DISCOVER YOUR FUTURE:  The Paths to College & Careers Program (PCCP) at the Hyde Square Task Force is co-sponsoring "Discovering Your Future: Siempre Palante!", an all-day college and career conference designed to provide an opportunity for the youth in Boston to learn about different career and educational opportunities that are available to them.

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 will be presenting an Evening in celebration of literacy.  The evening will feature 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.

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.

2004 ANNUAL REPORT:  Read about what we’ve done over the past year to enrich academics, prepare for college & careers, promote literacy, create positive relationships, inspire ambitions, take action, and celebrate culture and community.

And please don’t forget to CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE at http://www.hydesquare.org  With revised program information, regularly updated highlights, and a beautiful new look, our new site will keep you current with what’s happening at the Task Force. 

View current highlights at http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/highlights.html

In the News:

Local Residents Send a Clear Message to the Boston Arch-Diocese 
Community residents will rally 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 
Former youth leader Leonardo Peguero is featured in the 2004-2005 promotional materials of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.  Now a freshman at Boston College, Leo was a Youth Community Organizer and member of the Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Team.

Hard Lessons About Life on the Streets
Task Force youth are using theater to explore issues of violence and safety as a part of The Jamaica Plain Anti-Violence Collaborative.

View recent news items at http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/inthenews.html

Upcoming:

April:

Discovering Your Future: Siempre Palante! City-Wide Youth College & Career Conference

Hyde/Jackson Main Streets Annual Meeting

Summer Camps Information Session

Engaging Families Initiative Family Night

Literacy Camp Registration

Wake Up the Earth!

Celebrating Teen Literacy w/ Junot Diaz

Ritmo Dance Camp Registration

BCLC Math & Science Showcase

View a complete events calendar at http://www.hydesquare.org/news_and_events/calendar_2005.html

To learn MORE ABOUT A PARTICULAR PROGRAM or find out how TO ENROLL, contact:

* Ritmo en Acción Youth Dance Troupe - Brenda x323 or brenda@hydesquare.org

* YouthFirst in Jackson Square Community Organizing Initiative - Jesús x304 or jesus@hydesquare.org

* Kennedy Elementary School After School Program - Brenda x323 or brenda@hydesquare.org

* Curley Middle School After School Program - Ana x324 or ana@hydesquare.org

* Paths to College & Career Program (PCCP) - Yi-Chin x303 or yichin@hydesquare.org

* Women Engaged in Physical Activity (WEPA) - Ana x324 or ana@hydesquare.org

We are always SEEKING NEW VOLUNTEERS to work with youth and support our programs.  To download a flyer on current volunteer opportunities, go to:

http://www.hydesquare.org/get_involved/volunteer.html 

or contact Yi-Chin Chen at 617-524-8303 x303 or at yichin@hydesquare.org

And of course we always WELCOME YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT.  To make an online donation, please visit:

http://www.hydesquare.org/get_involved/donate.html

FOR A COMPLETE STAFF DIRECTORY: http://www.hydesquare.org/about_us/board.html

FOR DIRECTIONS TO THE HYDE SQUARE TASK FORCE: http://www.hydesquare.org/contact_us/directions_main.html

TO ADD OR REMOVE YOUR NAME FROM OUR E-UPDATES MAILING LIST, please email paul@hydesquare.org