Country of Residence
United States
Age
17
Project title
Thee Diversity Club
Project Summary: Describe your project in one sentence
My goal for this project is for all color, gender, orientation and race to unite together as one, while addressing systemic issues within our society. I wanted to express the importance of diversity, so this was the perfect opportunity to do that. In a world where we are put in boxes, it is important to share and embrace the beauty of uniqueness. I took this challenge because everyone deserves to be heard. Representation will never be too much for the world. Hatred repels, love pulls us closer.
Website URL(s) or social media handles.
Project Category
My project is a brand new / emerging idea
Project Stage
Pilot-Stage (We’ve tried an activity or two)
Founding Story: What was the spark that led you to start your project? What was the "Aha!" moment that led you to get started and see the potential for this to succeed?
Our school used to have a diversity club but I found out it had gotten cancelled this year, and one of my librarians, Mrs. Ressler, encouraged me to take charge and start my own. At first I was hesitant and was iffy about taking the lead, but then I decided to step up and take chances. I am someone who's always been shy to voice their opinion or say what's on my mind, and the women who empowered me within my original cub helped me to so, and I am forever grateful for them. Though they're not continuing the organization, I'm willing to continue my legacy. Me and my team are currently making posters to hang up around the school land spread the word. No matter how many participate, I'm happy that I'm able to make a change, no matter how big or small. I already recruited my vice president, and a few more of my members. I know it seems scary for me to take on a big responsibility but I don't mind it. Part of life is taking risks. My community may not be the biggest, the fanciest, or the richest but I know for a fact that I can get the word out and connect with others. Everyone deserves to be seen. I want to protect the mistreated, the needy, the broken, the bruised, the hurt, and the ignored. If its one little me and others that can take on such responsibility, I'm ready.
The Problem: What problem are you helping to solve? Why does it matter to you and your community?
America is considered the land of the free and the home of the brave, yet we discriminate against the people who intend to start a new life here, look different from us, who don't make as much money as us, or participate in the same cultures as us. My team and I want to use the power of expression to address those issues. Culture wars do not fix anything, they only bring more hatred within our country, and right now we are living in a country who hides behind hypocrisy instead of the truth. A country that is called the "freedom land" cannot exclude others and demonize them for the way that they look, act, or dress. Innocent people are being killed by higher powers instead of holding the corrupt accountable. I am not afraid to speak up against such views that spout hatred, injustice, prejudice or xenophobia.
Your Solution: How are you solving this problem? Share your specific solution.
My way to combat this problem is to spread that message through culture, creativity, peaceful protest and funding. Art has always been something I hold near and dear to my heart, and its a way to let my emotions out. I make political art from time to time to talk about the societal issues going on in our world, and I want to encourage others to do that too, without spreading hate or violence. I take inspiration off of many artists such as Frida Kahlo, Gwendolyn Knight, and Norman Rockwell because they interpret their words through the beauty of art, combating systemic, societal and racial issues. I look up to those specific people because they helped me become less afraid to say the uncomfortable truth and speak my mind, and I hope I can encourage others to do that as well, whether it may be posters, murals, sketches and such.
Impact: How has your project created impact / made a difference so far? Or, if at an early stage, what will impact look like?
We haven't made much of a start yet but I'm hoping that we can continue the legacy of this group when I graduate during my senior year and I can pass the baton to them. I'm hoping that my diversity group will encourage people to make friends while fighting against injustice. My group and I were also thinking of walking to our downtown or participating in our community's art festival to display each other's cultures and identities. I think it's a beautiful way to show how adolescents approach modern day issues.
Your Innovation: What is different about your project compared to other programs or solutions already out there? How is your project new or innovative?
My project is about change, not exploitation. I am not doing this because I want something in return, I want this because I want to represent not just my school, but my entire hometown. I want this group to be a way of welcoming people who are new here, whether they were born here or immigrated here, to see that there is a space made for them. I want to graduate from my school knowing I left a mark on my community.
How many people are on your team?
15
Your team: What role(s) do your team members play? How do you share leadership with them?
We haven't fully established team member roles yet but here are some ideas I have so far. I am the president of our group. My close companions, Addison Houser is my vice president and Ana Ramos Cangussu is our secretary. I'm still gathering more people and checking in whether they'll be available to help me so there's still time to organize this together.
What’s Next: What are the next steps you plan to take to grow or strengthen your project over the next year? If your project is still in the idea stage, describe the steps you will take over the next three months to launch or begin developing it.
We are in the process of talking to fellow teachers who'd be interested in helping us, hanging up flyers amongst our school, sending out emails and talking to close friends or anyone who'd be interested in joining. I am currently making connections and asking around. Students will also be receiving volunteering hours for joining the club so they can put it on their college application.
How do you encourage other people to join your project or learn about the problem you’re working on? If you have a new idea, tell us how you will do this in the future.
I'm still asking friends who'd be interested in joining and I am asking some teachers I am in alliance with to help with the process. I am also encouraging snacks in our meetings to keep our guests company while we discuss and work on projects. However, I will be graduating this year, so it's best for me to have someone I trust continue that legacy and run future meetings. I am looking forward to seeing how this plays out and how we can make a positive impact within our community .
