2010

Youth Demand Change!

From February through April, youth from the Hyde Square Task Force distributed a survey to over 700 young people in Boston. Their intent? To determine the state of the relationship between teens and the MBTA police. The result? Change is needed.

In a recent press conference held at the Jackson Square train station, our youth organizers released their findings. Of the youth surveyed, 35% witnessed a police officer using insults with racially charged words, 48% witnessed a police officer pushing or shoving, and 68% witnessed a police officer yelling.

To the youth leaders, it demonstrated the need to work collaboratively with the MBTA to create a mutual culture of respect. Our teens issued three demands aimed at incorporating youth input into the reform process, but their proposals were rebuffed.

HSTF youth know their data reflects reality, and they will continue to work towards improving relations and ensuring the rights of teen riders as the campaign continues. To learn more about the transit campaign, contact Carla Poulos at 617.524.8303 x314 or via email at carla@hydesquare.org.

Seedless on Tour!

The Hyde Square Task Force's Youth Literacy Tutors are taking their self-authored book, "Seedless Elementary," tour in Boston this fall!

'Seedless Elementary: Scooter and Flippy's Healthy Adventure' is the culmination of a year of work on the part of our teen tutors. They wrote, edited, and designed the book, which addresses proper nutrition and fitness habits in a manner easily 'digested' by younger readers. Now they want children across Boston to hear the book's message.

If you would like the YLTs to come visit your school, library, or other venue, get started by downloading a book tour request form and an explanatory letter from the YLTs.

For more information, contact Ana Almeida ana@hydesquare.org or (617)524-8303 x324.

On the Path to College Success

HSTF helps youth stay in college and succeed as part of Success Boston Initiative.

This summer, HSTF's Cheverus Building was buzzing with conversations about college. Rising college sophomores were sharing about the challenges and successes of their first year of college, while recent graduates were working closely with college coaches to prepare for their upcoming transition as new freshman this fall.

Whether they were about to start their first or second year of college this September, one thing was clear: these youth are determined to succeed!

One hundred youth (50 from the BPS class of 2010 and 50 from 2009) are taking part in Hyde Square Task Force's Success Boston program, which provides individualized support through the first two years of college. Each Success Boston youth is matched with a college coach, many of whom are HSTF alumni themselves, who serves as a mentor and resource person throughout the two-year period. During the summer months, youth receive additional, intensive support to help them prepare for the year ahead.

"We had three big successes over the summer," says Cisnell Baez, HSTF alumna and summer Success Boston Coordinator. "We made a huge connection with the youth; we built a strong connection with parents; and we got [50 youth] enrolled in their first year of college." HSTF staff worked hard to build these connections through mentoring, weekly skill-building workshops, and a parent send-off and discussion panel. With 78% of Success Boston youth being the first in their family to go to college, having a solid support network is just as vital to their success as attending class, completing homework, and writing papers.

Success Boston is a city-wide initiative that aims to increase college enrollment and completion rates for Boston Public Schools (BPS) graduates. Major initiative partners include Mayor Thomas Menino, the City of Boston, BPS, the Boston Foundation, the Boston Private Industry Council, local universities and community colleges, as well as six Boston non-profits: Hyde Square Task Force, ACCESS Boston, The Education Resource Institute (TERI), Boston PIC, Bottom Line, and Freedom House. The initiative is made possible by funding from The Boston Foundation and other local funders.

For more information about Success Boston, please contact Joél Mora at joel@hydesquare.org or (617)524-8303 x313.

Youth Tutors Finish Children's Nutrition Book

Kids Fun Night, a Summer Nights Out event, was be held on Thursday, July 23rd, from 6-8PM at Stony Brook Park in Jamaica Plain. At the event, our Youth Literacy Tutors, a group of teens who help children in our community learn to read, unveiled the fruit of a year's labor. Recognizing that young kids in our community are laying the groundwork for unhealthy diets that lead to disproportionate levels of diabetes and obesity, our teen tutors set out to write a children's book that promotes proper nutrition in a fun way.

The result is "Seedless Elementary: Scooter and Flippy's Healthy Adventures." Envisioned, written and illustrated by HSTF youth, the book is part of a larger effort to build a healthier community.

Copies of the book were made available at the event on Thursday, and everyone enjoyed some great music, healthy snacks, and a host of fun activities!

For more information or for your own copy of the book, contact Ana at 617.524.8303 or ana@hydesquare.org.

2009

Youth 'have their say' at BPS Budget Forum!

Facing serious budget shortfalls and weighing potential cuts, Boston Public Schools is hosting a series of forums to discuss the budget issues. On March 5th, a forum specifically for youth and parents at English High School was organized and led by youth from the Hyde Square Task Force, the Boston Student Advisory Council, the Boston Youth Organizing Project, Sociedad Latina, and Teen Empowerment.

Over 250 public school students attended to voice their concerns regarding the proposed cuts and petition the Superintendent and School Committee to find alternative sources of revenue to make up the budget gap.

Click here to view the Boston Globe article on the forum.

Spite the Power

By Chris Faraone, Boston Phoenix, May 11, 2009

Teens take to the State House to protest budget cuts that will eliminate youth violence prevention and summer job programs.

Task Force gets $75,000 'Out of the Blue'

By Sandra Storey, JP Gazette, April 3, 2009

The Boston Foundation recognized the oustanding performance of the Hyde Square Task Force by awarding a $75,000 'out-of-the-blue' grant.

Students speak out on school budget cuts

By Damola Curtis, JP Gazette, March 20, 2009

Students organize a forum to voice their opposition to proposed cuts and brainstorm alternative sources of revenue.

South End product Arroyo earns prestigious Neighborhood Fellows Program grant

By Lou Manzo, MySouthEnd.com, March 11, 2009

HSTF Board Chairman Nelson Arroyo receives an award from The Philanthropic Institute.

Students voice concerns about budget cuts

By Jenna Nierstedt, Boston Globe, March 6, 2009

Over 250 Boston Public School students attend a youth-led budget forum to speak out against proposed cuts.

The City Belongs to All of Us

By Philip Cryan, OnTheCommons.org, February 27, 2009

Chrismaldi Vasquez of HSTF discusses ways youth organizing can help our community weather the current economic crisis.

Boston students give government officials a civics lesson

From the Boston Public Schools, February 12, 2009

A host of public officials gather with students to participate in a round-table discussion on civics education.

The Re-Edification of Mayor Menino

By Alexis Hauk, Weekly Dig, February 9, 2009

Mayor Menino and Superintendent Carol Johnson field questions from youth at a press conference on English and Madison Park High School's pilot civics program.

A Civics Lesson

By Jennifer Santos, The Boston Bulletin, February 5, 2009

Youth Community Organizers hold a press conference to discuss the expansion of their pilot civics class at English High School.

The city's budget crisis is threatening funding to a many invaluable youth programs. Please join HSTF youth in advocating to keep funding programs that help improve the lives of young people in our city!

Click here to see what you can do!

Here's to Our Health

Do you know where your food comes from? If you think the answer is as simple as the local grocery store, then HSTF's Health Careers Ambassadors (H-CAP) have a thing or two to teach you.

As part of a community-wide meeting on health, nutrition, and fitness, H-CAP teens and members of the Boston Food and Fitness Collaborative led a presentation on the systems our food travels through before it lands on our tables. Mapping each stop along the way, the 40 local residents who attended the meeting saw how much energy and nutritional value was lost as the food is repeatedly transported and processed.

The youth also presented the findings of a community health survey they had distributed during the past two months. "People don't eat well, but they want healthier options," explained Guy Armand, HSTF's Health and Wellness Coordinator. "But when fresh and healthy food isn't available locally, families have to leave the area to find it, meaning prices and the cost of transportation goes up."

H-CAP youth advocate for a healthier community. To learn more about their work, or to join in the effort, contact Guy Armand at 617-524-8303 x 302 or via email at guy@hydesquare.org.

'Tis the Season

On January 9th, the three magi made a quick detour to the Kennedy Elementary School. In celebration of El Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day,) youth from HSTF's Dominican Youth Project (DYP) team broke out their finest royal robes and helped celebrate the season with 1st-5th grade students in HSTF's Kennedy After School program. Youth Literacy Tutors (YLT) led an Epiphany-themed literacy activity, guiding the children as they wrote nativity stories on paper crowns.

