The
bright, warm sunshine displayed on Saturday, March 19 provided a
stunning atmosphere for nearly 200 youth and adults assembled together
to make a difference for peace at the 7th Annual Central Ohio Peace
March & Expo. Central Community House provided the gathering place
for youth-serving organizations participating in the Central Ohio Youth
Peacemakers Training Program. The
citywide event also attracted much community support from Columbus City
Council Members Eileen Pailey and Herschel Craig, the Directions for
Youth & Families, Columbus Coalition Against Family Violence, Hearts
Healing Hearts, United Way, UMADAOP, NoBoRa, OSU Youth Violence
Prevention Advisory Board, Columbus Housing Partnership/Americorps, Kaleidoscope Youth Center, Columbus City Council, Ohio Avenue Youth Center, Communities in Schools and Franklin County Childrens Services unifying in a symbolism of strength and support for non-violence.
A peace-filled rally set the pace with performances by the Short Stop Youth Group and sentiments shared by Tracey Peppers, a mother who lost her son to senseless violence close to the area of the march. Select youth in the Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers Training Program were awarded with Gold Level honors. Gold Level recognition is given to youth who complete a minimum six weeks of training, created a violence-free presentation and performed the presentation during the Peace Expo in hopes of being selected to perform at the SAVE Awards Premiere on April 27, 2011. All participants marched from Central Community House headed east and gathered at Kimball Place for the Balloon Release for Peace. The experience was captured and shared by ABC 6, Fox 28, the Columbus Dispatch, and NBC 4. Gold Level participants returned to Central Community House to audition before a 6-member selection committee featuring Rika Fanning, Heidi Yoakum, Nicole “Lady Xtreme” Carter, James Thornton, Devin “Trek” Thomas, and Francine Marchelle. Only six groups were selected to perform their presentations at the SAVE Awards Premiere on Wednesday, April 27, 2011 at the beautiful Lincoln Theatre. The community is invited to experience these dynamic performances and presentations. Get tickets!
Peace Week
is an annual SAVESNet @ Linden McKinley STEM Academy event that
provides leadership opportunities for members while spreading the
message of non-violence with the hopes of improving school climate.
Peace Week was celebrated during the week of December 13 - 17, 2011.
Take a look at this year's Peace Week activities:
Monday was "Service Day". It afforded SAVESNet members the opportunity to invite any Linden McKinley student in grades 9-12 to their on-going community service project, which is tutoring at-risk elementary school students at a local church. Guests were invited by 16 SAVESNet members to experience this project. The goal was to show how rewarding participating in community service can be while acquiring some of the necessary community service hours for graduation but more importantly service can be fun when you’re with a positive peer group.
Tuesday was "No Cussin - No Saggin Day". SAVESNet members held each other accountable with no cussin’ and no saggin’ stickers by putting them on members and classmates when they were caught using inappropriate language or not following school dress code by sagging their pants. Also this day was to demonstrate to students how much a part of the language they use is profanity on a daily basis. Sixty-seven SAVESNet members and hundreds of Linden McKinley students participated in the activity as it spread throughout the entire school.
Wednesday was “A Day to Remember”. A large poster board was placed on a wall in front of the office for staff and students to sign the names of loved one that had been victims of violence or had been killed by a violent act. Unfortunately, the board was filled before the end of 6th period illustrating the significant amount of violence that young people are introduced to at an early age. The point made was violence effects everyone and it is a problem we must all work to solve. 68 SAVESNet members led the activity with countless more Linden students and staff participating.
Thursday was “I Got Love 4 You Day”. In “pay it forward” fashion, 64 SAVESNet members spread the love via positive comments and colorful “I Got Love 4 You “stickers. Members placed stickers on friends, family and staff that they appreciate, thanking them for making a difference in their life. In turn, anyone who received a sticker was responsible for giving one to someone other than the person that gave one to them. Nine hundred stickers were distributed during this school wide activity.
Friday concluded the week with “Awareness Day”. Over 70 SAVESNet members wore their “Non Violence is…” t-shirts and formed a line across the entire gymnasium floor before the entire student body as two members gave speeches calling for peace, more academic responsibility and pride in their school. It was a day to remind the student body and staff that SAVESNet is active in the fight to eliminate violence from our schools and communities. Awareness Day also served as a reminder that nonviolence is just one option for the students at Linden McKinley and that there is always a positive choice and safe place for students to interact. Peace Week provided an opportunity for SAVESNet to reach the entire school and community as the week of activities produced new members and new energy going into 2011.
