Week 9: Choosing a GYSD Project

Yes, we are still working on choosing a GYSD project! This is a tough process because the students have many great ideas and equally strong personalities! :) It's a good thing, because we a learning the art of listening and formulating ideas. Yesterday, the students thought critically about the project ideas, trying to figure out what the project would mean to them, their peers, and the community, how many volunteers they would like to involve, and how they would like to involve the community. Noah McGee led the students in a debate over the issues and then I assisted them in re-organizing their ideas. They have narrowed the project down to two choices and unfortunately, we did not have a clear winner. First thing when we come back from break, the students will make their final decision, create a checklist and timeline and we still start to move forward! Whew! A lot of tough work!

Students did come to a clear consensus that they would like Hunter Peatman to design our t-shirt. Congratulations, Hunter! As soon as he submits the final design, I will start checking prices and collecting money/sizes. Unfortunately, the guy who did the t-shirts for us last year and for the school is serving overseas--anyone know of a custom t-shirt maker in the area who will give us a good deal?

Have a wonderful break!

Peace,

Laura

Week 8: Choosing a GYSD Project

We had a lot of fun on Monday with different mind games to illustrate how easy it is to get into a rut with our thinking. We also had fun with some teambuilding games. The students were champs with the hula hoop game, and did a great job connecting with their parents (while blindfolded!) during the barnyard game. It was also really funny to watch the students walking around with their eyes closed making pig and bird noises!

The main focus of the day was brainstorming in groups different project ideas for Global Youth Service Day that directly address a root cause to homeless animals. It was difficult because it is much easier to thinking of "band-aid" projects like fundraising and drives and harder to address why we homeless animals is a problem in our society and how to eradicate it. Students have narrowed down their choices and through a series of questions and discussions, they will decide on their project next week--just in time for winter break!

This week, we also have Robby from Trees Atlanta coming to introduce the Enviro Club that will be led by Everyday Leaders. Certain Mondays (1-2 / month) will be dedicated to working on environmental issues affecting ACMS directly. We will invite other students to the Enviro Club. On the Mondays that there is no Enviro Club, Everyday Leaders will focus on their Global Youth Service Day Projects.

Have a great day!

Peace,

Laura

Week 7: Examining the Issue - Becoming the Experts

Whew! We worked hard last night! The students spent the two hours really starting to dive into their issue: homeless animals. The more they learn about the issue, the more creative they will be able to be with their projects, and the more impact they will have on the issue. Student watched videos and read articles to learn more about the causes, effects, and resources available. Student dove into topics on spraying and neutering programs, feral cats, dog fighting, lost pets, cockfighting, causes of homelessness for pets, and puppy mills. We learned a ton, and next week students will start to brainstorm ideas for projects to address one or more of these issues.

Also, I wanted to note that this week was the first week that all 11 students in the club were present. I really hope that we have many more weeks of everyone in attendance. Each week the students make big decisions for Global Youth Service Day and it is important to have everyone's input so that all students are on board with group decisions. Plus, it adds more ideas and makes team building easier.

Have a great week--I'll see you next Monday!

Peace,

Laura