HSTF's annual Three Kings Day celebration uses the traditional Latino holiday as a way to build the reading and writing skills of the youth in the after-school program. After the writing activity, the teens distributed books to the children to encourage good reading habits.

For more information on the Three Kings celebration or the Youth Literacy Tutors, contact Ana at 617-524-8303 x324 or via email at ana@hydesquare.org.

2008

HSTF Music Clubhouse Winter Showcase

Are the winter blues starting to get you down? Then take a beat to join us at HSTF's 'Winter Blues' Jam Session, featuring performances by youth musicians, Berklee students, and HSTF's own WaveLink Productions, which will be showcasing tracks to be released on their debut album in March of 2009. After the performances, the Clubhouse will stay open for youth, staff, and all guests to join a jam session in our fully-equipped music studio.

What: HSTF 'Winter Blues' Jam Session

Where: HSTF Music Clubhouse, 365 Centre Street

When: December 12th, 6-7PM

For more information, contact David at 617-524-8303 x312 or via email at david@hydesquare.org.

Thank You Bella Luna!

For fifteen years, Bella Luna Restaurant has been a cornerstone of the Hyde Square neighborhood in Jamaica Plain, well known for both their fabulous food & drinks, as well as their outstanding commitment to building a better, more vibrant neighborhood.

On Thursday, November 13th, Bella Luna is throwing its 15th anniversary bash. Tickets to the event cost $50, with proceeds being donated to the Hyde Square Task Force. Complimentary food and beverages will be provided and the Hyde Square Task Force's own award-winning Ritmo en Accion dance troupe will perform!

Please join us for an evening of food, fun, drink, and dance - and thank you!

What: Bella Luna 15th Anniversary Party
When: Thursday, November 13th, 6-9PM
Where: Bella Luna Restaurant, 405 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain
Cost: A $50 donation will support the Hyde Square Task Force

To RSVP, contact Bella Luna via email at cdowns@milkywayjp.com. For more information, please call Paul Trunnell at HSTF at 617-524-8303 x321.

Learning to Create Change

From October 20th through the 24th, our Cheverus Building was transformed into the Hyde Square Task Force Teaching and Learning Institute. As part of our effort to build the skills of our youth, all of our program participants attended a series of trainings and workshops on a variety of subjects to help prepare them to create social change.

The first workshop featured a panel discussion on leadership, with Vanessa Calderon-Rosado, CEO of Inquilinos en Accion (IBA) Ayanna Pressley, Political Director for Sen. John Kerry, Ernesto Arroyo, a hip-hop recording artist, and Robert Lewis, Vice-President of the Boston Foundation all sharing their personal stories and the importance of leaders in their lives.

David Szebeda, HSTF's Music Manager, led two sessions teaching public speaking skills and all of our youth were given an orientation to our organization and the non-profit sector. Youth will participate in additional workshops during school vacations throughout the year.

For more information on HSTF's Learning Institute, contact Jesús Gerena at 617-524-8303 x304 or via email at jesus@hydesquare.org.

Construction Starting!

The Blessed Sacrament Campus, the home of our new program space at the Cheverus Building, is currently under construction—please click here to view updated walking and driving directions to the Cheverus.

The School Year's Upon Us

Hyde Square Task Force is ready to launch into a new school year, and we have a lot in the works. Here are a few of the things we have planned for 2008-2009...

Expansion from one to two floors at our new program space at the Cheverus, with newly-renovated dance and music studios, computer lab, and classrooms.
Increasing the size of our Nuestros Jóvenes Mentoring Program to a total of 60 adult mentors, who will support the academic success and college-bound aspirations of our youth.
Creating 20 new youth leader positions across three new youth leadership teams in music, culinary arts, and immigrant issues.
Piloting new civics education classes in Boston public high schools.
Refining our youth leadership development curriculum and implementing new systems to evaluate our overall success.

There's plenty to get excited about at HSTF, but we need your help to expand the reach of these dynamic programs. Become a recurring donor and help support our work all year!

And the Winner Is...

On August 21st, over 40 youth and parents attended the First Annual HSTF Youth Awards Banquet--a red carpet treatment for all the youth at HSTF and a chance to celebrate our many successes this year. HSTF Music Clubhouse's WaveLink Productions provided the evening's entertainment, Youth 'Paparazzi' Project photographers snapped shots of the winners, and the crowd tipped their hats in honor of the graduating class of 2008.

This year, we are proud to announce that every senior who participated in our Paths to College and Careers Program was accepted into a college or university AND three seniors received full scholarships.

Graduating youth benefited from the launch of our Summer Academy, a program that develops individual college plans for youth, including college visits, SAT prep, financial aid discussions, and college application assistance. "If you underestimate the youth," says Peter Barros, PCCP Coordinator, "then you won't see the potential they have to achieve."

For more information on PCCP, contact Peter at 617-524-8303 x313 or peter@hydesquare.org.

Youth Beat the Heat with Summer Nights Out

From bumping concerts and hot dance moves, to sports, games, and voter registration, Summer Nights Out has been an enormous success! Over 1300 local youth and their families came together to celebrate their community through safe and positive summer activities. Our thanks go out to Mt. Washington Bank, the Boston Private Bank and Trust Company, Boston Community Capital, Barry Dym, Wainwright Bank and Trust, the First Parish Church of Lincoln, Bank of America, and all those who helped make these events possible!

On August 14th, HSTF capped off Summer Nights Out with 'Beach Party,' an evening of dance, music, summer gear and performances by our graduating summer program kids!

For more information on Summer Nights Out, contact Chrismaldi at 617.524.8303 x325 or via email at chrismaldi@hydesquare.org.

A Picture's Worth a Thousand Blurbs

Red eyes, out of focus images of people without heads-there's a lot more to photography than simply pointing and clicking. For six weeks this summer, a small group of HSTF youth have been learning the basic technical and compositional ins and outs of photography. The Youth Pix Project, led by accomplished photographer and volunteer Mark Saperstein, helps our youth look at their world through a much different lens while honing valuable skills and enjoying themselves.

Now, these youth are taking on the role of photographers at many HSTF events! We would like to thank the Amelia Peabody Foundation and all those individuals who supported this program.

For more information on Youth Pix, contact Paul at 617.524.8303 x321 or via email at paul@hydesquare.org.

Peace on the Move: The Looking for Peace Tour

After hundreds of youth, members of the community and press, and city officials attended the premiere of Looking for Peace: One Block at a Time on May 29th, the producers of the documentary, HSTF's Health Careers Ambassadors, decided to take the film on tour.

Looking for Peace addresses the recent violence in our community as a public health issue--an issue that has root, preventable causes and can be alleviated if the proper level of commitment to peace is shown. Our H-CAP youth worked in conjunction with professional filmmaker Alex Gomez of Mystic Mirada Productions in creating the documentary.

Now, the Ambassadors are screening the documentary across the city and leading discussions on the crisis of youth violence. Screenings have been held at the Youth Advocacy Project and the Home for Little Wanderers.

To schedule a screening, or for more information, contact Guy at 617-524-8303 x302 or via email at guy@hydesquare.org.

Click here to watch the video trailer.

Click here to read an editorial on the documentary.

Arts in the Summer

Arts in the Summer is a 6-week full-day summer program for youth in grades 1-8. Arts in the Summer is a low-cost program that engages participants through dance, music, sports and other creative projects. Youth take weekly field trips and have opportunities to perform for families and the community at our weekly Summer Nights Out events.

For more information, contact Ana at (617) 524-8303 x 324 or ana@hydesquare.org

Mozart Park Sculpture Project

When tapped to create a sculpture for Mozart Park in Jamaica Plain, artist Douglas Kornfeld wanted to take the opportunity to create a piece of public art that would speak to the culture, hopes, and dreams of the Hyde-Jackson Square community. After holding a series of meetings with HSTF's Community Development Artists and local residents, Mr. Kornfeld is again requesting that members of the community make their voices heard and help inspire the design of this project.

To contribute your thoughts to the project, click here.