On December 8, 2010, 23 SAVESNet @ South High School students participated in the Leadership Development field trip at SportsOhio. SportsOhio is an indoor facility that has various team building and leadership activities. The purpose of Leadership Development is to further enhance and develop the leadership traits and characteristics of each student. The students were put on different teams and given opportunities to lead the team. Several on-staff coaches worked with the students leading and instructing them. The activities required problem solving, communication, survival strategies and physical endurance. The students learned that the natural-born leaders were the first ones to step up and try to organize the team and implement what they thought would work. The students were able to identify their own personal leadership styles. Some were encourage-ers, some were peacemakers, and some were very competitive. The coaches did a debriefing with the students after each activity was completed. This allowed them to share what worked and what could have been done differently or more efficiently. During this time of debriefing, SAVESNet members shared their thoughts on the entire experience. Dustin- “I didn’t realize how difficult it was to get people to agree with you” Joseph- “I need to get in better shape in order to get through the obstacle course quicker” Raven- “I realize that I had to be a team player in order to win the competition. Joy- “I was having lots of fun.” Each student came away from this experience with a greater understanding of what it takes to be a good leader. Each student had fun while learning how to communicate and complete the task at hand.
Ballin' with SAVESNet
On Saturdays, March 5 and
12 the SAVESNet @ Linden McKinley STEM Academy, Mr. Martin, hosted an
afternoon of basketball and education for male members of SAVESNet. The
purpose of the event was not to improve basketball skills, but to
enhance social skills. The group covered how to interact with the
opposite sex, communication and the self-image of African American
males. For the 14 young men who participated and Mr. Martin,
this provided rapport building and bonding time, which served to build
trust that will serve as the platform for future participation in the
program. The plan is for Mr. Martin to continue meeting with the young
men during summer break.
SAVESNet @ South High School members began the LeaderSpark training program on January 18, 2011. The LeaderSpark Program develops the practical leadership skills and experiences necessary for leaders today and tomorrow. The SAVESNet students receive instruction from two LeaderSpark facilitators during the regular weekly scheduled SAVESNet meetings. This training will continue until April 14, 2011. Each student received a workbook with curriculum topics including: Qualities and styles of leadership, working with groups, planning projects, dealing with conflict, presenting your self and public speaking, interviewing, recognition and celebration. During the training the students had group discussions that allowed them to express their thoughts. The students were encouraged to motivate and encourage each other and to be respectful. SAVESNet members were coached through the process of brainstorming to come up with community service project ideas. Roles were assigned from recording to research and reporting. Each week the students were given an opportunity to share their findings. As a result, the students were gaining self-confidence in their leadership abilities. Chaquila shared, “I am becoming more responsible and dependable because of the information I have received”. Cierra admitted, “I was always told by my friends that I was controlling. But now I know that I have leadership skills to manage and direct people”. Tony reported, “This training will help me in my job search and in my college interview. I have something else to put on my resume”. The goal of the LeaderSpark training program is for each participant to have initiative, self-direction, flexibility and adaptability, as well as social and cross-cultural skills that will ignite their futures.
Congratulations Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers!
The
Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers Training Program is divided into three
progressive categories: Silver Level, Gold Level and Platinum Level
awards. The Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers Training Program allows youth
to participate at various levels and obtain different awards while
doing so. Here’s how it works:
· Silver Level Award - Youth complete a minimum of six weeks of peacemakers training and participating in the creation of a violence-free performance receive a certificate of completion.
· Gold Level Award - Youth receiving the Silver Level award and audition at the Peace March & Expo are rewarded with a gold pin of success.
· Platinum Level Award - Groups selected to perform at the SAVE Awards Premiere are awarded with the coveted SAVE Awards trophy.
Silver Level Awardees
Asian American Community Services Soksomarly Mang Samantha Mang Mellissa Mang Soren Mao Seiha Muon Maylin Sann Tony Seth Ream Seth Charlie Thach
Central Community House Bria Baldwin Travis Brice Breann Carter Brittany Carter Talena Harris Jocelyn Hinton AJ Hinton Dezwuan Wilford
COSI – Miracle Gro Ezinne Anaba Kevin Boyd Derek Brown Shanelle Dickens Kiara Gravely Shayla Martin Isis Rudolph Jamesia Tucker Alexxus Williams
Eakin Elementary Afterschool Program Kayla Gasca Giselle Gasca Ismahan Isse Edgar Morales Mohamed Musa Changwa Musa Roxana Rodriguez Esmeralda Santiago Isha Shariff Fatuma Shariff Hussein Werdi Abukar Yakub Abdullahi Yakub
