On October 2nd, 2025, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Youth Organizing team held a special training for Parent Mentors on how to engage with young people as part of their Youth Engagement Relational Campaign. Led by Community Organizer Jasmine Serrano, the session created space for Parent Mentors to reflect on their own experiences, learn practical tools for connecting with youth, and explore new ways to build relationships rooted in trust and understanding.

The Youth Engagement Relational Campaign aims to strengthen connections between young people and adults in the community through intentional, one-on-one conversations. By listening to youth stories and learning about their daily realities, SWOP hopes to identify emerging leaders, better understand what matters most to them, and work alongside them to address those issues. The campaign is part of a broader effort to ensure young people have a voice in shaping the future of their schools and neighborhoods.

During the training, Jasmine emphasized the importance of meeting youth where they are—whether that means understanding their social environments, communication styles, or the challenges they face. For Parent Mentors, this means creating spaces where young people feel heard, respected, and empowered to express themselves openly. When youth are supported in leading conversations about the issues that affect them directly—like safety, education, and opportunity—they not only grow in confidence but also become active contributors to community change.

Through this campaign and training, SWOP continues its commitment to bridging generations, fostering mutual respect, and building collective power—one conversation at a time.

‍