Melissa McLamb's Blog
HAPPENINGS... / Dec 11, 02:49 PM
This past Friday at the school, we held an event called the Day of Social Change. It was a professional development day for teachers —-which means a free day for students.
The purpose of the day was to experientially train teachers about service learning, by doing it. And to provide free beneficial resources for those within the community —- encouraging parents and students to come together and promote unity.
So we had different issues that we connected with community partners to create workshops for parents and students from the school and neighborhood. For example – homelessness was an issue and Chicago Coalition for the Homeless partnered with us for the day and two women who have experienced homelessness came in and shared their stories. The reflections of the students who participated were like “I learned that not all people who are homeless do drugs. And that everyone who is homeless didn’t get that way by doing drugs.” And there was a peer mediation workshop where students discussed with teachers and community partners about the negative effects of zero tolerance. Students reflected things like “I learned today that suspending students does not help them it only encourages them to be out on the streets.” And my response is “let the policy makers read this and understand!” Other workshops on Friday were held such as ones about financial literacy, health (AIDS awareness, stress survey, info. on lead poisoning), domestic violence… **And there was a family relationships workshop that was partnered with a local center for family development (I. A.M. A.B.L.E) which Ashley Pharis (a beloved roommate) volunteers with. It was really great to see the need for and benefits of networking and how that transpired. Ashley helped lead the workshop and it was a HUGE success.
From reading the reflections of the students, what impacts me the most is them expressing the “best” part of the day as it being a place and time “when everyone got to express there feelings and not make me feel alone” (in the words of a student). and another “My best part of the day… is the way the speakers let us say what was on my mind.”
One of the greatest things we can do for one another is help to create a space where one feels accepted, free to express their valued opinion and thoughts…where we are free to probe together and share true conversation.
Over 100 students showed up on this day! It was completely optional for them and for participating they received 6.5 service learning hours –accredited to the 40 that is needed to graduate from high school in Chicago. We really pushed for parents to be there and only 3 showed up. The lack of parental involvement is discouraging…but it is also perpetuated by the systemic disconnect between the belief that a student’s home life (environment) has no effect on their education.
One of the teachers commented in a personal written reflection that it was good to spend time with the students outside of the classroom. And also noted that maybe if the classroom were more laid back and free-feeling like the workshop the kids would benefit more from schooling. (Who says a classroom must feel rigid and stiff in order to be appropriate? Kids need to feel safe in a place to be open to learning.)
There was a lot of work put into making the day happen. It was a dream. And it happened. It’s a great big stepping stone in the happenings at the school. There is the dream and push to eventually have a Intergenerational Resource Center at the school. And this will really encourage parents to come and be involved as they find needs of their own met in the same space. We are learning from guardians in the community what they would want out of such a place and how they would like to see it used. Grants have been written and the school has been chosen as a strong contender.
The Day of Social Change was a HUGE success in it’s very existence. And I’m thrilled to see students and teachers think together through issues and show a desire to work together in making positive change. !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! <— note: EXCITEMENT. =)
(another thought)..In first joining with Excel and taking the position that I have there, I wouldn’t have expected the different things that I’m learning. In my former life, before being at Excel, I would’ve trembled at the thought of presenting at the smallest meeting of older adults that I don’t know. But now I’ve had to collaborate with teachers and keep them informed on happenings with service learning and beg them to participate and get excited about engaging with the students. There have been awkward moments. I’m embracing them and learning from them. I’m learning helpful public speaking skills and the importance of always being myself in spite of my silly ideas of people’s response.
so CELEBRATE.
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Yay Melissa! That’s my roommate!
By Andrea / Dec 11, 03:42 PM / #