Tuesday, June 30, 2015

SECOND PEACE WEEK ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING minutes

WHERE and WHO:  ACTIVITIES ROOM (BETWEEN LD AND PD) ??Grace P., Carmen C. Patti W.  Johnny, Safra, Miriam, Sara and Dylan e-mailed regrets.  Others: no contact

WHEN it was:  WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 6:00-7:00 PM  Pizza Dinner ordered  $11  
.

WHAT did we do:  PEACE VILLAGE RESOURCES PROVIDED BY DIOCESES. Peace team viewed the resources and created a plan on how to use them.

a. 9/11-9/19  Peace Village Posters in buildings in host areas inviting exploration at will from intrinsic motivation.  Grace will head the Exploring the Peace Village Initiative with the theme.  Peace begins with ME/YOU/US

b. 9/21 Peace Day Possible Peace Walk for all divisions to view Peace Village  Music/food to motivate exploration.  We also need to explore connections with chapel services and priests leading the exploration in tandem with blessing/planting of pinwheels and poppies for peace and maybe labyrinth???  Connections to parents, teachers, coaches, restaurants might be needed.


WHY did we decide to embrace the Peace Village: Give greater connections to peace even for the most skeptical.   The process will be an invitation to explore the peace village with collaborations from Peace Team members, administration and faculty.  It will also be an invitation to share and reflect at will.

The Casady service-learning program aims to help others (teens, children and adults) find their passion to serve and empower entrepreneurial experiences of service for peace and social change. The peace village and the compassion games international http://compassiongames.org/ are unobtrusive suggestions to focus on our capacity to build bridges of understanding that peace begins with me/you/us and that we need to MAKE TIME for kindness, compassion and service if we are to give PEACE ONE DAY a chance.

The compassion games international are a global resource to intentionally focus on small deeds to "just do acts of kindness, compassion and service" as part of our daily routines. Being a good, ethical person is not easy and the compassion games international celebrate our intentional commitment to helping create caring and ethical communities

Process and to do list until next meeting?  .  We got a few of the resources and decided to meet on Wednesday, July 22 at a time convenient to Grace - Mrs. Clay and Mrs. Morgan have cleared schedules to be at Grace's and other members of the peace team in town convenience.
Grace took a few of Mrs. Morgan's Peace Village Resources and left with a to do list
a. Get a time on Wednesday, July 22 to meet to go over all the materials and allocate peace team welcomed assignments during the week
b. At next meeting we will approve the t-shirt design for the peace team.  We have a suggestion from last year created by Grace and Johnny.  Are there any other suggestions?
c. Grace has graciously confirmed her desire to be "YAC communication and marketing in 2015"  After Wednesday meeting, Grace and Mrs. Clay will get together to create the Peace Week flyer as well as YAC and Service-Learning flyers and logos.


Emerging calendar for 11 days of Global Unity 2015  The calendar, subject to additions and changes we have are as follows on 7/16/2015:

a.  9/11-9/21 The YAC Peace Team will promote Peace begins with ME/YOU/US by inviting high school youth and adults to explore the PEACE VILLAGE to build as Pope Francis stated, "bridges of understanding" of our diversity through the unity of the Golden Rule.  We are assessing our resources and we should have a plan of action at  http://casadypeaceweek.blogspot.com/

On the daily announcements and bulletin boards, suggestions for the Compassion Games International will be made public.  We are promoting the screening of Kindness is Contagious at a local theater in August and September as a possible motivator and perhaps "catching kindness" with Instagram might be an option to motivate enthusiasm to participate in the games.

b. Service for Peace  Sponsors:  The Casady Service-Learning Program, YAC, YLOKC, Community Partners for Service for Peace

Tuesday 9/8th-Thursday 9/10th:  YAC Peace Team sets-up Peace Village at UD

Friday 9/11 Unity:  YAC Good Deed: Service for Peace:  TBA  In the past:baked cookies for police and firefighters. MD new YAC will be sending letters to Veterans.