Music Club House Grand Opening

Join us on Friday, April 4 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm for the Grand Opening and Community Kick-Off Celebration of the Hyde Square Task Force's new HSTF Music Clubhouse.

Look at our renovated practice room and recording suite
Listen to live performances by local youth and well-known JP musicians
Learn about the new music education and community building activities of Hyde Square Task Force and how you can get involved!

Meet Dave Szebeda, our new Music Manager while you enjoy tasty snacks and light refreshments and tour our new program facilities at the Cheverus Building.

The HSTF Music Clubhouse is an initiative to engage youth ages 10-18 through hands-on music education, performance and community-building activities at our newly-renovated practice and recording space at the Cheverus. The HSTF Music Clubhouse is made possible in part by a grant from the Music & Youth Initiative and the in-kind support of Berklee College of Music.

Click here to view / download a flyer in Adobe PDF format:

in English (95kB)
in Spanish (95kB)

For more information, please contact Dave Szebeda at (617) 524-8303 or via email at dave@hydesquare.org

Ritmo en Accion receive "Coming Up Taller" Award

The Hyde Square Task Force is proud to announce that it is a Coming Up Taller Award winner for its Ritmo en Accion Afro-Latin and contemporary dance program. Youth and adult representatives of the program traveled to Washington, D.C. for a ceremony on Monday, January 28 where they accepted the award, presented at the White House by first lady Laura Bush. The Coming Up Taller award, given by the President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, is the nation's highest honor for out of school arts and humanities programs, recognizing not just excellence in arts, but effectiveness at providing life-altering opportunities to youth who are coming of age in communities where they face limited choices.

CONGRATULATIONS RITMO!!!

Click here to read about Ritmo's award in the Boston Globe.

Click here to learn more about the Coming Up Taller Awards.

Click here to watch the video of Ritmo en Accion performing at the White House.

Learn Thru Dance Students Showcase Their Skills

HSTF’s LTD program brings professional dancers into the Kennedy School during the school day to teach Afro-Latin and contemporary dance, but students don’t just learn dance steps and technique, they Learn Thru Dance—that’s what LTD stands for. A companion literacy curriculum uses dance to motivate students to work on their writing through poetry, spoken word, essays and more.

As their 4-month LTD session drew to a close, 4 fourth grade classes, exhibited their skills in a showcase for the rest of their student body, school staff and their parents. Students introduced each performance by sharing what they’d learned about the history and origins of that dance. The classes studied and presented a variety of styles including contemporary Reggaeton and the more traditional Salsa, Merengue, Cha Cha Cha and Bachata. The show ended with a surprise performance by instructors, Burju and Victor of HYM Dance Company, Boston’s premier Latin dance company. In February the 5th grade classes begin their own session of LTD which will culminate at the end of the year with a showcase that will be part of their graduation ceremonies.

For more information about LTD please contact Brenda at

(617) 524-8303 x 323, brenda@hydesquare.org

Executive Director Claudio Martinez Appointed to Boston School Committee

On Monday, January 7th, HSTF’s Executive Director Claudio Martinez was sworn in as a new member of the Boston School Committee, the seven-member board which governs and sets policy for 145 Boston Public Schools. Mayor Menino offered praise for the appointed members, calling them “extraordinary citizens who have devoted their careers to supporting children and families” and “highly respected role models.” Throughout his time as Executive Director of the Hyde Square Task Force, Claudio has been active in the field of education in Boston; he is a member of the Boston Foundation’s Education Advisory Committee, and currently sits on the boards of Boston After School and Beyond and the Latino After School Steering Committee, among others. Many Hyde Square Task Force youth, alumni, and staff members attended the swearing in ceremony to show their support for Claudio and celebrate this accomplishment.

Click here to view the photo gallery of Claudio Martinez’s Appointment to Boston School Committee.

Three Kings Visit the Kennedy!

In celebration of the traditional Latino holiday El Dia de los Reyes, or Three Kings Day, students in the Kennedy and Curley After School Programs were visited by “three kings” on Friday, January 4th. The kings - community adults dressed as the Three Wisemen of Christian tradition – came bearing gifts and books donated by locally owned businesses. Children in the programs interviewed the kings and also participated in fun literacy activities and games. Three Kings Day is one of HSTF’s annual community events, an opportunity to celebrate the rich cultural heritage of our students while promoting a message of literacy among local students.

To learn more about HSTF After School programs, contact Ana at (617) 524-8303 x 324 or at ana@hydesquare.org

Click here to view the photo gallery of the Three Kings Day at the Kennedy After School Program.

2007

Introducing: M.I.S.T.E.R.

Men in Search of Truth and Empowering Response (MISTER) is a discussion and personal development group for young men of the Hyde Square Task Force. MISTER began in the spring of 2007 as a way for these youth to develop an understanding of themselves and their role in the community, as well as within the organization. They strive to make themselves role models for others by supporting important causes, raising awareness about the many issues Black, Latino, and Asian youth face today, and finding meaningful and real solutions to these issues. MISTER participants pride themselves on becoming leaders at the Hyde Square Task Force and among their peers. Taking a leadership role for the first time as a group, MISTER will be hosting HSTF's annual Youth Holiday Party, to be held on December 21st. MISTER members will be responsible for preparing decorations, entertainment, and activities for all HSTF youth team members.

For more information on MISTER, contact Guy at (617) 524-8303 x 302 or guy@hydesquare.org

Kennedy Kids Learn Thru Dance

This year, 4th and 5th grade students at the Kennedy Elementary School continue to participate in Learn Thru Dance (LTD), HSTF's in-school and after-school dance and literacy program. Learn Thru Dance brings professional dance instructors into the classroom, where they teach Afro-Latin and contemporary dance combined with related literacy activities. This year, four classes will work with dance instructors Victor Perez and Burju Hurturk, one more than was taught the previous year. The after-school component of LTD will be run by HSTF alum and former Youth Literacy Tutor, Catherine Medina. In early February, LTD students will give their first performance, showcasing their new dance skills for parents, teachers, and classmates.

For more information on Learn Thru Dance, contact Brenda at (617) 524-8303 x 323 or brenda@hydesquare.org

Youth Programs Have Started

September and October mark the beginning of all HSTF youth programming for the school year. Hyde Square Task Force youth programs serve hundreds of youth each year. To hold our growing programs, we have recently expanded into 4,000 square feet of community space in the Cheverus School, just steps from our main office on Centre Street. Renovations are underway and will soon be complete on a dance studio, music practice space, and a fully equipped computer lab which will help us to reach up to 100 new youth this year.

Click here to view/download directions to our new space and The Cheverus.

To learn more about our youth leadership and education programs, click here to visit our Programs page.

HSTF Youth Get out the Vote

On Monday, October 15, all HSTF youth participated in a neighborhood voter registration initiative. Through the Coalition to Educate, Mobilize and Vote! (CEMV) a collaboration between the Hyde Square Task Force, City Life/Vida Urbana, and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Council , young people canvassed Hyde/Jackson Square, knocking on doors and offering residents the opportunity to become registered voters. This effort comes in preparation for November elections, and encourages residents to take action on political issues that affect our community. CEMV has been operating for the past six years, and in 2006 alone helped to increase voter turnout in the Hyde/Jackson Square neighborhood by over thirty-five percent.

To learn more about CEMV, please contact Chrismaldi at (617) 524-8303 x 325 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org

To learn more about CEMV, click here to visit our Organizing Page

Show your support for Civics in Boston Public High Schools!

The youth of the Hyde Square Task Force on Thursday October 18th at 5:00 pm at City Hall for a Hearing on Civics Class in Boston Public Schools. The hearing, which will be held in the City Council Chambers on the 5th floor of City Hall, comes in response to hearing order drafted by HSTF youth with the help of City Councilor Chuck Turner. The HSTF youth-led Civics Campaign seeks to alert city officials and the Boston Public School System to the need for a high school curriculum that prepares students to be active participants in a democratic society.

If you cannot make it to the hearing, there are still things you can do to help: call the Mayor’s Office (617-635-4500) to ask that Civics Class be made a requirement for Boston high school students in the 11th and 12th grades. Help us to ensure that ALL Boston youth receive an education that allows them to politically aware, involved, and engaged!