Godman Guild ACES Juandell Anderson-Kibby George Brown Lamonte Dixon Keishawn Foster Ivan Hill Michael Robinson TaNaezha Scott
SAVESNet @ Linden McKinley STEM Academy Lani Anderson Keana Applewhite Lanita Armstrong Mehalia Barnes Jamilah Bashir Mohammad Borden Santazia Bowers Ariona Brown Raven Carter Anthony Comer Marcus Cooper Chayaz Davis Jamia Evans Stanley Featherstone Roxanne Ford Jerri Garland Sheldon Geiger Isis Griffin Alexis Hairston Eryn Harper Tachele Harvey Tanaisha Hawkins Isaiah Hill Shaniece Hines Jazmine Hinton Precious Holliday Jelisa Horton Kayshia Howard Shonice Jackson Carlca Jacobs Tonika Jones Mareea Lawrence Lashell Lee Laqueaisha Loman Aaaisa Lynch Gieneva Lynch Gina Mahone Leamonda McKee Ean Mitchell Daijah Mixon Priscilla Nelson Tyquan Peppers Ebony Reams Kamry Richmond Dimitrius Ridgeway Nate Satterfield Jasmine Sea-Eaton Bryan Shackleford Jerrie Snider James Sparks Jordan Sparks Raven Thomas Jazmine Vargas Oriethia Walker Michael Watkins Brooklyn White SAVESNet @ South High Jeremiah Brown Joseph Caldwell Teeja Davie Michelle Day Kytreshia Eberhart Gabbrielle Fehr Robert Foster Winston Hiett Brenton James Chaquilla Jones Kaymesha Knox Rachinie Lee Andrea Mitchell Ernessia Mix Raven Mix Dustin Morris Joycalyn Myers Brandon Palmer Janalyn Pitts Natasha Robinson Unique Shanks Brianna Sullens Javontie Walker Ari Williams South Side Settlement House Jesse Baker Lydia Curtis Teria Hawkins Ashley Mounts Cierra Murphy Samantha Murphy Alexus Pettus
Gold Level Awardees
Asian American Community Services Soksomarly Mang Samantha Mang Mellissa Mang Soren Mao Seiha Muon Maylin Sann Tony Seth Ream Seth Charlie Thach
Central Community House Bria Baldwin Travis Brice Breann Carter Brittany Carter Talena Harris Jocelyn Hinton AJ Hinton Dezwuan Wilford
COSI – Miracle Gro Ezinne Anaba Kevin Boyd Derek Brown Shanelle Dickens Kiara Gravely Shayla Martin Isis Rudolph Jamesia Tucker Alexxus Williams
Eakin Elementary Afterschool Program Kayla Gasca Ismahan Isse Edgar Morales Mohamed Musa Changwa Musa Roxana Rodriguez Esmeralda Santiago Isha Shariff Fatuma Shariff Hussein Werdi Abukar Yakub Abdullahi Yakub Godman Guild ACES George Brown Lamonte Dixon Keishawn Foster Ivan Hill Michael Robinson TaNaezha Scott
SAVESNet @ Linden McKinley High Mehalia Barnes Jamilah Bashir Anthony Comer Jamia Evans Sheldon Geiger Eryn Harper Tachele Harvey Shaniece Hines Precious Holliday Mareea Lawrence Lashell Lee Aaaisa Lynch Gina Mahone Leamonda McKee Ean Mitchell Priscilla Nelson Nate Satterfield Jazmine Vargas Michael Watkins SAVESNet @ South High Jeremiah Brown Joseph Caldwell Teeja Davie Kytreshia Eberhart Gabbrielle Fehr Robert Foster Chaquila Jones Rachinie Lee Raven Mix Dustin Morris Joycalyn Myers Unique Shanks Brianna Sullens Ari Williams
South Side Settlement House Lydia Curtis Teria Hawkins Ashley Mounts Alexus Pettus
Platinum Level Awardees: To be announced at the SAVE Awards Premiere on Wednesday, April 27th!
Focus on Youth
On Saturdays, March 5 and
12 the SAVESNet @ Linden McKinley STEM Academy, Mr. Martin, hosted an
afternoon of basketball and education for male members of SAVESNet. The
purpose of the event was not to improve basketball skills, but to
enhance social skills. The group covered how to interact with the
opposite sex, communication and the self-image of African American
males. For the 14 young men who participated and Mr. Martin,
this provided rapport building and bonding time, which served to build
trust that will serve as the platform for future participation in the
program. The plan is for Mr. Martin to continue meeting with the young
men during summer break.
SAVESNet @ South High School members began the LeaderSpark training program on January 18, 2011. The LeaderSpark Program develops the practical leadership skills and experiences necessary for leaders today and tomorrow. The SAVESNet students receive instruction from two LeaderSpark facilitators during the regular weekly scheduled SAVESNet meetings. This training will continue until April 14, 2011. Each student received a workbook with curriculum topics including: Qualities and styles of leadership, working with groups, planning projects, dealing with conflict, presenting your self and public speaking, interviewing, recognition and celebration. During the training the students had group discussions that allowed them to express their thoughts. The students were encouraged to motivate and encourage each other and to be respectful. SAVESNet members were coached through the process of brainstorming to come up with community service project ideas. Roles were assigned from recording to research and reporting. Each week the students were given an opportunity to share their findings. As a result, the students were gaining self-confidence in their leadership abilities. Chaquila shared, “I am becoming more responsible and dependable because of the information I have received”. Cierra admitted, “I was always told by my friends that I was controlling. But now I know that I have leadership skills to manage and direct people”. Tony reported, “This training will help me in my job search and in my college interview. I have something else to put on my resume”. The goal of the LeaderSpark training program is for each participant to have initiative, self-direction, flexibility and adaptability, as well as social and cross-cultural skills that will ignite their futures. 
The
Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers Training Program is divided into three
progressive categories: Silver Level, Gold Level and Platinum Level
awards. The Central Ohio Youth Peacemakers Training Program allows youth
to participate at various levels and obtain different awards while
doing so. Here’s how it works: