Carolyn Wahlskog, LCSW (she/they), is the Director of Operations and Programming at Youth Outlook, a youth services agency working to meet the ever-evolving needs of LGBTQ+ youth and their families in northern Illinois. She is the Co-coordinator of the Transformative Justice Law Project’s Name Change Mobilization, which serves trans folks across IL to change their legal name and gender markers. Additionally, Carolyn is an adjunct professor at Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Previously, she served as the Executive Director of Housing at 360 Youth Services, launching the first LGBTQ+ youth housing program in the Midwest. Carolyn works with educators, mental health professionals, and other youth workers to create safe, supportive, and affirming policies and practices for working with queer and trans young people and their families.
Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:
- [01:12] Carolyn Wahlskog shares her journey from an aspiring nurse to a social work leader
- [4:01] The inception of Youth Outlook and its evolving impact on the LGBTQ+ community
- [5:52] Structure and purpose of drop-in centers at Youth Outlook
- [8:28] How the Rainbow Sprouts program supports younger LGBTQ+ kids and their parents
- [11:13] Carolyn talks about Health and Wellness Navigation and its role in connecting LGBTQ individuals with affirming healthcare providers
- [13:15] The challenges and solutions of maintaining a company culture in a virtual landscape
- [19:23] Generational shifts in the workforce and their impact on organizational dynamics
- [21:14] The ongoing struggles and importance of allyship for the LGBTQ+ community
In this episode…
In a society where acceptance of LGBTQ+ youth is still challenged, creating safe and supportive environments is imperative for their emotional well-being and development. Initiating conversations that focus on advocating for change is essential for dismantling systemic barriers and promoting a culture of inclusivity that benefits everyone. So, how can we foster affirming spaces to validate their identities and empower them to thrive amid adversity?
Carolyn Wahlskog, an advocate for the rights and wellness of the LGBTQ population, shares her path from social work to pioneering LGBTQ housing programs and spearheading initiatives that create affirming environments for youth. She discusses challenges like adapting the organizational culture in a virtual setting and underscores the importance of genuine inclusivity in businesses and schools. Carolyn shines a light on the progress and ongoing battles LGBTQ communities face, emphasizing the need for continued advocacy and understanding.
In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, Paul Feith interviews Carolyn Wahlskog, Director of Operations and Programming at Youth Outlook, about creating supportive environments for LGBTQ youth. Carolyn discusses the inception of Youth Outlook and its evolving impact on the LGBTQ+ community, its drop-in center’s structure and purpose, how the Rainbow Sprouts program supports younger LGBTQ+ kids and their parents, and the ongoing struggles and importance of allyship for the LGBTQ+ community.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Quotable moments:
- “I never thought I could do anything else besides housing; it feels like the most important thing, but it’s also 24/7.”
- “Youth Outlook is probably one of the best-kept secrets of DuPage County.”
- “With increased visibility comes increased backlash; progress made is being chipped away through different legislation.”
- “We need everybody in the fight; take people seriously when they share their fears.”
- “I always like to be the leader that’s accessible, and nothing is above me.”
Action Steps:
- Engage in active listening and empathy development: This approach fosters understanding and connection, addressing the challenges of social isolation and misunderstanding highlighted in the episode.
- Promote inclusive environments: This action directly addresses the need for affirming environments for LGBTQ individuals and combats isolation and discrimination.
- Volunteer and support community programs: Volunteering supports critical community functions and allows you to contribute positively to social change.
- Educate yourself and others on LGBTQ issues: This effort helps dismantle myths and misinformation, fostering a more informed and supportive community.
- Utilize and share available resources: This action reduces the stress and barriers LGBTQ individuals face in finding supportive services.
Sponsor for this episode…
Today’s episode is sponsored by Paul Gregory Media, an 18-year-old digital marketing agency in downtown Naperville, Illinois.
They are one of the few thousand Certified B Corporations worldwide, demonstrating PGM as a leader of a global movement to use business as a force for good, meeting high standards of accountability, transparency, and community involvement. They have been trusted by hundreds of organizations since 2006.
PGM is recognized as one of the top marketing agencies in the region, earning more awards than many of its competitors combined. They have the passion, commitment, and expertise to get it done.
To learn more about the services PGM offers or how they can support you with your marketing needs, visit www.paulgregorymedia.com or email them at [email protected].
Recent Comments