Click here to read more about our Campaign for Civics in the Boston Public Schools.

PCCP Alumni Mix it Up!

On Thursday, August 23rd HSTF’s Paths to College and Careers Program (PCCP) hosted its first Alumni Mixer at our newly acquired space in the Cheverus School. The event brought together a dozen PCCP members, from the class of 2003 to the future Freshman Class of 2011, to reconnect before returning to school. The mixer, planned by new PCCP Coordinator Peter Barros, gave alumni the opportunity to socialize, discuss their college experience, and offer advice to the youth in attendance! Another PCCP Alumni Event will be held over the coming Thanksgiving break.

For more information, contact Peter at (617) 524-8303 x313 or peter@hydesquare.org.

Youth Community Organizers Attend City Council Hearing on Civics

As part of HSTF youth’s effort to improve the quality of education that they receive, our Youth Community Organizers had created a campaign to add a civics component to public high school curriculums across Boston. Their next step in this effort is a hearing with the Boston City Council to stress the need for a civics curriculum that prepares students for an active role in a democratic society. The hearing, which will be held at City Hall on Thursday, October 18, comes in response to a hearing order drafted by the YCO’s with the help of City Councilors Chuck Turner and John Tobin.

For more information, contact Chrismaldi at (617) 524-8303 x325 or chrismaldi@hydesquare.org.

HSTF Youth Artists featured during Jamaica Plain Open Studios

On Saturday, September 29th and Sunday, September 30th, the Hyde Square Task Force participated in Jamaica Plain Open Studios, a community-wide event showcasing local artists. This year, HSTF will feature the work of our youth muralists, photographers, dancers, and musicians at our office, 375 Centre Street. Please come out to see the creativity and talent of our youth on display! We also encourage visitors to stop by the Jackson Square T-Station and see how our Youth Community Muralists have transformed the space using public art.

For more information, contact Paul at (617) 524-8303 x 321 or paul@hydesquare.org.

For more information on Jamaica Plain Open Studios, visit www.jpopenstudios.com.

Ritmo en Acción announced as a Coming Up Taller Semi-Finalist!

For the second year in a row, the Hyde Square Task Force was a Coming Up Taller Semi-finalist for its celebrated Ritmo en Acción/Rhythm in Action dance program. In all of its programs, HSTF utilizes a uniquely effective youth and community development model. Youth learn skills in their program area of choice, and as they gain confidence and mastery, share their skills with younger youth and contribute to their community. The Coming Up Taller Award from the President's Committee on Arts and the Humanities is the nation's highest honor for after school and out of school arts and humanities programs. The announcement of the 15 finalists nationwide is expected in late 2007 or early 2008.

For more information, contact Brenda at (617) 524-8303 x 323 or brenda@hydesquare.org.

The Green Team

This summer, seven Hyde Square Task Force youth worked in collaboration with the Mount Pleasant Home to make Jamaica Plain green! This unique summer employment opportunity allowed teens to gain experience in landscaping while learning environmental science. As they planted trees and other vegetation, youth learned about urban agriculture and ecology. Participants also built relationships with those living in the Mount Pleasant Home, connecting with the residents to form a more solid community. At the end of the summer, Green Team member Nancy Cardona, age 15, said “"I love working with the Mount Pleasant Home residents! I learned that we don't only learn from them, but they learn from us too – just like Dottie Ryan (a resident) says!"

For more information, contact Jaime at (617) 524-8303 x 328 or jaime.lederer@gmail.com.

Spend a Night Out with HSTF!

Step Out in Hyde Square for refreshments and a variety of fun activities for teens, kids and families including: A “One Stage, One Mic” Teen Music and Dance Concert, Kids Fun Night and Family Dance Night.

READY, SET... CLICK!

A few months ago the Hyde Square Task Force entered a competition through an organization called RE-ZOOM, where we needed to click every day on their website in hopes of winning a $5,000 regional prize... well, WE WON! Thanks to your clicking, and those of our colleagues and supporters, friends and family.

Starting MONDAY, JULY 9, we have a chance to win an additional $100,000 through a national "clicking" contest. We are competing against 20 other non-profits nationwide - but our tech savvy and broad base of supporters gives us a distinct advantage over many of our competitors.

Fun (and learning) in the Summertime!

Spaces are still available in our Arts in the Summer Program for grades 1 – 5 (must be at least 6 years old) and our Youth Summer Enrichment Program for youth entering grades 6 – 8. Programs run from July 9th through August 17th from 9 – 3 (or extended hours 9- 4:30). The cost for the Arts Program is $75/week for regular hours or $100/week for extended hours. There is no charge for Youth Summer Enrichment, though a refundable $50 deposit is required. Any Youth Summer Enrichment Participant may stay for extended hours for a charge of $25/week if he/she has a sibling in the Arts in the Summer program. Sibling discounts are available!

H-CAP Youth Release new CHILL Health Guide

Please join us this Friday, June 29th, from 4-6 pm, as the Health Careers Ambassadors Program (H-CAP) Youth Team of the Hyde Square Task Force host their second annual Book Release Party for H-CAP's C.H.I.L.L. Health Guide. The guide is planned, written and designed by H-CAP youth, a group of 16 low-income and minority youth, ages 14-21, from Jamaica Plain, Roxbury and across Boston. “C.H.I.L.L.”, the name the youth chose for the guide, stands for "Community Health In Living and Learning."

This year the guide will focus on nutrition and fitness, and include information on health risks related to poor nutrition and lack of fitness, as well as practical information on how to eat healthy and stay fit. Participants chose nutrition and fitness as topics in response to the epidemic of obesity and related illnesses among urban youth, and especially low-income, Latino and African American youth.

HSTF Annual Meeting - Please Join Us!

The Annual Meeting is an opportunity to reflect on our accomplishments, celebrate with our community members, supporters and friends, and look forward to new challenges and possibilities. The HSTF Annual Meeting will be held this year on May 31st from 5:30 – 8 pm under a tent (rain or shine) on the campus of the Blessed Sacrament Church at 365 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain (map it!). There will be food, music, and fun for all ages. The program will begin at 6:30 and will include: dance and spoken word performances by our talented youth; awards for exemplary community action by our partners State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez, Sociedad Latina, and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation; and of course, the election of HSTF’s Board of Directors. Beginning at 5:30 we will offer tours of the Cheverus Building, which will soon be home to HSTF’s expanding programs. We hope to see you there!

For more information about our Annual Meeting, contact Paul at (617) 524-8303 x 321 or via email at paul@hydesquare.org.

Ritmo en Acción Cultural Showcase

Please join the Hyde Square Task Force this month as Ritmo en Acción Youth Dancers present a variety of Latin and hip hop inspired dance routines for the community in a dance showcase! The Ritmo en Acción Cultural Showcase will celebrate the diverse cultures of the Jamaica Plain/Roxbury community through multiple forms of Latin dance. The evening will include group routines, solo performances, and an appearance by premier Latin dance company, Hacha y Machete Dance Stylists. The Cultural Showcase will take place Sunday, May 20 from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm in the English High School Auditorium, located at 144 McBride St. in Jamaica Plain. Admission to this event is free and open to the public.

For more information on the Cultural Showcase or to learn more about Ritmo en Acción, please contact Brenda at (617) 524-8303 x 323 or brenda@hydesquare.org.

YLT's Present "Think Before You Judge Me"

Hyde Square Task Force’s Youth Literacy Tutors (YLTs) was hosting an evening of spoken word, poetry, and theater performances dealing with the issue of stereotypes. The event, titled Think Before You Judge Me, was developed entirely by HSTF youth, who created their own spoken word pieces, poems and skits to perform for the community. With the help of local spoken word sensation and former HSTF youth leafer Sofia Snow and members of the New Orleans Women's Artist Collective, a group of New Orleans – based poets, the YLTs have designed a program that includes audience participation as well as performance. The goal of this performance is to raise awareness of the stereotypes that exist in society and how they affect our everyday lives. Think Before You Judge Me will take place on Monday, May 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Connolly Branch Library at 433 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. Admission is free and open to the public, we encourage you to attend!