Saturday 9/12: Interdependence:  Day @ Food Bank. 400 volunteers possible.  Oklahoma Department of Forestry seedling giveaway.

Casady encouraged to volunteer with Boys and Girls Club, Positive Tomorrows, The Hugs Project, YMCA-YLOKC.  Oklahoma Forestry Department seedlings giveaway- Eno Global tree planting days http://www.enoprogramme.org/

Sunday 9/13 Environment:  Peace One Day movie screening @ Casady Wing. Pot luck Recipeace Meal http://www.recipeaceday.org/stories.  Oklahoma Forestry Department seedlings giveaway http://www.enoprogramme.org/

Monday 9/14 Economic Justice:  Global Compassion Games - Peace Village

Tuesday 9/15 Health: Global Compassion Games- Peace Village

Wednesday 9/16: Children and Youth: Global Compassion Games- Peace Village  Pinwheels for Peace, Poppies for Peace

Thursday 9/17: Women: Global Compassion Games- Peace Village

Friday 9/18 Human Rights:  Set-up Peace Village at Boys and Girls Club.  Boys and Girls Club Oklahoma Department of Forestry seedling give away.  Pinwheels for Peace, poppies for Peace, Interfaith peace art at Boys and Girls Club

Saturday 9/19 Freedom  Day for Kids Fair and school supplies give away.  Peace Village and seedlings give away.  Interfaith peace art station at Kids Fair.  Possible Youth LEAD OKC training day.

Sunday, 9/20 Disarmament  1:00-5:00 Interfaith Youth Tour sponsored by Oklahoma Conference of Churches.  Dinner and screening of Peace One Day at local restaurant with recipeace elements

b. Monday 9/21  Celebration on Monday 9/21.  Peace music, golden rule, peace prayer at each station.  Possible ethic food provided by parents and/or international food restaurant donations.  Stations open during chapel times.  Blessing and planting of pinwheels PD, LD, MD/UD (language/religion classes, YAC).  Viewing of Peace ONE Day telecast of global peace day celebration http://www.peaceoneday.org/

Possible Peace Team members9TH GRADE: ?
10TH GRADE: MARIAM, SAFRA, SARA, KIRA
11TH GRADE: JOHNNY, CATHY, GRACE, HAMZA
12TH GRADE: DYLAN
FACULTY:  MRS. MORGAN, MRS. CLAY, MRS. CZERWINSKI, Mrs. Thompson, Mrs. Robertson, Father Youmans, Father Blizzard


Food for Thought:  On parking lot-  NOT COVERED because the meeting only lasted one hour.


1. Compassion Games 9/11-9/21 has funding for projects available.  Grant application at http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=18513a22108989dad7e255cfd&id=f1d70d8c7b&e=53391a8053

2. Casady Faculty In Service:  Serving together at the Food Bank, August 18, 2015  8-12

3. YLOKC posssible training on weekend of 9/18-9/21.  Johnny will update

4. August 10th premiere of Compassion is contagious

5. Minutes from first meeting:  Thank you very much for the ones who were able to attend the meeting .  Find minutes below .  Updates to the minutes until the next time here!.  Next  meeting: date set by Johnny, July 15, 6:00 PM at the After School/Activities Room.  Main agenda: See resources, set calendar of activities.

June 13th 2015: Peace Week meeting @ Orange leaf  3:30-4:30 Meeting  4:30-5:00 Ice Cream  
Participants:  Johnny L.(facilitator)  Grace P.  Cathy Z (minutes)  Mrs. Morgan,  Mrs. Czerwinski,  Mrs. Clay.  Update: Hamza sent an e-mail stating that he could not make it.  Heather is not going to be able to be part of this group.  We did not hear from Mariam and Safra or Isabelle Update: Kira might be interested in being part of the team. Sara stated that she wanted to be part of the meeting.

