HSTF is Best in JP!
Jamaica Plain has spoken... and the Hyde Square Task Force is the best around!
Over 4,000 votes were cast in the Jamaica Plain Gazette's 10th Annual 'Best of JP' Awards. The Hyde Square Task Force emerged as the clear winner for the 'Best Non-Profit Service Agency' in Jamaica Plain! Thank you to all those who voted and to all of our neighbors who helped make this organization what it is by sacrificing hours to volunteer, donating to our programs, and showing your support for our youth at community events throughout the year.
Our young artists were also honored with the 'Best Mural in JP' award for their outstanding artwork in Mozart Park.
With your continued support, we're a shoe-in for 2010!
To see the results and the nominees, you can visit www.jamaicaplaingazette.com.
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Melissa Aybar, a Youth Community Organizer with the Hyde Square Task Force, questions City Council candidates at a recent forum.
(Photo by Yawu Miller, Bay State Banner, 2009.)
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A Candidate's Forum:
By Youth, For Youth
On Wednesday, October 8th, the mayoral and
at-large city council candidates still standing after the primary election gathered at English High School in Jamaica Plain to
make their case to an unlikely constituency--those not even old enough to vote.
The youth-organized and youth-centered candidate's forum provided candidates with the chance to field questions
from young people and discuss their positions on youth issues, such as school
funding, youth jobs, and community violence.
"Youth make up a significant part of society, and we deserve
to be heard," said Waldi Nova, a youth organizer at the Hyde Square Task Force.
"We are affected by changes in our community so we should be as much a part of
those decisions as anyone else."More than 150 community residents, many of whom were youth, attended the forum, as did At-Large City Council candidates Felix Arroyo, Tomas Gonzalez, Tito Jackson and incumbent Steve Murphy. The forum was a collaboration of the Hyde Square
Task Force, Sociedad Latina, MassVote, and the Dorchester Bay Youth Force.
To read more about the forum, check out the articles in the JP Gazette and the Bay State Banner.
For more information about our youth's efforts around the upcoming election, contact Ashley Cotton at 617.524.8303 x305 or ashley@hydesquare.org. |
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Get Out and Vote!
Every day, issues are
debated and decisions made that effect young people--from school funding to
youth violence. But these young people have little say in the process, because
they cannot vote.
That's why a group of
youth from the Hyde Square Task Force
launched the 'Vote For Me!' campaign. Recognizing that in a democracy,
participation builds power, these young leaders set out to educate and mobilize
adults in their community. Through door-knocking, phone-banking, candidate
forums and educational workshops, the campaign registers voters, increases
civic engagement, and mobilizes our community to participate in elections.
Now, the time has come for you to do your part! Get to the polls and VOTE on November 3rd! Click here to find your polling location.
For more information on how or where to vote, contact Ashley at 617.524.8303 x305 or ashley@hydesquare.org. |
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Drop-In Programs Now Open
Want to trade in that air-guitar for the real thing? Interested in learning some new steps you can take on to the dance floor? Then stop by the Hyde Square Task Force for our FREE dance and music drop-in programs!
Open Dance WorkshopsOur award-winning Ritmo en Accion dancers are on hand to teach you the latest hip-hop and Latin dance moves.
When: Ages 10-13, Mondays from 5:30 to 6:30
Ages 14-18, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30-7:30
Where: Cheverus Building, 365 Centre Street
For more info, contact Barbara at 617.524.8303 x327 or barbara@hydesquare.org.
Music Clubhouse Open Hours
Schedule a lesson, or just stop by to jam in our fully-equipped Music Clubhouse!
When: Monday-Friday, 3-8PM
Who: All youth ages 10-18
Where: Cheverus Building, 365 Centre Street
For more information, contact Aimee at 617.524.8303 x312 or aimee@hydesquare.org.
Registration is open year-round, stop by today!
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Quick Links:________________
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Spotlight On:
Aimee Tejeda, the HSTF Music Clubhouse Coordinator
Join us in welcoming a new member of the Hyde Square Task Force family, Aimee Tejeda!
As the HSTF Music Clubhouse Coordinator, Aimee oversees the drop-in programs, lessons, and jam sessions hosted in the Music Clubhouse.
Aimee has her Master's in Music Education as well as her Bachelor's in
Music Studies from the University of Massachusetts--
Lowell. She is
also a state certified music educator.
Previously, Aimee worked for five years at the Music Clubhouse in the Lawrence YMCA. She has also worked as a subsitute music teacher and in numerous
out-of-school time music programs for youth ranging from 18 months to
18 years old.
Aimee was inspired to commit herself to teaching young people music by a teacher she had in high school. When she joined the Hyde Square Task Force, she had a vision of how she could live in the tradition of that teacher. "I see [the Music Clubhouse] as a place where youth feel safe, are welcomed, are free to try new things, and are supported by positive role models to make better choices and give back to their community."
Aimee has an eclectic musical taste, enjoying the stylings of bands such as 30 Seconds to Mars, the Fray, Taylor Swift, Etta James, Weezer, and Coheed and Cambria.
For more information on the drop-in programs offered by HSTF, contact Aimee at 617.524.8303 x312 or aimee@hydesquare.org.
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In Our Community:
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Trick Or Treat on Centre and South Street
October 31
3:30-6:30PM
Look for orange
posters on participating business's windows, sponsored by the Jamaica
Plain Business and Professional Association.
Arnold Arboretum Story Hour
October 31 and November 21
11AM-12PM
Enjoy stories about trees
underneath the Arboretum's storied trees. Held at the Arnold Arboretum, 125 Arborway.
Info: 384-5209.
Presentation on Ghana's Ability Bikes Shop
November 14
7PM
A report from
Koforidua, Ghana by Bikes Not Bombs staffer David Brannigan, who spent
15 months in Ghana training a group of physically challenged people to
be bike mechanics and helped them open a cooperative bike shop. Potluck dinner will be served! At Bikes Not Bombs Hub, 284 Amory St.
Info:
arik@bikesnotbombs.org.
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