For more information on Think Before You Judge Me or the Youth Literacy Tutors Program, please contact Abe at (617) 524-8303 x 325 or abe@hydesquare.org

Join the Hyde Square Task Force at Wake up the Earth!

On Saturday, May 5th the Hyde Square Task Force offeredinformation on programs and upcoming events at the Wake Up the Earth! Festival at Southwest Corridor Park adjacent to the Stony Brook T-Station in Jamaica Plain. The festival, which was from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm, is a celebration of community and culture featuring food, live music, and a variety of performances by local artists. In addition to our information table, HSTF will also be selling handmade jewelry and baked goods produced by our Youth Entrepreneurship Clubs.

HSTF Youth Join Beaver Country Teens to Break Down Barriers

Together with the Social Action Leaders and Student Council from Beaver Country Day School of Chestnut Hill, MA, the HSTF Youth Advisory Council has planned and implemented the first of several all-day trainings on diversity and leadership. These events are attended by all members of the Hyde Square Task Force’s youth teams and many students from the Beaver Country Day School. The first full-day training on February 3rd focused on learning about diversity and forming connections between the two groups. Participating youth felt that the day’s activities succeeded in creating greater understanding and cooperation among the teens. The next meeting with Beaver Country students, hosted by the Hyde Square Task Force, is scheduled for April 28th and will be centered on leadership development and motivating youth to create social change.

H-CAP Presents at Urban Agriculture Conference

On Saturday, April 14, HSTF’s Health Careers Ambassadors presented at the Food Project’s 3rd Annual Urban Agriculture Conference entitled “Farming the City: Changing the Way We Think About Food, Hunger and Health.” During the conference, which was held at Roxbury Community College, H-CAP youth spoke on their research dealing with supermarket disparities. Their presentation focused on case studies that H-CAP has conducted, comparing the selection and availability of healthy foods in Jamaica Plain’s Super Stop & Shop with the same supermarket chain in Dedham, a suburb of Boston. The findings of this study are intended to raise awareness about the lack of health and nutrition resources in the immigrant and minority communities that we serve.

For more information on the Health Careers Ambassadors Program, or H-CAP, please contact Yi Chin at (617) 524-8303 x303 or yichin@hydesquare.org

Reaching more youth through collaboration

On April 12, the Berklee College of Music Student Salsa Ensemble played before a packed assembly at the J.K. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. Children and teachers were bouncing in their seats and dancing in the aisles. Twenty minutes before the end of the performance, children were invited up onstage to join in the performance. The elementary school students enthusiastically joined in with the college ensemble as drummers, keyboard players and singers. And young dancers – 4th & 5th graders trained through the Hyde Square Task Force’s new Kennedy In-School Dance Initiative – showed off their newly-acquired salsa footwork.

The Milky Way Hosts a Night In Support of the Hyde Square Task Force

This Wednesday, March 7th, the Milky Way Lounge & Lanes is sponsoring a free DJ night benefiting the Hyde Square Task Force. A variety of local bands will be performing; styles of music include punk, indie and classic rock, as well as hip hop. Admission to the event is free; Milky Way booking and promotions manager has suggested those who attend make a $3.00 donation. All of the proceeds will be given Hyde Square Task Force programs. Please come out and enjoy some live music while supporting the Hyde Square Task Force and the community we serve! The Milky Way Lounge & Lanes is located at 405 Centre Street in Jamaica Plain.

Vote for the Hyde Square Task Force!

Re-Zoom, an online organization whose mission is “redefining life for an ageless generation,” is recognizing non-profits that have had a significant impact in the communities they serve. Re-Zoom’s nationwide A Better World grant relies on community members to vote for an organization they believe is creating positive change in the lives of others. The Hyde Square Task Force has been nominated on the regional level, making us eligible for a $5,000 grant based on the number of votes we receive from friends and supporters. In addition, regional nominees with the most votes will be eligible to win ReZoom’s national A Better World grant of $100,000.

Curley E-Clubs Grand Opening a Success!

On Thursday February 15th, the Curley After School Entrepreneurship Clubs celebrated their new business ventures with a successful kick-off event. The Money Maker$, a creative service club, planned and hosted the event which showcased handmade jewelry created by the Dynamic Arts Club and chocolate chip cookies baked by the Cookie Monsterz. Each club also gave a brief presentation detailing their efforts in starting the businesses, and describing what they have learned as young entrepreneurs. The event was attended by Hyde Square Task Force youth, staff and families, as well as local press. Since the Grand Opening, the Cookie Monsterz have been invited to sell their baked goods at local restaurants City Feed and Supply and Bella Luna. Cookies made by the club will be available at both locations on March 10th. The Dynamic Arts group has been hired by the JPNDC to create community-based designs on potted plants as gifts for new home owners in Jamaica Plain. The Money Maker$ are currently organizing a basketball tournament that will take place at the Curley Middle School, scheduled to take place at the end of March. We would like to thank all of our supporters in the community for helping to make the Curley Entrepreneurship Clubs possible!

JP Trees and Earthworks Invite Jamaica Plain Residents to Go Green

JP Trees, a local organization, is collaborating with EarthWorks to encourage the planting of “setback” trees on privately owned property near public rights of way throughout Jamaica Plain. JP Trees and Earthworks have volunteered to plant setback trees in the yards of Jamaica Plain property owners during the months of March, April, and May. There is no cost to residents for the trees; EarthWorks only asks that those who allow trees to be planted on their property be willing to care for them. The setback tree program is an effort to create a healthy and sustainable urban community and increase the communal benefits of trees.

Mozart Mural Receives National Endowment for the Arts Award

The Hyde Square Task Force Youth Community Muralists program has been awarded a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts Challenge America Grant. This mural project, lead by internationally recognized muralist Roberto Chao along with HSTF youth, is an effort to promote peace, raise consciousness, and celebrate the cultural diversity of Hyde/Jackson Square. The youth-designed and created mural in Mozart Park will be a nationally recognized example of youth leadership and celebration of community.

Learn more about the National Endowment for the Arts: www.nea.gov.

Task Force Teens Bring Youth Organizing to Harvard

As part of a class in Education Organizing, Harvard Graduate School of Education students Meredith Mira, Thomas Nikundiwe, and Keith Catone spent the fall semester learning from youth community organizers at the Hyde Square Task Force. These graduate students worked with the YCOs once a week during the semester, providing support as educators while becoming familiar with youth organizing. At the end of the semester teens Victor Martinez, Kenny Emiliano, and Ruben Oviedo were invited to present the Youth Community Organizers' Campaign to End Sexual Harassment, along with other aspects of youth organizing, to Harvard Professor Mark Warren's Education Organizing class. This opportunity allowed the YCOs to share their knowledge of youth organizing with the Harvard students, many of whom are future school principals, superintendents, and policy analysts.

HSTF Executive Director Elected to Boston Foundation Board of Directors

HSTF Executive Director Claudio Martinez has been named to the Boston Foundation Board of Directors. Rev. Ray Hammond, Chair of the Boston Foundation Board, calls Claudio a "community leader with vision" and says "his record of accomplishment with the Hyde Square Task Force puts him at the forefront of the city's new emerging leaders." The Boston Foundation is one of the oldest community foundations in the United States, and is a civic leader in the Greater Boston area.

JFK Students Get Excited About Dance!

This December, a group of fourth graders enrolled in the HSTF/ Kennedy In-School Dance Initiative impressed teachers and families with their newly developed dance skills in a school-wide performance. The in-school dance program, which is the result of a partnership between the Hyde Square Task Force and the Kennedy Elementary School, is taught by professional instructors from Boston's premier Latin dance company, Hacha y Machete. The program allows fourth and fifth graders to study multiple forms of Latin dance while integrating a literacy component into the curriculum. Weekly dance classes promote physical activity, cultural appreciation, literacy, and self-confidence among elementary school students. One of the students who participated in the program said of the experience, "I feel great because I'm moving around all the time and learn new steps and learn to not be that shy."

For more information on the Kennedy in-school dance program, contact Brenda at 617-524-8303 x323 or brenda@hydesquare.org.

Kids at the Curley Become Entrepreneurs!

This year students at the Curley Middle School after school program are becoming small business owners. Using a two hundred dollar HSTF investment, students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades are exploring the basics of entrepreneurship, from designing logos and marketing strategies, to partnering with local businesses to sell their products. Under the guidance of HSTF intern Joshua Livingston, the students have formed three clubs: The Dynamic Arts Club, which makes jewelry from recycled material; the Cookie Monsterz, a baking business; and the Money Maker$, which offers creative services such as hosting the kick-off celebration for the three clubs. This program was inspired by the middle school youth who expressed interest in working and earning money, and is an extension of the Hyde Square Task Force Paths to College and Career Program.

For more information on the Paths to College and Career Program, contact Yi Chin at 617-524-8303 x303 or yichin@hydesquare.org. For more information on the Curley After School program, contact Ana at 617-524-8303 x324 or ana@hydesquare.org.

South African Artists at the Task Force

In an exciting cultural exchange through the Berkana Institute, Hyde Square Task Force teens and staff have partnered with SoMoHo or Soweto Mountains of Hope, a South African organization that uses the arts to promote environmental stewardship and community development. Each week, HSTF staff and youth meet with representatives from SoMoHo to learn about recyclable art making and how it ties into community renewal.

The SoMoHo partnership is part of Hyde Square Task Force’s growing international vision, which will include additional cultural exchanges in upcoming months.

YCO's Turn Out the Vote

As voter turnout numbers rolled in on election night, it became clear that the intensive get out the vote efforts of Hyde Square Task Force Youth Community Organizers through the Coalition to Educate, Mobilize, and Vote (CEMV) had been successful – in some of the CEMV precincts, voter turnout increase nearly 30% from the last election! We would also like to thank the many community volunteers who helped us get out the vote, including employees from Comcast and IXIS Asset Management Advisors Group.

2006

Task Force Named Best Nonprofit in Jamaica Plain

Thank you to all of our supporters who voted to name Hyde Square Task Force and our long time collaborator, the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Jamaica Plain’s two Best Nonprofit Organizations in the Jamaica Plain Gazette’s 2006 annual poll. Congratulations to our hard-working staff and youth!

Arts Explodes at the Task Force!

From the visual to the performing arts, Task Force teens are taking their creativity to the next level. A new member of the Hunt Alternatives Fund's ARTWorks for Kids coalition, on September 30, Ritmo en Acción will participate in the Blooming Art: Nurturing the Future event, where donors, youth arts service providers, and young artists will celebrate the power of art to change lives. This summer, Task Force Youth Community Muralists completed the exciting third phase of the Jackson Square T station mural project, a unique partnership between the MBTA and Hyde Square Task Force.

You can learn more about these efforts as we open our doors this weekend as a part of Jamaica Plain Open Studios. On Saturday, September 30 (12 pm - 5 pm) meet our teen muralists and view their work, On Sunday, October 1 see Ritmo en Acción perform and talk to the dancers about their work teaching salsa and contemporary dance styles to other area youth. For more information please contact Paul at 617-524-8303 x321 or paul@hydesquare.org .

A Successful Summer - thanks to all our supporters!

As fall approaches we want to say thank you to all of our individual supporters (you know who you are!), who contributed over $3000 to our Hyde Square Task Force summer programs and helped us provide to new opportunities for hundreds of youth this summer! In addition to a wide range of literacy and dance-focused summer enrichment programs for youth and teens during regular hours, HSTF also provided opportunities after hours, including our Evenings In Mozart Park series, and our new Youth Dance After Hours. Our thanks also to the Summer Safety Funder Collaborative and Children's Hospital, whose financial support contributed to our summer success.

Youth Form Inter-generational Bonds, Build Skills

In a new partnership between Hyde Square Task Force and Mount Pleasant Home, eleven area youth are forging strong connections with Mount Pleasant’s elderly residents as they work as urban landscapers, clearing the grounds of the home to complete the first phase of Mount Pleasant’s urban landscaping. In this exciting summer initiative, local youth learn about urban ecology, the history of the Emerald Necklace, safety with tools or equipment, potential environmental dangers like poison ivy or erosion, and landscaping as a career. For more information on the Mount Pleasant partnership, please call Yi Chin at (617) 524-8303 x303 or email her at: yichin@hydesquare.org.

View photos & read more about the Mount Pleasant partnership

Task Force Board President named Patriots' MVP

This summer, the New England Patriots presented Board President Nelson Arroyo with a Community MVP Award. This award honors individuals who exemplify leadership, dedication and a commitment to improving the communities in which they live through volunteerism. The Kraft family and the New England Patriots chose this award for Nelson because of his many years of service to Hyde/Jackson Square and the JP and Roxbury communities.

Summer Programming Combats Youth Violence

Thanks to the Summer Safety Funder Collaborative and Children's Hospital, the Hyde Square Task Force was provided funds to help keep Jamaica Plain and Roxbury safe and fun for youth and their families this summer. In addition to a wide range of literacy and dance-focused summer enrichment programs for youth and teens during regular hours, HSTF will also operate programs after hours, including Evenings In Mozart Park, Wednesdays at 5pm on Mozart & Centre Streets in Jamaica Plain, and exciting new Youth Dance After Hours.

2006 Meeting Celebrates 15 Years of Youth Achievement

Hundreds of youth and families came out to celebrate with Hyde Square Task Force on a rainy Saturday, June 10, on the grounds of the Blessed Sacrament Church. After a key note speech by Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, attendees listened to live music from DiLe, ate delicious food and watched high quality presentations and performances by all teens from Hyde Square Task Force Youth Teams and Kennedy and Curley After School youth.

Health Careers Ambassadors Release CHILL Resource Guide

The HSTF Health Careers Ambassadors Program (H-CAP) celebrated a year of hard work and creative energy at a book release party on June 20, where they presented the long-awaited Community Health Information Living and Learning (CHILL), a public health outreach tool to educate youth about important health issues. The event was featured in the June 30 issue of BWH Bulletin, a publication of Brigham and Women's Hospital. For more information on the CHILL Guide or H-CAP, please call Yi Chin at (617) 524-8303 x303 or email her at: yichin@hydesquare.org.

Youth Community Organizers Present BPS Survey Results

On Tuesday, June 6, at The Nurse’s Hall at the Massachusetts State House, HSTF Youth Community Organizers released powerful results of a recent survey of over 500 high school students on the issue of sexual harassment in the Boston Public High Schools. According to Maanav Thakore, a HSTF Community Organizer, “The study clearly demonstrates that sexual harassment is a serious civil rights issue that deeply affects the health and well-being of our city’s young people.”

Help us reach more youth than ever before - donate now!

This summer we are expanding our regular programming to engage even more youth and families in safe, community-building activities such as our new Youth Dance After Hours initiative that will reach out to 65 teens across the community and engage them in dance workshops and performance, or our newly-expanded Evenings in Mozart Park community events series which will provide weekly arts and recreational activities in Mozart Park and Hyde Square's Jefferson Field.

As media reports sound the alarm about rising violence this summer, we invite you instead to be part of the solution: join us in reaching out to more youth and families than ever before through these constructive and community-enhancing efforts. Your financial support will help keep our program fees low and enable us to hire dozens of area teens as counselors, teachers, artists, and organizers!

Ritmo en Acción a Coming Up Taller Semifinalist

The Hyde Square Task Force is pleased to announce that the Ritmo en Acción dance team has been selected as a Coming Up Taller Semifinalist by the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities. Selected from over 350 nominees as one of 50 semifinalists, this honor distinguished Ritmo en Acción as “one of the top arts- and humanities-based programs in the country serving youth beyond the school hours,” according to the Committee leadership.

Ritmo en Acción - semifinalista para distinción nacional

El Comité de Hyde Square tiene el orgullo de anunciar que el Comité presidencial para las artes y humanidades seleccionó al grupo de baile Ritmo en Acción como semifinalista para recibir la distinción Coming Up Taller. De 350 grupos nominados, Ritmo en Acción tuvo el honor de distinguirse como uno de los 50 semifinalistas por ser “uno de los mejores programas de artes y humanidades del país que le ofrece servicios a los jóvenes después de horas de clase”, según la dirigencia del comité.