Cost: $22 with tip from S-L Budget

Agenda facilitated by Johnny.  Minutes by Cathy, updates by Mrs. Clay.
1. Introductions and Goals
2. Show and Tell: Peace Village, Pinwheels for Peace, Episcopal Dioceses and PEACE ONE DAY and Shinnyo-en Foundation resources Pinwheels at advisory time, inter-grade connections for pinwheel making UD/LD. UPDATE:   MD: International Club. New YAC, Religious Education classes? UPDATE: The Peace Poppy Project
3. New Ideas
4. Next Meeting and to do list
5. Yogurt time - Meeting adjourned

1. Introductions with personal goals for involvement with the week
-Goals
To spread awareness  learn behind the scenes through peace week get students more connected to Peace Week.  Be a resource for peace team  Do and inspire acts of kindness, compassion and service during peace week.

2. Show and Tell;  Resources with suggestions for new paths to  accomplish goals
a. Mrs. Morgan ( 1st grade teacher) 
     - peace village (peace with all different religions)
          - each language has different word for peace + golden rule.why isn't it more powerful?
     - being interactive with peace is the most effective
     - books ( can be used for chapel talks, activities, ect.)
          - peace begins with you
          - the peace book
          - peace
b.. Pinwheels - quality over quantity (colorful) 
     - make during advisory?  Check schedules.  Talk to Dr. Powell and Coach T.
     - how to increase excitement in high school  Connect pinwheel making 1st with 9th grade.
--------Check schedules.  Check with division directors
     - works better in small groups 
c. . Labyrinth 
     - week before peace week UPDATE: Mother Susan requested September 3rd.  Checking with pertinent administrators via e-mail.  Mr. fFresonke and crew might be ble to draw a labyrinth on grass the week of September 3rd.    We hope the paint will whole at least until 9/11.
     - metaphor for our journey in life
     - Canon Susan / mother Susan 
          - High ranking female priest - High administrative position in the episcopal Church
          - explain the labyrinth in chapel? Update:  Mrs. Morgan will talk to Cannon Susan about small labyrinths for younger children and to recommend an invitation to walk the labyrinth for the UD to increase the possible response from teens.  Father Youmans is welcomed working with Cannon Susan on September 3.  Still pending approval for speech by Father Blizzard.
d. Peace Village Materials at Casady School now
          - place banners around the lake ?  Update: Too costly $ and time around the lake.  Two suggestions: on fence or on trees..  Either way administrative approval pending. Update 0n 6/29/2015 Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Clay and Johnny had a brief meeting looking at the materials provided by the dioceses.  It was decided that the second organizational meeting will be July 15 with one agenda items, looking at the resources provided and making decisions about using them or not.  Johnny will provide the time for the meeting, but due to working schedules, it will probably be a late afternoon meeting at the after school activities room.
          - next to the thinking person statue
          - field next to the chapel 
     - have a walk leading to the labyrinth and have people of different religions along the way 
e.   Pinwheels ( primary division )  Mrs. Czerwinski
     - 4 things that make them feel peaceful
     - about 20 cents each
     - father blizzard blesses them and they plant their pinwheels 
     - sing a peace song
     - high school watch the little kids do this to make an impact 
           - high schoolers blow bubbles for peace during this
 f.   create designs and give t-shirts away UPDATE:  Mrs. Seitter is asking Fiona R. to create a design for Peace Week  Art club can make a stamp and make t-shirts for the whole school.  Mrs. Clay will have a meeting with Mrs. Thompson to brainstorm possibilities for LD Peace Art.  Mrs. Nielsen is already working on a choral piece of peace.  We need to contact the orchestra faculty to see if they could also have a piece of peace during Peace Week.
      - Find donors to buy the white t-shirts or sell ice cream from Orange Leaf  $ 4 per person cost.  Sell at $ 5 to buy t-shirts.  Orange leaf can deliver for $50.  The contact person at Orange Leaf is the owner at the store on May avenue Taunda Jenkims 503-0193. Orange leaf
    
