Welcome to MyDefinition
This site is made for youth by youth with the support of Tubman's Movement for Violence Prevention team. Youth voices matter, and we're here to provide a platform so you can be heard. EMAIL US to add to our blog, or to share your art, accomplishments, & ideas!
Tubman's Movement for Violence Prevention (MVP) program provides education, resources, and support for youth & young adults in schools, online, and in the community. If you would like to get involved or learn more about our groups & classes EMAIL US anytime.
Healthy Relationships x Arts and Reflection at Northstar Youth Outreach Center
This summer, we will be running a Healthy Relationships x Arts and Reflection series out of our brand-new Northstar Youth Outreach Center location (2966 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109)! Led by Tubman’s Movement for Violence Prevention Educators, sessions will run from the week of 6/22 to the week of 8/10. Topics include healthy relationships, setting boundaries, identifying abuse, communication, emotions, and self-esteem.
Tuesdays, 1-2pm (6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, 8/4, 8/11)
- On Tuesdays, educators will provide information about a topic and lead activities and discussion. Think classroom-style, but more casual and activity based!
Thursdays, 1-2pm (6/25, 7/2, 7/9, 7/16, 7/23, 7/30, 8/6, 8/13)
- On Thursdays, educators will provide art materials, journals, and a few prompts for reflection. Youth can lead discussion, work on projects together, or journal/create independently! This time is led by youth and centered on reflection and creativity.
Sessions are free and open to youth aged 14-24. Registration is not required, nor is attending every session, although topics will build on past weeks so repeated attendance is recommended. Feel free to reach out to youth@tubman.org with any questions - we hope to see you there!
Youth Artist Highlight: Celebrating Sexual Assault Awareness Month Through Poetry
A post
maybe just a picture,
an infographic
slipped between ordinary things.
But it brings attention.
It demands it.
Words.
It makes me remember
what I try to bury
the innocence I once carried
stripped
away
forcibly.
It reminds me of the shame,
the disgust
that never belonged to me.
A post
with so much power
to name what happened,
to say it out loud
when I couldn’t.
A post,
simple.
Yet it holds the weight
of truth.
It reminds me
that evil exists
but so does resistance.
That what happened
did not break me,
did not rewrite
my capacity for love,
even if it reshaped
my sense of safety.
The post
it does more than reopen wounds.
It reminds me
I am loved,
seen,
valued,
respected.
It reminds me
people care.
People speak.
People fight
so silence doesn’t win.
It turns pain into awareness,
awareness into voice.
The post reminds me
evil is not forever
and the innocence
I thought I lost
still lives here,
alive,
quietly thriving.
All because
someone chose to speak.
To post.
To make it known
By Emem-Faith Dalamo, Youth Intern
Student Art Gallery
Check out these student-made videos raising awareness about Domestic Violence!
These are two of our winners from our annual contest:
First Place Video can be found HERE
Second Place Video can be found HERE
Check out NorthStar Youth Outreach Center
The center is staffed by youth & family workers, as well as volunteers, and is located at 2966 White Bear Ave, Maplewood, MN 55109. This is our new location, just a few minutes away from our previous location within Maplewood Mall.
The Northstar Youth Outreach Center is the first step for youth without a place to call home. All young people are welcome.
MyDefinition.org is dedicated to connecting youth with leadership opportunities to help prevent violence and to use your ideas to build thriving communities.
For more information, contact us by email at youth@tubman.org or call 612.825.3333.
This site is a project of Tubman, a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission of advancing opportunities for change so that every person can experience safety, hope, and healing. To learn more, visit www.tubman.org.
