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The Alexandria Library is inviting local teens to participate in a series of small group conversations this spring as part of a national program aimed at amplifying youth voices and improving community life.
The Change Happens with Alexandria Teens Dialogue Accelerator, known as CHAT, will hold eight recorded sessions at Alexandria library branches between now and June. Groups of four to six teens will gather for open-ended conversations moderated by Fin H., an Alexandria 10th grader and co-creator of the program. Library staff will audio-record each session, with recordings uploaded to Cortico, a community conversations platform developed in partnership with the MIT Center for Constructive Communication and PBS Frontline. The recordings will be processed to create an archive and roadmap for improving the lives of teens in Alexandria.
To encourage a relaxed atmosphere, participants can enjoy free snacks and open-ended creative activities such as clay, painting and coloring during each session. Each participant will also receive a goody bag and a $25 gift card.
Alexandria is one of 10 public libraries across the country selected for the Teen Dialogue Accelerator Grant Program.
Sessions are scheduled as follows:
Saturday, April 18, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Beatley Library; Thursday, April 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Beatley; Thursday, April 30, 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Beatley; Saturday, May 2, 10:30 a.m. to noon — Barrett Library; Thursday, May 28, 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Duncan Library; Saturday, May 30, 10:30 a.m. to noon — Barrett; Thursday, June 4, 5:30 to 7 p.m. — Burke Library; Saturday, June 6, 1 to 2:30 p.m. — Burke.
Teens between the ages of 14 and 17 must have a guardian complete a release and permission form prior to participating. Participants are identified only by first name and may use a pseudonym.
To register or learn more, visit alexlibraryva.org/CHAT.
