b'WHAT IS THEMOST IMPORTANT ISSUE YOUR GENERATION WILL HAVE TO FOCUS ON? I dont think there is just HOW DO WE BUILDone issue that is more BRIDGES ACROSSimportant than others; COMMUNITIES? It begins with in-personI think there are many issues like climate change, meetings between thesystemic racism and antisemitism that directly impact various segments of ourthe way we are living in negative ways. My generation community. Participantswill need to be able to see the importance of They are Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012.must be able to openlyintersectionality because we cannot create change for Digital natives, these teens and young adults arediscuss their issues andsome and not others. I also believe we need to focus coming of age in a time of upheaval . from a once- concerns and know they are in-a-century pandemic and economic uncertaintybeing heard. not only on equality but equity in order to have a to global warming and an increased commitmentsociety that truly embraces differences and celebrates to social justice. What issues are important toWhile each group will be them? We asked six local Gen Zers for theirthem, instead of one that alienates them. thoughts. Here are a few of their answers. Go toable to maintain their own associated.org/future for the full conversations.identity and philosophies, HANNAH PALIATH there are always common4FRONT TEEN PARTICIPANT, JCC OF GREATER BALTIMOREgoals that can be achieved when all the factions come WHAT DO WE NEED TO FOCUS together for a common cause ON IN BALTIMORE? that benefits all. No matterWHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT Ensuring safety in our Baltimore community needs to your race, religion or gender,ISSUE YOUR GENERATION WILL HAVE be a top priority. Baltimoreans should also be able tothese meetings should beTO TACKLE? have access to a good education as it is a right, notpredicated on the health andI think our generation needs to be the generation a luxury. In school, [students] should feel supported,wellbeing of the society. that eliminates intolerance of individuals based challenged and given the right resources to succeed.on race, sexuality, mental ability, physical ability And there needs to be dependable transportation.MATT SACHSor any other characteristic that makes up the To have stable employment, individuals need toFORMER PARTICIPANT IN THE ASSOCIATEDSever-diversifying population in Baltimore and have transportation they can rely on. Without thisBEYACHAD YOUNG ADULT PROGRAM America. If my generation tackles this now, our transportation, [people] are unable to hold a stable job,kids will grow up in a world where they can be provide for themselves and contribute to the community.unconditionally loved and accepted by all those around them.TALIA LUNKIN 4FRONT TEEN PARTICIPANT, JCC OF GREATER BALTIMOREEMMA PAIGE 4FRONT TEEN PARTICIPANT, JCC OF GREATER BALTIMORE42 associated.org|CENTENNIALCENTENNIAL|associated.org 43'