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Event #2

The second event I went to was 20 Years Later: The Life of Matthew Shepard.  The event consisted of Matthew Shepard's mom telling his story and the work she's currently doing with other students to provide inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ community.  There was also a panel that allowed people in attendance to ask questions to a panel of four people.  This event was really moving because I hadn't heard the story of Matthew before this and his mother had a lot of things to say.  The words she spoke were so true and you could tell that she's passionate about the work she is currently doing.  Her presentation opened my eyes to things I hadn't thought about before and helped me connect what she was saying to ydev.  I found a connection with what she said about inclusive environments and how ydev is such an inclusive and accepting place.  Our ideologies include identity and social justice and those are important concepts to understand as a future youth worker.  This presentation just furthered my understanding of these ideologies and how to make a more inclusive environment for youth.


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