Youth and staff are led by a shared set of values at The Bridge for Youth. Together we aim to live out these values every day as we work to ensure all youth feel safe, accepted, and supported.
Created in collaboration with The Bridge’s Youth Advisory Board, our values were thoughtfully crafted to reflect the most important aspects of who we are and what we do.
We asked members of The Youth Social Media Committee to reflect on our values and share which ones resonated with them the most.
Anya:
Two of the Bridge for Youth values that mean the most to me are integrity and co-creation. When working with so many moving pieces, it’s important not to get lost in our role, not to get too comfortable, and always remember why it is that we’re doing what we’re doing.
The Bridge deeply values youth input and youth voice along with following through on growth without losing their vision, identity or intent. This is so important due to the to the often very delicate nature of supports needed at the various support programs within the Bridge.
These integrated elements of integrity and co-creation make the BFY a stable support where expectations are clear and challenges are welcome.
Jania:
The two Bridge for Youth values that I align with are community and co-creation.
I chose community because being a part of The Bridge gave me a new meaning on how people show up for you. The community here has inspired me to care for others in a time of need.
Being part of ‘So What if I am’, The Bridge’s LGBTQ+ support group, gave me a community I never thought I would find. The sense of friendship that has lasted years through the support groups at The Bridge kept me going throughout the years. I will forever be grateful.
This community has been so helpful to me and my journey as I learn how to navigate this world as a young adult.
I also chose co-creation because being part of the Youth Advisory Board has helped me create things amongst peers that also helped other youth.
Having this safe space where I can share my ideas without being shut down and to be able to create something meaningful is what co-creation is about. Learning how to effectively co-create has given me skills I never thought I would learn due to my disability.
Nova:
Community is important to me for many reasons. Being a queer, trans, and disabled person has brought me into communities that makes me feel seen and reminds me that I’m not alone.
(Pictured: Nova and Jania)
I’m a person living with fibromyalgia and this disease is often unable to be detected. Because I “don’t look” disabled to some, it makes it hard to connect with others, especially because my body needs accommodations that some people don’t understand. I’m told all the time to “just stretch”, “get a full 8 hours of sleep”, or “go on a walk”, but it is so much deeper than that.
Additionally, with being non-binary and choosing to continue presenting femininely, I’m constantly misgendered and assumed that I’m cisgender. Having a community like the one I have at The Bridge has saved my life.
I have met lifelong friends through ‘So What if I Am’, and getting to be so involved with the communities that are so important to me, has given me so much joy.”
What values resonate with you the most? Take some time this week to reflect and ask yourself how you can live into your deepest values!
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