Youth Reach "Pinnacle" in Spring Retreat

On Thursday, April 20th, teens from our different youth leadership teams came together for a day-long retreat at the Grand Circle Corporation's Pinnacle Leadership Center in Kensington, New Hampshire. The youth spent the day involved in team building activities, including a high-altitude ropes course! These activities forced teens “out of their comfort zone” and taught them “how to support each other,” according to H-CAP Coordinator Yi-Chin Chen. The teens finished the afternoon by engaging in a 45 minute “SWOT” analysis (Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats) as part of an organization-wide strategic planning process. The youth retreat provides a valuable opportunity for members of our different youth teams to mingle and socialize.

We thank the Grand Circle Corporation for hosting our youth!

2005

Hyde Square Task Force Mentoring Success Story

(Adobe PDF, file size: 172kB)

Mass Mentoring Partnership website (www.mentoring.org/ma) December 2005

"Wandy and Ken first met on the baseball field in Jamaica Plain. Wandy was an 11 year-old with a dream of making it big to Major Leagues one day, and Ken was a community volunteer coach for his team in the local league... "

Health care project looking robust for HSTF

Jamaica Plain Bulletin, November 3, 2005

"What began as a modest pilot program in response to Jamaica Plain youths interested in health care has blossomed into a $120,000 four-facility success for the Hyde Square Task Force... "

Local Teen Artists and Hyde Square Task Force Complete Two-Year Mural Project

MBTA News / Events, October 25, 2005

"On Thursday, October 13th, teens from the non-profit Hyde Square Task Force unveiled 10 large pieces of artwork inside the Jackson Square T Station along the Orange Line... "

Spotlight on Boston Girls' Sports and Physical Activities

GoGirlGo! Network Fall 2005

"... the Hyde Square Task Force is demonstrating its desire to improve the quality of life for its girls by participating in the Boston Girls’ Sports and Physical Activity Project... "

JP teenagers speak out against sexual harassment

The Bay State Banner, September 1, 2005

"Every day girls as young as 12 years old are accosted by men old enough to be their fathers, harassed by groups of teenage boys and asked for sexual favors ..."

Taking back the streets: Hyde Square youth battle harassment

JP Bulletin, September 1, 2005

"A group of students last Thursday took a stand against sexual harassment ..."

Teens craft a new 'no' to sexual harassment

Boston Globe, August 25, 2005

"Yeslinette Burgos says she is asked for sexual favors by males almost every day. In the 10 minutes it takes for her to walk from the Jackson Square MBTA station in Jamaica Plain to her summer job on Centre Street, Burgos is whistled at, followed, and often peppered with obscenities by groups of men, young and old, who hang out ..."

Long-Awaited Jackson Square Plan Now A Reality

Jamaica Plain Bulletin - June 2, 2005

A youth-led effort to organize against sexual harassment, wins award from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation.

Women Engaged in Political Action

Barbara Lee Foundation - May 24, 2005

A youth-led effort to organize against sexual harassment wins award from the Barbara Lee Family Foundation.

He Inspires Stories From the City, Stories From the Barrios

Boston Globe - May 15, 2005

On May 9th, 2005, our Youth Literacy Tutors performed original works and engaged Dominican-born author in a frank discussion on growing up bi-cultural.

Teens Lobby for Summer Jobs

JP Bulletin - May 12, 2005

A planned protest became a friendly meeting at the Emack & Bolio's ice cream shop, where teenagers challenged the store's policy against hiring minors.

Jamaica Plain Residents Fight to Keep Community Flavor

Boston Globe - April 21, 2005

Local church site is the latest battleground in the fight for affordable housing.

Local Residents Send Message to Arch-Diocese

Boston Herald - April 13, 2005

Community residents rallied on Tuesday, April 12th to stress the importance of neighborhood concerns as the Boston Arch-Diocese prepares to make a decision on the sale of the Blessed Sacrament Church.

Youth Leader Featured By the United Way

United Way of Massachusetts Bay (www.uwmb.org)

Former youth leader Leonardo Peguero is featured in the 2004-2005 promotional materials of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. Now a freshman at Bentley College, Leo was a Youth Community Organizer and member of the Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Team.

Hard Lessons About Life on the Streets

Boston Globe - March 25, 2005

As part of The Jamaica Plain Anti-Violence Collaborative, Task Force youth are using theater to explore issues of violence and safety in our community.

Under Suspicion

Boston Globe - February 27, 2005

Community Organizer Jesús Gerena was recently interviewed in the Boston Globe’s City Weekly section about the issues surrounding Somerville’s recently-enacted anti-gang ordinance.

No Match for Kids

Boston Globe - February 27, 2005

The youth-led organizing efforts of the Boston Tobacco Advocacy Project (a collaboration between Sociedad Latina , Whittier Street Health Center and the Hyde Square Task Force) were recently featured by the Boston Globe.

kidvocate Spotlight

Office of Child Advocacy - Winter 2005

Our Women Engaged in Physical Activity! (WEPA!) program, and WEPA! Coordinator Ana Almeida, were recently featured by Boston Children’s Hospital’s Office of Child Advocacy in their publication, kidvocate. The Task Force recently received a $5,000 from Children’s Hospital in support of WEPA!

Crowd Wants Community Use for Church Land

Jamaica Plain Gazette - February 18, 2005

Teen Youth Community Organizers Wandy Peguero and Gian Gonzalez (who is also chair of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council’s Youth Affairs Committee) spoke out in favor of affordable housing at a February 16th community meeting at the Kennedy Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. Both spoke as lifetime neighborhood residents who hoped someday to buy a home in their neighborhood. The meeting was sponsored by the JPNC to solicit community input on the potential sale and development of the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.

Teens Organize Against Violence on the Orange Line

Bay State Banner - January 13, 2005

Youth coordinators with the Hyde Square Task Force have long complained about the conditions in the Jackson Square MBTA stop...

2005

Youth Leadership Curriculum Updated

Last summer, Task Force teens and staff came together in a series of intensive meetings (guided by an experienced youth development consultant) to describe the many skills and competencies youth gain as participants of our youth leadership programs. The five competency levels described in our new Core Leadership Curriculum Handbook acknowledge the different level of skills of a teen new to our programs with one who has become a “Changemaker.” Attainment of different levels of achievement are determined by youth self-evaluation and periodic review by each youth team's supersivor.

Phase II of Jackson Mural Project Unveiled

On Thursday, October 13th, teens from the Hyde Square Task Force unveiled 10 large pieces of artwork inside the Jackson Square T Station along the Orange Line. The large multi-shaped panels celebrate the rich multi-culturalism of the Hyde/Jackson Square area - one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods. Part of an ongoing youth campaign against violence in the Jackson Square area, this two-year mural project was a unique collaboration between the Hyde Square Task Force and its youth group; the office of State Representative Jeffrey Sanchez; and the MBTA. With the guidance of internationally known muralist and community artist Roberto Chao, youth from Jamaica Plain and Roxbury worked together to create a more friendly, inviting, and safer transit environment for customers and passersby.

Teens rally in Jamaica Plain to stop sexual harrassment

On August 25th, teens rallied in Jamaica Plain against the sexual harassment they frequently experience on community streets and in their schools, asking for their community’s support to end the offensive behavior. The group designed post cards which say “please treat me with respect” and which provide a list of actions considered harassment. They are distributing them to area residents and stores in the Hyde Square area. The event was covered widely in the Boston press.

Task Force teens placed at four local health centers

On October 24, 2005, the Hyde Square Task Force officially announced the beginning of the Health Careers Ambassadors Project, or H-CAP. Funded through a two-year grant from the Workforce Investment Act (administered by Boston's Office for Jobs & Community Services), H-CAP aims to help youth explore different career opportunities within the health care industry. Local youth between the ages of 14 to 21 are placed in health care internships in which they gain hand-on experiences in a health care setting. Through their involvement with the program, the youth participate in job readiness trainings, job shadows of different health care professionals, and technical trainings to strengthen the skills needed to work in the health care field. Currently, H-CAP is in collaboration with Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, Brookside Community Health Center, Dimock Community Health Center, and Martha Eliot Community Health Center.

