ON THE TABLE 2019 Youth Participant Perspectives Key

ON THE TABLE 2019 Youth Participant Perspectives Key findings from a survey among youth who participated in BGCF On the Table conversations, with support from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, May 2019

Methodology • Blue Grass Community Foundation estimates that approximately 4, 220 youth participated in On the Table conversations March 27, 2019. • This report presents findings among 1, 604 youth who participated in On the Table conversations and completed the post-conversation survey, which was conducted online. • Survey field period: March 27 to April 10, 2019 • Notes: • Throughout this report, the term “participants” is used to refer to On the Table youth participants who completed the survey. • For each question, percentages are based on the total number of respondents who answered it. • “Whites” self-identify as non-Hispanic white youth. • “African Americans” self-identify as non-Hispanic African-American or black youth. On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 2

Concerning the future of their community, youth feel more hopeful than worried. Looking ahead to the next five years or so, do you feel more hopeful or more worried about what the future holds for your community? 62% 38% More hopeful More worried On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 3

Older and female youth have a more tempered outlook regarding the future of their community than do males and those under age 15. Looking ahead to the next five years or so, do you feel more hopeful or more worried about what the future holds for your community? More hopeful More worried 68% 65% 62% 56% 52% 44% 38% 35% 32% All youth Males 48% Females Under age 15 On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF Age 15 to 19 4

Youth generally agree that their community provides opportunities for everyone and is a good place for people like them. My community provides opportunities for everyone My community is the perfect place for people like me 73% 65% Somewhat 53% 49% 35% 27% 23% Strongly 20% Agree 19% 8% Disagree 16% 12% Agree Disagree Strongly On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 5

Overall, youth are optimistic about the opportunities their community provides; those under age 15 are notably more positive than older youth. My community provides opportunities for everyone Strongly agree Somewhat agree 79% 78% 73% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree 75% 74% 70% 74% 58% 52% 56% 53% 42% 54% 20% 8% All youth 16% 6% Males 23% 9% Females 18% 16% 5% Under age 15 12% 16% Age 15 to 19 20% 8% Whites On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 26% 25% 21% 26% 26% 22% 19% 50% 46% 30% 27% 48% 54% 27% 15% 19% 24% 10% African Americans 7% Hispanics 6

While majorities agree that their community is the perfect place for people like them, females and African-American youth are less likely to agree and those ages 15 or older are split. My community is the perfect place for people like me Strongly agree Somewhat agree 71% Strongly disagree 70% 65% Somewhat disagree 70% 65% 60% 57% 50% 52% 49% 40% 35% 46% 23% All youth 19% 9% Males 32% 14% Females Under age 15 30% 24% 19% 10% 35% 50% 36% 42% 20% 12% 49% 30% 29% 16% 43% 51% 18% 8% Age 15 to 19 16% 20% 21% 11% Whites On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 19% 20% 10% African Americans Hispanics 7

Addressing inequality and discrimination is highly important to youth. If our goal is to make our community more welcoming and inclusive, how important do you think it is to address issues related to inequality and discrimination that affect many different kinds of people, including racial, ethnic, and religious minorities, women and girls, the LGBTQ community, and people with disabilities? Essential 31% Very important 42% 73% HIGHLY IMPORTANT Less important 27% On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 8

Youth participants indicate the highest levels of interest in addressing inequality and discrimination by connecting with each other, volunteering, and meeting with community leaders. THREE ways I would be most interested in getting involved in efforts to encourage discussions about inequality and discrimination and to make our community more welcoming and inclusive: Make special effort to include someone who has been left out 47% Raise awareness among other young people about these issues 45% Volunteer (volunteer service event or volunteer program) 39% Join group of youth who meet with community leaders about these issues 36% Participate in online or social media campaign 24% Attend rally or march 21% Write letters to elected officials or local newspaper 21% I am not interested in getting involved in any of these ways 12% On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 9

Drug and alcohol use/addiction and bullying are top concerns that youth would like their community to address. THREE most important issues facing youth for my community to address: Drug and alcohol use/addiction Bullying 64% 51% Under age 15 (56%) Racism and discrimination 27% Hungry families 24% Crime and gangs 24% Teen pregnancy Quality of schools Jobs for teens African Americans (40%), Hispanics (34%) 25% Equality for LGBTQ people Lack of parent involvement The top two issues are the same for all youth, regardless of gender, age, race/ethnicity, and county. 20% 15% 14% 13% On the Table 2019: Youth Participant Perspectives – May 2019 – Hart/POS for BGCF 10