g. Peace Paper flowers PD idea for Grandparents day
  - Flowers for Peace  UPDATE:  The Poppy Peace Project .  E-mail from Poppy Peace Project: Thank you for your enquiry into The Peace Poppy Project, sorry I have taken a while to reply as I have been to Australia on holiday.
This project is based in New Zealand, were you aware of this?
The project has been running for three years and has gathered great momentum here, especially this year as we have been commentating the 100 years since ANZAC events in Turkey..  I do have some kitsets left but obviously would need to post that over to you.  The cost of each kitset is $250 NZ and has all the materials to make 250 poppies ( they stand about 40mm high) I would also need to cover the postage costs.
The project run with some funding from local council grants to cover some costs and the rest was volunteer work by myself and a dedicated team of people. 
cristina.b@xtra.co.nz via yahoo.com
     - plant around campus or wear it on peace day  
There is a White Poppies for Peace Poppies project too.  http://www.ppu.org.uk/whitepoppy/

3. New Ideas to follow up with decision makers to turn into action
a. Create meaning in the lower division about peace week
  - Place banners around the lake  Mr. Fresonke and Crew
  - Inter-grade and advisory connections
     - pair high schoolers with lower division students and talk about peace
     - during high school chapel time?    Division Directors, Priests
          - need to write letter to 4th grade P.E. Teachers
     -need to be at a time that everything is set up 
          - activity building ?  Small Groups    Classroom Teachers
b. Tango Peace at Mrs. Lopez studio: First Friday in September  Mrs. Lopez, Marketing the month's activities
c. OKC Peace Day Celebration:  Mrs. Clay is meeting with organizers   United Nations of OKC- Bill Bryant.  UPDATE:  Next meeting June 28, 5:30 Edmond Trinity Christian Church1400 NW 178th
Edmond, OK  73012, UN General Assembly has declared as a day "...devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples."The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.
c. September 20, Sunday:  OCCC Interfaith Youth Tour will go to the following three places, almost 99% sure
1. Saint Paul's Episcopal  2. Raindrop House  3. Emmanuel Temple
c. People to People Classroom:  Reference #: SCHOOLCLASS-06262015-120842831-8413

4. Next Meeting  and to do list
-at Casady School Activity Room -Johnny will check with Mr. Bonfiglio and will let us know date and time.  Tentative Agenda:  Theme of the Week.  Activities for the week based on resources.
- Labyrinth on grass during summer - Mrs. Clay will do this next week
- Grace will see about ice cream connection with braum's and possible adult sponsor for trip to San Francisco Retreat, if Casady is invited.  Johnny and Grace are interested!
-Johnny and Cathy will facilitate the next meeting.  Mrs. Clay requested the group to please visit 

After the meeting
a. San Francisco trip  Update: Retreat full by 6/19/2015.  Casady Peace Team will not attend
     - need to find a teacher or parent  advisor .  Mrs. Clay cannot attend conflict with back to school
          - ms stone?  mrs. Patton  Grace will bring reply
     - Johnny is interested in treasury YAC position and Grace is interested in Marketing and Communication position.  Cathy will take these requests to the YAC officers.
    - Mrs. Clay provided Shinnyo-en Foundation, Be The Peace Cards to youth participants
- Grace took Peace Village and Peace One Day resources to read.

Monday, June 29, 2015

A message from Jeremy Gilley, founder of PEACE ONE DAY

Dear Casady Peace Team

With just three months to go till Peace Day, momentum is really starting to build. We would love to hear about your plans for the day, and how you and your communities intend to celebrate 21 September
. Be a part of building this amazing movement for change! Here are some of our ideas for celebrating the day.

One plan that we are delighted to announce is that Peace One Day will be putting on a youth event in Kigali, Rwanda, on Peace Day this year. We will bring together thousands of young people, thanks to the generous support of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The Peace One Day Celebration: Educating a New Generation of Peacemakers will highlight the power of youth to make our world a more peaceful place, whilst also showcasing the incredible range of activities taking place across the Great Lakes on Peace Day. Designed to inspire young people in Rwanda, the Great Lakes and beyond, it will also serve to raise awareness of Peace Day, help manifest action on the day and send a positive and constructive message from the region to the wider world.

