Safe Spaces in Order to Hold Space
Every year at the start of the KEY Program, our youth restorative justice program, we prioritize time in circle for the community of people to reflect on their personal safe spaces in an intentional effort to cultivate a safe space collectively. During this time, we engage in a visualization activity, allowing our minds to be reminded of the things, people, circumstances that allow us to feel grounded and at peace. Safe does not necessarily mean comfort; we recognize comfort can be temporary or conditional.
Every time I engage in this visualization exercise, I imagine being wrapped in my mother’s arm, safe from the negativity that can brood in our society and my personal traumas that fight to remain actively present. When we transition out of the exercise, participants in circle share about our safe space and what makes that space safe for each of us. I share how my mother’s embrace, no matter my age, gives me strength and assurance. As we share and listen, I am reminded of the power of spaces like circle to dip into our vulnerability so that we can heal together a little more deeply, perhaps a bit more holistically.
This year has affirmed New Community Outreach‘s ongoing efforts to work with our partners and neighbors to ensure access to safe, restorative spaces. I am incredibly grateful for the symbiotic nature of these spaces. It is beautiful and gratifying to be in circle, cultivate this safe space, and see our students hold space for one another, for me, and for themselves.
To have space held for us and to hold space for another continues to be incredibly important as we continue to navigate this journey we are on. While many steps forward were taken in 2021, many setbacks continue to be experienced by all of us. So while NCO is grateful for the ways we were able to heal, reconcile, and flourish alongside our youth and community, we know that the work continues; it is something that is ongoing.
As we wrap up 2021, I thank you for the many ways you have supported NCO’s work and our efforts in serving the greater Bronzeville neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. I wish for belly laughter, reminders of your safe space, and the bandwidth to hold space for one another during this holiday season. I eagerly look forward to sharing more news about how we will continue to commit to restorative justice in 2022!
Thank you for your continued partnership,
Sonia Wang, NCO Executive Director
