About
The Brooklyn W.A.Y.
The Brooklyn W.A.Y. is a young adult-centered coalition where stakeholders and people with a lived experience envision and work to create an inclusive community by eliminating systemic barriers, promoting sustainability and amplifying community voices.
We promote equitable access, wellness, prevention and support through collaboration, education and advocacy.
Youth Centered | Community Driven | Liberation Minded
Photo Credit Tova Marshall, 2023 ©️
Solidarity Principles
Our coalition works in community with those with a lived experience and community stakeholders to amplify existing community strengths and advocate for policy change.
Our work is rooted in our solidarity principles, inspired by Peoples Hub and Interrupting Criminalization, created by our community.
01
Liberation Culture
- We cannot have a healthy society if everyone does not have their needs met.
-Open expression and ideas for growth and understanding.
-Having cultural humility and rejecting harmful dominant culture.
-The ability to chose and not be directed, led or pressured into that choice.
03
Education & Leadership Development
-Be mindful, intentional and open to learning. Be receptive.
-We must invest in our community.
-Everyone is an expert in something.
-Knowing when to lead and when to listen.
-We are all both teachers and students.
05
Collective Care, Relationships & Accountability
-Clear expectations on what accountability looks like.
-Building a community of similar values.
-Leaning into discomfort and conflict.
-Care for each other and understanding that accountability is important.
02
Shared Resources & Vision
-This must be participatory: the community must be present.
-There is space for everyone's thoughts, need and dreams.
-Developing a shared perspective of community.
-Learning new ideas.
-Listen to input and feedback in a healthy and organic way.
04
Making Moves & Taking Action
-Dignity, integrity, freedom and liberty to all.
-Letting the community lead.
-Creating the space and providing the needed supports to allow the community to lead.
-Take our time to make thoughtful and inclusive decisions.
MADE POSSIBLE BY FUNDING FROM