Support for 21 September in the region continues to grow. The team and I have just returned from another inspiring Countdown to Peace Day forum in Nairobi. More than 350 people discussed how to engage their constituencies in marking Peace Day. We look forward to our final forum in Kampala on 30 June. We’ve connected with well over 1,500 organisations across the Great Lakes through these events – a wonderful launch pad for the most successful Peace Day in the region yet.

The Peace One Day Celebration in Kigali is one example of our commitment to promoting peace education. Another is our education poster project, which has already seen thousands of posters delivered to schools across the Great Lakes. If you’re in Uganda and would like free peace education posters for your school, please pre-order them here.

I wanted to share these videos with you to provide a flavour of some of the things we’re doing at the moment:

CTPDF Highlights2Education Poster Film

Please also help us make the Peace Day Google Doodle a reality – we want to spread the message of Peace Day as far and as wide as possible, and with your help we know we can!
Your support is invaluable in raising awareness of the day and I can’t wait to hear about your plans for21 September 2015, so keep in touch and good luck with your planning!
In peace,
Jeremy
Jeremy Gilley, Founder, Peace One Day
 

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Peace Week 2015- First Meeting Minutes


Thank you very much for the ones who were able to attend the meeting .  Find minutes below .  Updates to the minutes until the next time here!.  Next  meeting: TBA by Johnny via e-mail  and text

June 13th 2015: Peace Week meeting @ Orange leaf  3:30-4:30 Meeting  4:30-5:00 Ice Cream  
Participants:  Johnny L.(facilitator)  Grace P.  Cathy Z (minutes)  Mrs. Morgan,  Mrs. Czerwinski,  Mrs. Clay.  Update: Hamza sent an e-mail stating that he could not make it.  Heather is not going to be able to be part of this group.  We did not hear from Mariam and Safra or Isabelle Update: Kira might be interested in being part of the team.

Cost: $22 with tip from S-L Budget

Agenda facilitated by Johnny
1. Introductions and Goals
2. Show and Tell: Peace Village, Pinwheels for Peace, Episcopal Dioceses and PEACE ONE DAY and Shinnyo-en Foundation resources Pinwheels at advisory time, inter-grade connections for pinwheel making UD/LD. UPDATE:   MD: International Club. New YAC, Religious Education classes? UPDATE: The Peace Poppy Project
3. New Ideas
4. Next Meeting and to do list
5. Yogurt time - Meeting adjourned

1. Introductions with personal goals for involvement with the week
-Goals
To spread awareness  learn behind the scenes through peace week get students more connected to Peace Week.  Be a resource for peace team  Do and inspire acts of kindness, compassion and service

