The other BLTN-related exchange I’m presently trying to arrange would be with a class in Pakistan. When Moshin Tenjani visited campus this summer, we spoke about how energy and sustainability issues impact our respective communities. I asked him whether it might be possible for him to reach out to some of the teachers and schools he works with to see whether any of them would be interested in collaborating on an exchange on this subject. I believe this exchange holds immense potential for giving students a more global perspective and inspiring them to consider how sustainability practices in other places might inform their approach to combating problems in their communities. Ideally, this exchange will involve students not only recognizing sustainability problems in their community but also working across continents to devise and implement solutions.

Beyond classroom exchanges, I will also be involved with BLTN by serving as a mentor for the Vermont What’s the Story Youth Social Action Network. Throughout the year, I will work with a group of youth as they investigate and create a documentary on a social justice issue impacting their community. I’m particularly excited to facilitate team-building activities that will help youth reflect on their working styles and communication techniques. One of the highlights of my work with What’s the Story? last year was helping young people develop a gender workshop that they led at my district’s Chain Reaction Day. I want to work on expanding similar opportunities for What’s the Story? youth to bring their documentaries to the public through workshops and community events. In addition to coaching youth as workshop leaders for The Sharon Academy’s Chain Reaction Day, I will work to bring the model of a day of youth-led social justice workshops to other interested school districts. This summer I was also able to connect with Craig Maravich about the possibility of integrating elements of his Maverick Voice acting workshop into the What’s the Story? program. This is another possibility I’m excited to explore this upcoming year as it would be a great way to empower youth with the tools to use theater and art in their social justice work.

Return to “Bringing it Back.”