Boston Tobacco Advocacy Project Awards Ceremony

Please join us at Boston City Hall on Thursday, September 15th as we celebrate the accomplishments of the Youth Community Organizers of Sociedad Latina, the Hyde Square Task Force and Whittier Street Health Center in their successful policy work to protect young people from becoming the next generation of smokers!! Thank you BTAP for your commitment and fearlessness, we are extremely proud!!

2005 Jamaica Plain World's Fair

The 17th Annual Jamaica Plain World's Fair will be held on Sunday, September 11th along Centre St. in the Hyde Square nieghborhood of Jamaica Plain. Please join us for this free event!

Get Out the Vote!

The Hyde Square Task Force and the Coalition to Educate, Mobilize and Vote are looking for volunteers to work on Get Out The Vote efforts in Jamaica Plain this fall. Volunteer opportunities include door knocking, staffing information tables at upcoming festivals, phone banking, and other related activities. For more information please contact Jesús Gerena at 617-524-8303 x304 or via email at jesus@hydesquare.org.

College-Bound Program Seeking Mentors

Piloted last year, the College Bound Mentoring Program is designed to provide high school seniors with the individual attention that is needed to survive the college application process. The program matches trained community and college volunteers with a Hyde Square Task Force senior for the whole academic year to support him/her with:

- researching different schools
- completing the applications
- editing personal statements
- finding scholarships

The program requires a minimum of a 2 hour commitment per week beginning September through June, and potentials mentors will be asked to attend a 2 hour training prior to the matching. Interested applicants should contact Yi Chin Chen as soon as possible via email at yichin@hydesquare.org, or at the office 617-524-8303 ext. 303.

Learn more about our Paths to College & Careers Program.

A Summer Evening of Youth Performance

On Wednesday, August 3, the Hyde Square Task Force held an "Evening in Mozart Park" to celebrate the talents and diversity of local youth.

View photos from "Evenings in Mozart"

Read a Press Release about this event

Celebrating Youth & Programs at the Annual Meeting

On June 9th, the Hyde Square Task Force held its Annual Meeting outdoors at the Kennedy Elementary School. Nearly 500 youth, family & community members came together for this spirited event, which featured original spoken word, hip-hop and dance performances by Task Force participants from our after school programs for elementary and middle school students and our teen leadership programs.

Youth Achieve Victory in Jackson Square!!!

The Hyde Square Task Force youth arrived at a major milestone and achieved an unprecedented victory on June 1st when Mayor Menino and Boston Redevelopment Authority Director Mark Maloney announced that the Jackson Partners, Inc. Development Team was chosen to develop the several acres of vacant and underutilized land surrounding the Jackson Square T Station, on the border of Jamaica Plain and Roxbury.

HSTF Executive Director on Barr Sabbatical

Executive Director Claudio Martinez, recently named a Fellow of the Barr Foundation, has begun a three-month sabbatical as of June 1st. Claudio began his sabbatical by embarking on a professional development trip to South Africa, together with eleven other recently-named Barr Fellows. Jesús Gerena, recently named Director of Community Development & Organizing, and Brenda Rodriguez-Andújar, who was recently appointed Director of School Based and Cultural Programs, have been serving as Interim Co-Directors during Claudio's three-month absence and have taken on many of his responsibilities during in his absense. Board President Nelson Arroyo, together with other members of the Task Force Board of Directors, have worked closely with program staff to ensure a smooth transition.

Learn more about the Barr Fellows Program.

NDC recognizes Task Force Youth Organizers

The Hyde Square Task Force Youth Community Organizers (YCOs) were presented with a community leadership award in front of several hundred local residents at the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation's Annual Meeting on May 12th. JPNDC staff stated that the youth were being recognized for their leadership and activism around the issues of safety in the Jackson Square area, voter registration and voter turnout in the last several elections. The key role of the youth organizers in the proposed $200 million Jackson Square Development was also highlighted.

State Senator Diane Wilkerson, the keynote speaker at the event, also praised the Task Force teen organizers. Senator Wilkerson noted the need to recognize the youth and their great work in the community. She also noted that there will be a youth and family center built in Jackson Square thanks to the effort of the youth organizers in leading the community process.

Learn more about the YCO's.

HSTF Youth Organizer Honored

BENTLEY College recently named Youth Organizer Lashay Shepard as one of the TOMORROW 25. The international leadership competition was launched by Bentley to identify exemplary leaders of tomorrow. Chosen from hundreds of nominations from around the world, the 25 winners will receive national recognition and interact with high-profile leaders at the inaugural Bentley Leadership Forum in cooperation with TIME magazine set to take place on May 10. The Tomorrow 25 students will also appear in a national ad in TIME magazine as part of Bentley's national campaign.

Celebrating Teen Literacy

On Monday, May 9th at the Connolly Branch Library in Jamaica Plain, the Youth Literacy Tutors (YLT's) of the Hyde Square Task Force presented an evening in celebration of literacy. The evening featured a reading by Dominican-born writer Junot Diaz, author of the critically-acclaimed short story collection "Drown", as well as related readings and performances by the YLT's. A book-signing (co-sponsored by Rhythm & Muse booksellers) followed the event, with a portion of proceeds going to benefit the Task Forces youth literacy programs.

Team-Building at the Spring Youth Retreat

On March 16 & 17, more than 30 teens from the Hyde Square Task Force came together for the 2005 Spring Youth Retreat, held this year at the Warren Conference Center in Ashland, MA. For two days, the teens learned more about each other and one another's programs through team-building activities and youth-led presentations. To view photos of the retreat, click on "Team-Building at the Spring Youth Retreat," above.

Proposal for a New Jackson Square

Jackson Square Partners, a partnership of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, Urban Edge and the Hyde Square Task Force, presented recently-completed proposal for the development of Jackson Square to a crowd of more than 400 at Roxbury Community College on Wednesday, February 9th, 2005. To read a press release describing the new proposal, click on "Proposal for a New Jackson Square," above.

"Discovering Community" Initiative

The Hyde Square Task Force recently received $15,000 from The Met Life Foundation to help build stronger ties between the students & staff of the Mary E. Curley Middle School and the community. This initiative builds on the work of the Curley Consortium, a collaboration between Curley staff and the after school & social service providers that work with the Curley school community. To learn more about the effort, please contact Curley After School Coordinator Ana Almeida at (617) 524-8303 x324 or via email at ana@hydesquare.org .

Three Kings Message of Peace

On January 5th, 2005, Youth Community Organizers from the Hyde Square Task Force in Jamaica Plain brought a message of peace to commuters at the Jacckson Square T Station in Jamaica Plain. READ MORE >>

Youth Score Anti-Smoking Victory

On December 8th, 2004, the Boston City Council passed tough new legislation that would revoke the licenses of stores selling cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. The new law passed thanks to the vigorous advocacy efforts of the Boston Tobacco Advocacy & Prevention Coalition, or BTAP, a group of teens from the Sociedad Latina, the Hyde Square Task Force, & the Whittier Street Health Center. READ MORE >>

Annual Appeal a Success!

Over the past month we have received donations from more than 100 individual donors. With amounts ranging from $10 to $500 (and one extraordinary contribution of $2500!), we raised over $8000 UPDATE in our annual year-end appeal. THANK YOU! Your support helps us run our programs and demonstrate our strong base of community support to our corporate, government and foundation funders. FIND OUT MORE about how you can contribute your time and/or financial support to the Task Force >>

2004

An Award-Winning Coalition

On November 17th, the Task Force was recognized by the Boston Foundation for its efforts to increase minority voter participation as a part of the Coalition to Educate, Mobilize, & Vote!, or CEMV, a collaboration with partners City Life/Vida Urbana and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation. Our collective work in voter registration & mobilization has helped increase voter turnout in the last three elections by 80%, 65%, and 55%, respectively, in the largely low-income and minority precincts surrounding the Hyde/Jackson & Egleston Squares.

Task Force Teen Elected to Chair Neighborhood Council Youth Affairs Committee

Congratulations to Task Force Board President Nelson Arroyo for his recent election as chairman of the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council. Other noteworthy appointments include Jesús Gerena, the Task Force's Community Organizer, who was elected vice-chair, and Gian Gonzalez, a teen Youth Community Organizer at the Task Force, who is the newly-elected chairman of the Council's Youth Affairs Committee.