2. Show and Tell;  Resources with suggestions for new paths to  accomplish goals
a. Mrs. Morgan ( 1st grade teacher) 
     - peace village (peace with all different religions)
          - each language has different word for peace + golden rule.why isn't it more powerful?
     - being interactive with peace is the most effective
     - books ( can be used for chapel talks, activities, ect.)
          - peace begins with you
          - the peace book
          - peace
b.. Pinwheels - quality over quantity (colorful) 
     - make during advisory?  Check schedules.  Talk to Dr. Powell and Coach T.
     - how to increase excitement in high school  Connect pinwheel making 1st with 9th grade.
--------Check schedules.  Check with division directors
     - works better in small groups 
c. . Labyrinth 
     - week before peace week UPDATE: Mother Susan requested September 3rd.  Checking with pertinent administrators via e-mail.  Mr. fFresonke and crew might be ble to draw a labyrinth on grass the week of September 3rd.    We hope the paint will whole at least until 9/11.
     - metaphor for our journey in life
     - Canon Susan / mother Susan 
          - High ranking female priest - High administrative position in the episcopal Church
          - explain the labyrinth in chapel? Update:  Mrs. Morgan will talk to Cannon Susan about small labyrinths for younger children and to recommend an invitation to walk the labyrinth for the UD to increase the possible response from teens.  Father Youmans is welcomed working with Cannon Susan on September 3.  Still pending approval for speech by Father Blizzard.
d. Peace Village Materials at Casady School now
          - place banners around the lake ?  Update: Too costly $ and time around the lake.  Two suggestions: on fence or on trees..  Either way administrative approval pending. Update 0n 6/29/2015 Mrs. Morgan, Mrs. Clay and Johnny had a brief meeting looking at the materials provided by the dioceses.  It was decided that the second organizational meeting will be July 15 with one agenda items, looking at the resources provided and making decisions about using them or not.  Johnny will provide the time for the meeting, but due to working schedules, it will probably be a late afternoon meeting at the after school activities room.
          - next to the thinking person statue
          - field next to the chapel 
     - have a walk leading to the labyrinth and have people of different religions along the way 
e.   Pinwheels ( primary division )  Mrs. Czerwinski
     - 4 things that make them feel peaceful
     - about 20 cents each
     - father blizzard blesses them and they plant their pinwheels 
     - sing a peace song
     - high school watch the little kids do this to make an impact 
           - high schoolers blow bubbles for peace during this
 f.   create designs and give t-shirts away UPDATE:  Mrs. Seitter is asking Fiona R. to create a design for Peace Week  Art club can make a stamp and make t-shirts for the whole school.  Mrs. Clay will have a meeting with Mrs. Thompson to brainstorm possibilities for LD Peace Art.  Mrs. Nielsen is already working on a choral piece of peace.  We need to contact the orchestra faculty to see if they could also have a piece of peace during Peace Week.
      - Find donors to buy the white t-shirts or sell ice cream from Orange Leaf  $ 4 per person cost.  Sell at $ 5 to buy t-shirts.  Orange leaf can deliver for $50.  The contact person at Orange Leaf is the owner at the store on May avenue Taunda Jenkims 503-0193. Orange leaf
    
g. Peace Paper flowers PD idea for Grandparents day
  - Flowers for Peace  UPDATE:  The Poppy Peace Project .  E-mail from Poppy Peace Project: Thank you for your enquiry into The Peace Poppy Project, sorry I have taken a while to reply as I have been to Australia on holiday.
This project is based in New Zealand, were you aware of this?
The project has been running for three years and has gathered great momentum here, especially this year as we have been commentating the 100 years since ANZAC events in Turkey..  I do have some kitsets left but obviously would need to post that over to you.  The cost of each kitset is $250 NZ and has all the materials to make 250 poppies ( they stand about 40mm high) I would also need to cover the postage costs.
The project run with some funding from local council grants to cover some costs and the rest was volunteer work by myself and a dedicated team of people. 
cristina.b@xtra.co.nz via yahoo.com
     - plant around campus or wear it on peace day  
There is a White Poppies for Peace Poppies project too.  http://www.ppu.org.uk/whitepoppy/

3. New Ideas to follow up with decision makers to turn into action
a. Create meaning in the lower division about peace week
  - Place banners around the lake  Mr. Fresonke and Crew
  - Inter-grade and advisory connections
     - pair high schoolers with lower division students and talk about peace
     - during high school chapel time?    Division Directors, Priests
          - need to write letter to 4th grade P.E. Teachers
     -need to be at a time that everything is set up 
          - activity building ?  Small Groups    Classroom Teachers
b. Tango Peace at Mrs. Lopez studio: First Friday in September  Mrs. Lopez, Marketing the month's activities
c. OKC Peace Day Celebration:  Mrs. Clay is meeting with organizers   United Nations of OKC- Bill Bryant.  UPDATE:  Next meeting June 28, 5:30 Edmond Trinity Christian Church1400 NW 178th
Edmond, OK  73012, UN General Assembly has declared as a day "...devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples."The theme of this year’s commemoration is “Partnerships for Peace – Dignity for All” which aims to highlight the importance of all segments of society to work together to strive for peace.
c. September 20, Sunday:  OCCC Interfaith Youth Tour will go to the following three places, almost 99% sure
1. Saint Paul's Episcopal  2. Raindrop House  3. Emmanuel Temple
c. People to People Classroom:  Reference #: SCHOOLCLASS-06262015-120842831-8413

