYSE is actively working with members to identify and respond to needs.

We checked in with Marques, one of our youth organizing interns, to share about his experience so far, and to identify the needs he is witnessing in his communities.

How are you feeling during this time of physical distancing and shelter-in-place?

During this time RYSE has been (physically) closed, I struggled to stay focused. I am the person my family relies on to go outside and gather whatever items we need. I found myself having to hide or isolate to continue work with minimal interruption.

As RYSE staff, you’ve been hard at work calling RYSE youth members individually to check in on them and their needs. What are some concerns and needs you are hearing from them?

One of concerns was their well-being in their home. A lot of youth use school and RYSE as a way to get away from whatever they have going on at home, and now they are being forced to deal with it. I’ve heard from my community that they'd much rather be in school than in their home.

How have you stayed grounded these days?

One thing I do to keep myself grounded is playing music as I work.