In Egleston Square, a surge in the young and the plugged-in
Egleston Square has just gotten an infusion of new organizers, and they're young and energetic to boot.
Teen Empowerment, the 15-year-old Boston-based outfit created to foster youth leadership, recently hired 12 youths, ages 14 to 21, to lead its new youth organizing center there. It officially opened last Tuesday.
"We hire young people in the community to take a look at issues that affect them and create a positive change on these issues," said Jen Lewis, a program coordinator for the group. "Teen Empowerment wants to get into the neighborhoods where the greatest need for organizing exists." The new group will focus specifically on Egleston Square.
From a pool of more than 100 applicants, the 12 were chosen after an extensive interview process. "We looked at their motivation and their willingness to step outside of the box," said Craig McClay, another program coordinator for the group. "We looked at what experiences they have, and how much they really know about what's going on in the community, and their ability to analyze these issues."
During the interview process over the summer and into September, the applicants were asked to identify the area's biggest concern's. Lewis said the majority of them ranked violence, drugs, and gangs as the top issues. Other topics raised included the struggle of being an individual and being real, stereotypes, pressure to fit in, as well as disparities in education.
"Many of them also talked about police and the judicial system and some of the actions there that can pigeonhole teens," said Lewis. "If they make a mistake, it's hard for them to come back."
Last week's opening was the first event the youths organized as a team. Next up: a cafe open-mike night, at which they will rap, dance, and recite poetry and drama - all about social issues - and meetings with local politicians. The group will also be responsible for putting together the 16th annual Youth Peace Conference next May.
"We want the group's work to be a reflection of the community," McClay said.
MARY ANN GEORGANTOPOULOS