4. Next Meeting  and to do list
-at Casady School Activity Room -Johnny will check with Mr. Bonfiglio and will let us know date and time.  Tentative Agenda:  Theme of the Week.  Activities for the week based on resources.
- Labyrinth on grass during summer - Mrs. Clay will do this next week
- Grace will see about ice cream connection with braum's and possible adult sponsor for trip to San Francisco Retreat, if Casady is invited.  Johnny and Grace are interested!
-Johnny and Cathy will facilitate the next meeting.  Mrs. Clay requested the group to please visit 

After the meeting
a. San Francisco trip  Update: Retreat full by 6/19/2015
     - need to find a teacher or parent  advisor .  Mrs. Clay cannot attend conflict with back to school
          - ms stone?  mrs. Patton  Grace will bring reply
     - Johnny is interested in treasury YAC position and Grace is interested in Marketing and Communication position.  Cathy will take these requests to the YAC officers.
    - Mrs. Clay provided Shinnyo-en Foundation, Be The Peace Cards to youth participants
- Grace took Peace Village and Peace One Day resources to read.

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Service-Learners recognized

-Trustees Award-  Casady School

The Trustee's Award, a permanent trophy of the school, is established in honor of past and present Trustees in gratitude for their devoted service to Casady School.  This award is given to that student who by virtue of his or her character, loyalty, and service, has made Casady a finer school. Jessica G'15 received the 2015 Trustees Award.  Jessica received the Trustees Award during the Casady's Graduation Commencement on June 6 from the Casady Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Guy L. Patton.

- Noble Hours Award- Casady Service-Learning Program


The first Noble Hours Award was delivered by Dr. Jon Powell, Casady School Principal and Mrs. Carmen Clay, Director of Service-Learning to Taylor B'15 at the Casady UD awards chapel assembly  on May 22, 2015.  The criteria for the inaugural Nobel Hours Award was set by the recipient, Taylor B.'15, who was the first Cyclone to serve over 1,000 hours in 4 years in high school, the equivalent of more than 250 hours per year.
Research proves that by serving the needs of others, a person finds happiness.  Taylor opened eyes to the surrounding needs and engaged in compassionate deeds; joyfully investing time to move them forward without expecting anything in return.   
The unexpected outcome of Taylor's compassion and altruism was the institution of the first service-learning program award in the history of the requirement, the NOBLE HOURS AWARD.  Taylor received an engraved silver clock.   A solar powered spinning globe with Taylor's name will reside at the Service-Learning office to inspire others to emulate her example of being a hope for peace through acts of kindness, compassion, and service.

Carmen Clay
Rainbot Family Service, Learning Char



-Youth LEAD OKC:  -Founder Recognition-



- YMCA Youth Initiatives - Youth LEAD OKC

Delivered by Dr.Jon  Powell, UD Director and Mrs. Carmen Clay, YLOKC Mentor on behalf of Shannon Presti, YMCA Teen Initiatives Director and YLOKC, CEO

Four years ago, as a shy freshman, Sidney J'15 eagerly accepted the task to establish a teen exploratory board to consider the need and interest of creating a unique cultural competency program for our community. Because of her dedication, insight and determination, Oklahoma City now has one of the only programs in the Midwest to inspire and mobilize youth leaders to reflect upon their values and beliefs, connect with others across differences, and act together to address local and global challenges.

