YOUTH countering Racism - bubble-tea stylez

YOUTH countering Racism - bubble-tea stylez

While news of Asian fear-mongers National Front led by Chapman distributed flyers across neighborhoods in Howick and Pakuranga circulated, a group of Asian youth workers and volunteers got together to plot their next big invasion.

Their best revenge: positively partying. With bubble tea drinks.

This Youth Week, Shakti Youth, an emerging unit out of Shakti Community Council Inc. sought to celebrate what it means to be YOUth in New Zealand. Since the launch of their Youth Ambassadors network in February 2011, they have now captured the hearts and minds of over 50 young people in Auckland solely through word of mouth, posters and flyer distribution amongst Asian youth hang-out spaces, online social media like Facebook and tertiary institutions.

"We are just so sick of all these negative stereotypes about Asians being isolating, or taking away jobs, or tainting white culture," says Shasha Ali, the coordinator of the youth network.

"Fact is Asians are the most under-employed yet most qualified population in New Zealand. That doesn't sound like job-stealing or cultural domination to me."

"And if you talk about youth, just ask anyone at our party - I bet you majority are high achieving students and graduates. some still seeking work!"

Shakti Youth is part of a national umbrella organisation that campaigns and specialises in culturally-appropriate social services in family violence intervention support and prevention throughout New Zealand's ethnic communities.

So on 25th May 2011, the Shakti Youth group comprising of 11 members of diverse ethnicities such as Chinese, Indian, Sri Lankan, Singaporean, Vietnamese and Japanese - will call for a toast to celebrate Youth Week with young Asian New Zealanders at Momotea House, 28 Fort St, a popular teen hangout that sells pearl fruit drinks, a favourite amongst Asians. The group started in mid- 2010 with 4 members and now runs a network made of over 100 student subscribers and youth group individuals. The group hopes to seek youth views on what affects them about life and growing up in New Zealand including racial prejudices and discrimination and gear up towards running more campaigns and events for youth from Asian, African and Middle Eastern communities to be active and involved in. They also have guest speaker, Anita Kulkarni from Registrar of Electors office to speak on 'Youth and the Vote".

Youth are the biggest un-registered demographic when it comes to political participation in New Zealand.

"I mean we've got stuff to sort out within our communities too. If we talk about youth participation, Asian youth probably has the least level of participation within, let alone outside their family communities in New Zealand."

Yet we see these events on Youth Week, and we know there must be ways we can get youth voices heard and their opinions on politics recognized.

Youth Week runs from 20 - 29 May annually in New Zealand. Each year during Youth Week there are events organised by young people, and those who work with young people, all over New Zealand. Events encourage young people to get involved, have a say, influence opinions, showcase their creativity and talent, share ideas, access information and have fun! Youth Week is also a time to acknowledge youth workers, youth service providers and others working with and for young people.

Youth Week is coordinated by New Zealand Aoteroa Adolescent Health and Development (NZAAHD) and is supported by: Ministry of Youth Development, Cancer Society, Families Commission, Office of the Children's Commissioner, Mayor's Taskforce and World Smokefree Day.

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