What is HoodSocialDC?
It Is a positive social media app developed by the youth of the District of Columbia’s juvenile justice system. And it reflects a digital platform, system, that incudes a backend website and a front-end app that enables them, their families and their communities to create and share content and connect with each other in positive, constructive and pro-social manner.
Taking down barriers to build relationships.
HoodSocialDC is an innovative approach to positive youth and community development based in social justice principles in which young people are encouraged to create change utilizing social media as a platform to improve their lives, their communities and the institutions intended to serve them.
Social media removes the boundaries of meeting and maintaining people and forming bonds beyond borders. While it has been used to cause harm, incite violence, we want to show what love looks like when it is refashioned and branded to bring out the BEST version of ourselves. For children who may have a disability or may not feel they can connect with others within their community, it can be a great way to connect with other people who share their lives with ease; for youth and young adults that have been labeled and shut out because of their past mistakes, it becomes a launch pad into a new stratosphere. For our entrepreneurs, it is showcase of the many talents that can improve our lives, the environment, and create economic equity. We are the communities of DC seeking to bridge the great divide in one of the most powerful cities in the world.
Make relationships stronger.
Having access to family members who may live miles apart of friends who have moved from a local area can help maintain relationships and allow them to stay in touch and share their lives with ease.
Social media can be a means of self-expression, a creative outlet and an open space. For Simone, social media is a platform to meet other creative people, be inspired by others, and share her own journey.
It also lets you connect to people and has enabled young people to keep relationships as they move through life. Simone said the internet lets you connect to “that one person that takes you from being almost somewhere very bad to being okay and realizing you’re not alone.”
We teach people how to start businesses, take care of digital stuff, manage money, be responsible citizens, and get along with others.
