This quarter, the Progeny team continued investing in youth leadership

This quarter, the Progeny team continued investing in youth leadership and community organizing by participating in regional and national learning opportunities while expanding leadership development here in Wichita.

Youth First Justice Collaborative – Grassroots Assembly (Denver, CO) | April 23–25

Progeny team members traveled to Denver to participate in the Youth First Justice Collaborative Grassroots Assembly, where organizers, advocates, and directly impacted community members from across the country gathered to strengthen the movement for youth justice.

The Assembly provided space for participants to share lived experiences, build a shared understanding of the challenges facing young people, and collectively identify priorities and actions for advancing community-led solutions. These gatherings are designed to build collective power, strengthen accountability, and ensure that those most impacted by systems have a leading voice in shaping change.

Midwest ActionCamp – Madison, Wisconsin | June 22–24

Progeny youth leaders attended Midwest ActionCamp in Madison, Wisconsin, joining approximately 150 youth organizers, advocates, and movement leaders from across the Midwest.

The training focused on organizing strategies, advocacy skills, coalition building, and protecting schools as safe and welcoming spaces for immigrant students and families. Participants returned with new tools, relationships, and strategies that will strengthen local organizing efforts throughout Kansas.

Youth Leader Spotlight

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We are proud to recognize Marquan Teetz and Rawhese Love for being selected as Block x Block Fellows through the Youth First Justice Collaborative.

Block x Block is a 12-month paid hybrid fellowship that brings together eight young leaders from across the country who have been directly impacted by the legal system. The fellowship supports participants in deepening their understanding of leadership, community power, and abolitionist values through learning, reflection, collaboration, and hands-on practice.

Their selection is a testament to the leadership, dedication, and impact they continue to make both within Progeny and throughout our community. We congratulate Marquan and Rawhese on this incredible achievement.

PLAAY Academy Develops the Next Generation of Leaders

This summer, Progeny launched another cohort of the PLAAY Academy (Policy, Leadership and Advocacy for Youth). The Academy equips young people with leadership, advocacy, public speaking, and community organizing skills while helping them work collaboratively to create solutions for issues impacting their communities.

This year's curriculum includes:

• July 9: What Is Power?

• July 16: What Is Community Organizing?

• July 23: Organizer Effectiveness

• July 30: Strategic Planning

• August 6: Practice & Role Playing

• August 13: Graduation Celebration

The graduation ceremony and presentation will be held at the Boys & Girls Club, 2400 N. Opportunity Drive, where participants will showcase the skills, confidence, and community campaigns they have developed throughout the program.

Looking Ahead: From Harm to Healing Campaign Launch

This fall, Progeny will officially launch its From Harm to Healing campaign—a community-centered initiative focused on advancing healing, prevention, and youth-led solutions as alternatives to punitive systems.

Campaign Launch

Thursday, November 12

6:00 PM - 8 Pm

Boys & Girls Club - 2400 N. Opportunity Drive

Community members, partners, advocates, and youth leaders are invited to join us as we unveil the campaign, share our vision, and continue building momentum for a more just and healing-centered future for Kansas youth.

Through experiences like the Grassroots Assembly, Midwest ActionCamp, the Block x Block Fellowship, and PLAAY Academy, Progeny continues to invest in the next generation of leaders by providing opportunities to learn, organize, advocate, and create lasting change in their communities.