RECLAIM Our Name shines a light on the positive role young people can play in urban communities. Through engaging with the media and politicians, the project challenges the negative stereotyping of young people which has intensified in the wake of the riots.
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Twitter @RECLAIMproject
Who we are
The group, aged between 14-17, run campaigns and events aimed at taking away the negative focus on young people and crime. By promoting recognition of the efforts and achievements of young people and the issues they face, RECLAIM our Name aim to inspire other young people to do the same, instilling them with the hope and confidence to drive change.
Where we're based
Manchester
When we started
September 2010
How we started
RECLAIM Our Name started out as an offshoot of the charity RECLAIM, a mentoring project for young people. Originally involved in a cultural arts project showcasing the talents of young people, their work changed direction in response to the 2011 summer riots, with a new focus on breaking down negative perceptions of young people.
Our work
RECLAIM Our Name fundraised for and organised a day out in central Manchester during which 30 youth volunteers spoke directly with 400 local adult residents and visitors to the city. Activities included customising t-shirts with the slogan 'ask me - I dare you!' to encourage the older generation to engage with young people and ensure their voices were heard.
The group have also produced a petition arguing for positive media coverage of young people, about which they visited The Guardian, BBC 1 Xtra, Sky News and Arsenal Football Club in London. They questioned the way these organisations portray young people and made suggestions for how people in power could tackle youth issues. They also met up with a Hackney youth group to learn about the positive work they were doing and shared ideas and experiences.
Future plans
RECLAIM Our Name are looking to icrease their interaction with the media and influential figures, as well as with local businesses who they hope will endorse their manifesto. The group are also committed to bridging the divide between young people in Manchester and London.
Project website
http://www.reclaimproject.org.uk
"Before the riots we had built a strong relationship with adults in the local community. However, the riots destroyed this relationship. We then had to go back out there and RECLAIM OUR NAME."
