ANAYVETTE MARTINEZ on the Brilliance of the Radical Monarchs /195
Image by Boonchuay Promjiam
In 2014 Anayvette Martinez sought to radicalize girl scouting to create a brighter, more brilliant world. Inspired by her daughter, and with the help of co-founder, Marilyn Hollinquest, Anayvette curated a curriculum devoted to justice, empowerment, and fierce sisterhood for girl identified youth of color. On this episode of For The Wild, Anayvette shares the inspiration and impact of the Radical Monarchs, who exemplify the difference between service and justice, the importance of bringing youth into social justice movements at an early age and what we can learn about sustainability, self-care, and avoiding burn out culture by creating with young ones in mind. We are left to think; what would the world be like if all youth were taught a curriculum dedicated to social justice? How much unconditioning could be spared if youth were taught self-worth and self-determination?
“As adult allies, our job is to listen to young people.”
Anayvette Martinez
Anayvette Martinez, co-founder and CEO of Programs & Communications of the Radical Monarchs, is a San Francisco native and child of Central American immigrants. Anayvette’s varied interests in advocacy, community organizing and empowerment led her to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of California Los Angeles and later, her Master’s degree at San Francisco State University in Ethnic Studies. Over the past 15 years, she has developed and managed education, social justice, and gender support programs focused on the empowerment and safety for youth, families and their adult allies. Anayvette currently lives and loves in East Oakland with her two children.
In this tender and inspiring conversation, Ayana and Anyvette discuss the wealth, abundance, and courage that is generated when young ones are actively involved in their community, how we can make movements sustainable, the profound impact of finding our voice, the importance of community sisterhood and the power of non-conformity. We invite you to make time this week to be endlessly inspired by the work of the Radical Monarchs and their commitment to a just world.
♫ Music by Lady Moon & the Eclipse, and The Mynabirds
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For The Wild is a slow media organization dedicated to land-based protection, co-liberation, and intersectional storytelling. We are rooted in a paradigm shift away from human supremacy, endless growth, and consumerism. As we dream towards a world of grounded justice and reciprocity, our work highlights impactful stories and deeply-felt meaning making as balms for these times.