I watched a touching, inspiring story of a government funded organization, Earth Conservation Corps, that supported reform in one of the roughest, most crime and unemployment ridden areas of Washington DC by hiring youth 17 to 25 and leading them in conservation in their community, especially the Anacostia River ecosystem. Through this community based program, youth came off the corners and streets to come together in a meaningful endeavor and along the way learned critical skills for employment, such as tolerance, communication, leadership, technology and research. They developed a more caring, responsible, peaceful community around themselves.
Next, I watched the heartbreaking story of the emotional devastation of the same community when the insidious violence that characterized their area came among them and someone shot and killed the young and promising journalist for the Earth Conservation Corps. These two short videos illustrate the power of social justice and peace in the midst of violence and injustice. The youth were often transformed through this program from hopelessness and self destructive behaviors to caring, responsible members of society working with a meaningful purpose.
Watch The River of Hope
Watch In Memory and Honor of Aaron L. Teeter
4 comments:
Marcia,
I wish that everyone could have the opportunity to reach out to their communities the way that the participants in this program do. I feel that there is nothing better to understand a problem that to confront it head on. The youth in this program see the problem...not on T.V. or in a book, but in their own backyard with their own eyes. This is education! And, through them, others can be taught and be made aware of the problems that plague our communities and society. Thanks for sharing!
Matt
Hi Marcia,
Thanks for finding such a good example of hope amidst hopelessness. I think it is this kind of creativity needed in getting our youth into better circumstances and frames of mind in order to get past the hurt and trajedy of their everyday lives. It will not solve all the problems or have all the answers, but, through it, maybe those envolved will come up with some of their own.
Again, thanks for sharing.
Jamie L
Thank you for sharing this touching peace. The conservation group is truly helping the kids in the community by giving them a voice and a united goal. Their efforts and outcomes amazing and it impacts all who learn about it.
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