Teaching and youth development are intense professions, I’m thankful for having a few great leaders and thought provokers in my development, and now I’m finding my own rhythm for knowledge outside of the classroom. You know who you are.
Evann Orleck-Jetter testified at the public hearings on gay marriage last month before Vermont’s Joint Senate and House Judiciary Committees. Many legislators later told Evann and her parents that her testimony had moved them to support the bill.
Youth advocacy is a vital component of social movement. Another reason to educate your community’s youth in media literacy, the legislative system, and how one person can make a difference.
In the days prior to leaving Philly, I noticed myself complaining a lot more about my home of the past 4 years. I guess it’s easy to be discontent when you’re about to leave, it can be a coping mechanism. Complaining does seem to be a hallmark of Philadelphians, so perhaps I’m finally getting in touch with my Philly state-of-mind.
I hope the Complaints Choir comes to Portland. Shelley Spector & First Person Arts are bringing it to Philly this year. Here’s the Choir from Birmingham:
My submissions for Philadelphia:
Complaining about SEPTA is my favorite, sub-complaints of this are:
That was cathartic! Philly, I love you, but there are some things I just won’t miss. Onward to Portland!
1. “A hunger strike is too extreme a tactic.”
Please remember that the students organizing the hunger strike believe that
the lack of positive, future-directed youth employment is a life and death issue.
More independent media coverage: Announcement from Baltimore City School Students | Letter from a Hunger Striker | Photos and Write-up of Kick-Off March & Rally
This is absolutely huge, of incredible importance: support the Baltimore youth hunger strikers!
Please phone Mayor Dixon at 410-396-3835
or 410-396-3100 (city hall switchboard).
Cast a shadow on the handlings of critical funding for youth in Baltimore. Let the response serve as a model for other youth led movements throughout our country.
Support Philly-based groups in the same fight for our youth, including the demand of funding for JOBS & EDUCATION, not WAR & PRISONS: North Philly Metropolis | Philly Student Union | Youth United for Change | Men United for a Better Philadelphia
Peak Johnson, who I worked with closely on the teen-run community newspaper, North Philly Metropolis, is featured in an article in this week’s PW. I think it’s an interesting look at issues within our schools, higher-ed and my last program’s college access program.