This interactive workshop, offered by the Perrin Family Foundation, builds on youth development principles by introducing youth workers to the framework of critical consciousness. Critical consciousness is the ability to recognize and analyze systems of inequality and develop a critical lens to navigate and challenge these systems.
Read on to learn about the presenters who will be bringing the workshop to life on June 15th, 2018 at New Haven’s ConnCAT from 10am – 4pm:
Morgan Little, LMSW (she/her) is a North Carolina native and UNC-Chapel Hill graduate who received her Bachelor of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science and African-American Studies. While at UNC, Morgan was deeply involved in the Black Student Movement and developed a deep interest in community work that centers blackness and other marginalized communities. After UNC, Morgan attended Columbia University and received her Masters in Social Work from Columbia University, focusing on AGPP, Advanced Generalist Programming and Practice. Utilizing the skills gained at Columbia, Morgan worked at the Educational Alliance in various positions from Program Coordinator to Senior Director of Adolescent Services, in the Youth Services Department for six and a half years. At the Educational Alliance, Morgan is a leader who was instrumental in developing the early awareness program, that utilized the popular education an approach to mobilize young people. Currently, Morgan serves as the Director of Programs at Sadie Nash Leadership Project, a youth development that centers the experience of young women and gender non-conforming youth through leadership, activism and black feminist theory. Morgan is committed to empowering young people to seek joy and liberation on their journey through mindfulness and community healing practices.
Anson A. Dean, MPS is an educator, youth development professional, and spoken word artist from the Bronx, NY. Anson brings his full self to his work and sees power of youth’s lived experiences as an asset to their leadership. He believes implementing a racial justice lens and critical consciousness into youth work is essential to supporting youth thrive and navigate systemic injustice. For the past decade, Anson has been an inspirational educator in various settings from elementary, middle school, high school and college-aged youth. He has an extensive background in curriculum development and group facilitation. Currently, Anson is the Program Director at the Educational Alliance’s historic Edgies Teen Center located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. Additionally, Anson appears as a guest lecturer and presenter at various educational institutions including: SUNY New Paltz, NYU, Berkeley College and various High Schools. Most recently, he delivered the Keynote Address at his Alma Mater. Anson graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a dual Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Black Studies, he continued his education at SUNY New Paltz with a Master’s Degree in Humanistic/Multicultural Education & Human Services.