PRESS ADVISORY

 

Contact: Chrismaldi Vasquez

617.318.6625 (w)

617.918.3973 (cell)

chrismaldi@hydesquare.org

www.hydesquare.org

 

HYDE SQUARE TASK FORCE YOUTH CAMPAIGN TO INCREASE POLITICAL AND COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION THROUGH

A HIGH SCHOOL CIVICS CURRICULUM

 

Boston, MA – On Thursday, October 18th at 5pm in the Boston City Council Chambers, the youth of the Hyde Square Task Force and their supporters will present testimony to the Boston City Council in favor of implementing a high school civics curriculum in the Boston Public Schools.  Testimony at the hearing will call on the Boston City Council to pass a resolution and advocate for such a civics curriculum.  This hearing order on a civics curriculum is the first youth-drafted hearing order in the history of the Boston City Council.

 

Civics has not been a requirement in the Boston Public High Schools since the 1970’s. Through a civics requirement, the Hyde Square Task Force youth want all BPS high school students to be empowered with the knowledge, resources and tools to be able to understand their rights and responsibilities in a democratic society. Stephany Trinidad, a youth community organizer says, “I always hear that we the youth are the next generation of leaders, but how can we become such leaders if we are being deprived from learning how to take on such important roles in society. Without a civics class we will be doomed to repeat history.”

 

Civics education will not only make the high school educational experience more relevant to the issues in students’ daily lives, but it will inspire young people to act on that knowledge.  With increased civic understanding, the Hyde Square Task Force youth believe that Boston will experience increased participation in electoral politics as well as higher levels of volunteerism in activities to improve our communities.  This belief is supported by the youth’s experiences in gaining civic understanding through their work with the Hyde Square Task Force, which has lead to their increased political and community involvement.

 

The Hyde Square Task Force (HSTF) is an award-winning youth and community development organization based in the Hyde Sq./Jackson Sq. area of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury.  The mission of HSTF is to create a safe, clean and friendly neighborhood that places its priority on young people. HSTF strives to develop the skills of youth and their families so that they are empowered to enhance their own lives and build a strong and vibrant urban community.

 

When: Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 5pm

Where: Boston City Hall, City Council Chambers, 5th floor