Stop Racism & Prejudice Youth Challenge

What is Racism? Racism refers to a set of beliefs (often complex), which asserts the natural superiority of one racial group over another at the individual as well as the institutional level. In one sense, racism refers to the belief that biology rather than culture is the primary determinant of group attitudes and actions.  This belief can then be used to extol the inherent superiority of certain ‘races’ and justify deferential treatment and social positions.  Racism goes beyond ideology, however, involving discriminatory practices that protect and maintain the superior position of certain groups and sustain the inferior position of others.

For 3rd thru 12th grade, YWCA Enid’s Youth Challenge allows students to take part in projects designed to explore the beauty of diversity and the impact of racism in their community. Held annually in the Spring!

“Racism is a product of fear and ignorance. 
The world is richer for the mixture of different types of people –
live and let live – remove fear.”
Gavin Rossdale, Leader singer of the band ‘Bush’

How to Join the Challenge!

1. Form a team

There are two important guidelines for putting together your Stop Racism & Prejudice Youth Challenge team:

Your team must consist of at least three (3) and no more than twenty (20) people.  Create a team large enough for you to realize your challenge.  Keep in mind that too small or too large a team may prevent a successful project.  Members can always be added to a team or a team can be split into smaller, manageable groups to accomplish its goal.  If you add new members after the initial registration, you will need to register these new members with the Steering Committee.

There will be two age (grade) levels for the teams.  Level 1 will be for youth 3rd through 6th grades, Level 2 will be for 7th through 12th grades.

2. Choose a challenge

There are 21 challenges to choose from.  The challenges are diverse and imaginative, and range from large-scale activities to more modest ones that deliver an equally powerful message.  You are welcome to solicit community support or the support of friends and family to fulfill your challenge. 

As you work to develop and achieve your chosen challenge, be sure to refer to the judging criteria included in the kit.  It outlines the criteria that will be used by the Steering Committee to choose one outstanding challenge for each level in our community.

And remember, you are making a difference just by taking on one of the 21 challenges!

3. Register your team

To participate in the Stop Racism & Prejudice Youth Challenge, your team must be registered. 

4. Use the kit as your guide

The tools you need are in the participant’s kit, and include: