Listening Tour
The Skillman Foundation Listening Tour
This listening tour is to understand the most pressing needs of Detroit kids, the unique landscape of Detroit, and to learn how philanthropy and specifically The Skillman Foundation can rise to meet this unique moment in history.
We’re listening to and learning from Detroit youth and the adults who have a great impact on their lives. Every month, we’ll share what we’re hearing here.
Listening to and learning from you
As the newly appointed President & CEO of The Skillman Foundation, Angelique Power’s first order of business is listening to and learning from Detroit youth and the adults who have a great impact on their lives.
Insights from our President’s Youth Council
If you could give Detroit more of one thing, what would it be?
Carrying lessons from principals forward
One day after the Oxford school shooting and as COVID case numbers soar, principals share ready insights on how to change the education system.
Teachers are weary warriors
What a group of 10 educators – teaching a range of grade levels across Detroit’s public district and charter schools – have to say about the joys and the heartaches of their profession.
On purpose. In power.
Five Black charter school leaders explain the unique challenges they face.
How to support kids on nights, weekends, and all summer long
We sat down with a group of afterschool leaders to ask them what they need to be of best support to children and youth.
Resolved to continue and continuing while unresolved
A group of grassroots leaders who have supported generations of Detroit youth propose what the city’s future may hold and what role philanthropy should play.
The vision of youth will build the future
This listening session has learnings from young activists and organizers. These vibrant youth are focused on utilizing their personal encounters, tragedies, and successes to create a better system for the future.
Uplifting views of caring adults
Detroit parents are incredible, yet often unheard and unseen. We met with leaders of parent-focused organizations—many of whom are parents themselves—to hear their perspectives.
La voz de la juventud (the voice of youth)
Detroit’s Latinx youth face a unique set of challenges: many are first-generation students and first-generation Americans. But their drive and commitment to their communities is astounding and something to be heard and admired.
We’re ready to be recruited—but not by gangs and drug dealers
For some Detroit teens, violence and crime is close to home. They describe how to make neighborhoods safer and prospects brighter.
A love letter to community organizers
Community organizers stress the power of young people to determine their own needs and paths.
Work held in good hands
Leaders in community violence prevention share their thoughts and perspectives on how to best keep our young people and our communities safe.
Change is on the horizon
Education systems are made of much more than schools alone. We spoke with 18 individuals working in a variety of roles and organizations, all focused on strengthening educational experiences and outcomes for kids.
Creating a net for neighbors in need
Five leaders of family service agencies shared what stands in the way to being able to reach more community members in need, and what funders can do to help.
Youth artists tell us what they need to keep creating
A group of young creatives share their aspirations and inspirations as rising artists in Detroit.
Fostering a Detroit where youth are heard
Youth at the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) propose how the city and its schools can make young people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds feel more included and connected.
Who are you?
A reflection on identity from conversations with American Indian Health and Family Services youth.
