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Learn about the Hyde Square Task Force, discuss what is happening in our neighborhoods, and become a part of the movement to build a stronger community.
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Growing Leaders in
Hyde-Jackson Square
Any good gardener knows that summer seeds yield fall harvests. With that principle in mind, Hyde Square Task Force has launched the Summer Leadership Institute, an intensive six-week program that provides hands-on leadership trainings and workshops to 85 young people from our community.
The seeds are being planted--in the form of workshops on culture and diversity, discussions on how to resolve conflict and end violence on our streets, field trips to organic gardens to learn the value of healthy eating, and participatory action such as debates on how best to improve public school education.
Come the fall, this crop of youth leaders will take what they have learned and work to build a brighter future for themselves and their community. They will lead a campaign to reform sexual education in Boston Public School, provide access to the arts to hundreds of disadvantaged children in Boston, undertake multiple initiatives to enhance the health and well-being of their friends, families, and neighbors, and so much more.
Youth attend the Institute for 20 hours per week, Monday-Thursday; but it is more than just a 'summer school.' Each youth receives a small stipend for their participation, meaning an additional 85 young people will have part-time jobs at a time when the economy continues to struggle to provide these kinds of opportunities.
Two weeks into the program, we have already seen these youth grow by tremendous leaps. And we're realizing that their potential for good is far greater than what we could have possibly hoped.
For more information on the Summer Leadership Institute, contact Nate at 617.524.8303 or nate@hydesquare.org. | |
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 The youth of Hyde Square Task Force's Summer Leadership Institute in front of the Cheverus School. (Photo by Mark Saperstein, 2010.)
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Summer Nights Out Returns!
Just because we've scaled back the scope of Summer Nights Out doesn't mean we plan on having any less fun! On August 12th, from 5:30-8:30PM, we will transform Mozart Park in Jamaica Plain into a hot spot for teens and families alike. The theme of the evening is 'Community Festival.' The night will start off with a focus on children and families, featuring kid-friendly games, snacks, music, and even a magician! As the night goes on, the focus of the event will shift toward teens, with a community concert featuring youth performers and professional artists from across Boston. Summer Nights Out is a celebration of community and culture--a chance for local residents of all ages and backgrounds to come together in a safe, positive environment. It is also a chance for local businesses and organizations to show their support of youth and peaceful activities in our community. Summer Nights Out would not have been possible without the tremendous support of Mt. Washington Bank and our other generous sponsors, including Boston Community Capital, Wainwright Bank, Children's Hospital Boston, Leers Weinzapfel Associates Architects, and Boston Private Bank and Trust, the Elsa Guzman Dental Office, Fat Ram Pumpkin Tattoo, City Feed and Supply, Rentals Unlimited, and Congressman Stephen Lynch. To all of our friends and supporters that have ensured Summer Nights Out will continue this year, we say THANK YOU! Our sponsors: |
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HSTF youth rock the runway at last year's One Stage, One Mic Summer Nights Out event. (Photo by Mark Saperstein, 2009.) |
Beats in the Heat...
Sure, you can escape the heat and humidity by sitting in front of your TV and waiting for the school year to start up again, but why not spend your summer days playing Rock Band or learning some moves that will wow all of your friends?
Summer Rhythms is here again, offering free dance and music classes to youth ages 10-18. No need to sign up, just stop by and check out our dance studio or the fully equipped HSTF Music Clubhouse.
Dance classes are offered Mondays from 5-7PM for youth ages 10-13, and on Tuesday and Wednesday from 5-7PM for youth ages 14-18.
Youth of all ages can drop in to the Music Clubhouse from 5-7PM, Monday through Thursday.
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Job Opportunities at HSTF
College Success Coordinator
The College Success Coordinator works to ensure the youth successfully transition into post-secondary education and earn college degrees.
College and Careers Preparation Coordinator
The College and Careers Preparation Coordinator oversees the college and career planning, education, academic support, job readiness trainings, and volunteer resources for all HSTF youth.
Assistant Bookkeeper
The Assistant Bookkeeper will support the Finance Manager in tracking expenses and income, processing payroll, and preparing for the annual audit.
Mentoring Specialist
The Mentoring Specialist (an Americorps position) works closely with our Paths To College and Careers Program (PCCP) coordinator to support the operation of our college exploration and college bound mentoring programs.
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Arts in the Summer
The next time you see a group of youngsters screaming and running through sprinklers in Stony Brook Park, make sure to say hello to the participants of Hyde Square Task Force's 2010 Arts in the Summer program!
Of course, they'll be doing a lot more than just running through sprinklers this summer. Children from
grades 1 through 5 will spend six weeks this summer taking part in a variety of activities, including music, dance, arts and crafts, literacy projects (like corresponding with our adult staff through weekly journal entries,) and gardening.
They'll also be traveling off site on a host of fun field trips to places like the Museum of Fine Arts, the Children's Museum, the Boston Public Library at Copley Square, and the Museum of Science. But let's be honest, they're probably having the most fun in those sprinklers.
Arts in the Summer not only provides access to the arts and academic engagement, it offers an opportunity for young children in our community to further develop their social skills and relationships with positive adult role models. Each summer, we are proud to offer the positions of Arts in the Summer Counselors to HSTF program alumni returning from college. We can only hope that one day the current participants in the summer program can return the favor to the next generation when they come home from college themselves.
For more information on Arts in the Summer, contact Ana at 617.524.8303 or ana@hydesquare.org. |
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In Our Community:
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First Thursdays Art openings, music, crafts, poetry at businesses and public spaces on Centre and South streets. Presented by JP Centre/South main Streets.
Thursday, Aug. 5, 6-9pm.
Info: www.jpcentresouth.org
Free Fun Fridays The Highland Street Foundation is providing support to selected Massachusetts cultural institutions so they can open their doors to residents and tourists for free on Fridays throughout the summer. Fun Fridays include events at the Franklin Park Zoo and Museum of Science.
Info: www.highlandstreet.org
Spontaneous Salsa Sundays
Beginners and intermediates welcome, no partners necessary! Sundays, 2pm, Spontaneous Celebrations, 45 Danforth St.
Info: 816-1369
Sundays in the Park
Sponsored by the Emerald Necklace Conservancy and Friends of Jamaica Pond. Aug. 8, 6pm, Olmsted Park: Boston Pops Brass Quintet.
Info: www.emeraldnecklace.org
Impressions for Change 35 Years of Political Posters from JP's Red Sun Press, through Aug. 27, Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus Avenue, Boston.
Info: www.redsunpress.com
Employment Program
If you live in JP and are looking for a job or want a better job, Jobs for JP may be able to help. A program of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation.
Info: 522-2424 x.240.
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