           This unique program is called Youth LEAD (Leaders Engaging Across Differences) and literally only exists because of Sidney and three other students, Sam K.'15, Dane N. and Serene K. Mercy School/Edmond Santa Fe, from across our city. Establishing a program based on ideas that are generated, executed and completely led by youth is a difficult task. Sidney stuck through the challenging times when it seemed like the program would remain a simple idea instead of becoming the multifaceted program that it is today. She continued to recruit other students to help launch the program when other teens dropped off from the planning team because it required a lot of time, effort and critical thinking. Her steadfast attitude even kept the adult directors motivated to see the program through during the most difficult times when it seemed we would not find local funding or support.      

After four years of hard work and commitment, Youth LEAD is now a robust program of students from many diverse Oklahoma City metro high schools, representing a multitude of races, religions, beliefs and interests. Sidney thrives in the group and gets along well with any teenager that joins. Thanks to the YLOKC founding teens caring nature and dedication to diversity, Oklahoma City has a premier cultural competency and diversity education program that will enhance youth and their ideals for generations to come.

Sidney received a token of YLOKC's appreciation, which was delivered on behalf of Shannon Presti by Mrs. Carmen Clay, Casady Service-Learning Director at the awards chapel assembly on May 23, 2015



Martin Luther King Scholar Program Award @ Ithaca College


The Martin Luther King Scholar Program at Ithaca College is a dynamic learning community, developing future leaders and global citizens who are committed to promoting King’s legacy of social justice and equality in their personal and professional lives, engaging in public services, building bridges to other communities, and educating others with their international perspective.

Seondre C'15, recipient of the Martin Luther King School Program scholarship at Ithaca College stated, "The MLK Program at Ithaca College was based on involvement with community service, leadership, and academics. 

Through my involvement with Youth Lead OKC, YAC and the countless other organizations that I have worked with through them gave me an edge when applying to the program. There were 300 applicants, 30 were invited and flown out to the campus to interview and participate in some activities.   Afterwards 15 were chosen to enter the program. Through my interview I talked about my involvement with Youth LEAD and YAC which sparked a conversation that outlasted some of the other interviews. 

Doing community service while always good for others will also benefit you by making you a better leader, a better person, and give you those important connections that you may need one day.  Those connections  helped me land into a program that lets me travel the globe researching social issues, and better understand the true complexity of the world while also receiving a $47,000 scholarship to attend Ithaca College in New York."

Service-Learners Recorgnized

-Trustees Award-  Casady School

The Trustee's Award, a permanent trophy of the school, is established in honor of past and present Trustees in gratitude for their devoted service to Casady School.  This award is given to that student who by virtue of his or her character, loyalty, and service, has made Casady a finer school. Jessica G'15 received the 2015 Trustees Award.  Jessica received the Trustees Award during the Casady's Graduation Commencement on June 6 from the Casady Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Guy L. Patton.


- Noble Hours Award- Casady Service-Learning Program


The first Noble Hours Award was delivered by Dr. Jon Powell, Casady School Principal and Mrs. Carmen Clay, Director of Service-Learning to Taylor B'15 at the Casady UD awards chapel assembly  on May 22, 2015.  The criteria for the inaugural Nobel Hours Award was set by the recipient, Taylor B.'15, who was the first Cyclone to serve over 1,000 hours in 4 years in high school, the equivalent of more than 250 hours per year.
Research proves that by serving the needs of others, a person finds happiness.  Taylor opened eyes to the surrounding needs and engaged in compassionate deeds; joyfully investing time to move them forward without expecting anything in return.   
The unexpected outcome of Taylor's compassion and altruism was the institution of the first service-learning program award in the history of the requirement, the NOBLE HOURS AWARD.  Taylor received an engraved silver clock.   A solar powered spinning globe with Taylor's name will reside at the Service-Learning office to inspire others to emulate her example of being a hope for peace through acts of kindness, compassion, and service.
Carmen Clay
Rainbot Family Service, Learning Char



-Youth LEAD OKC:  -Founder Recognition-



- YMCA Youth Initiatives - Youth LEAD OKC

Four years ago, as a shy freshman, Sidney J'15 eagerly accepted the task to establish a teen exploratory board to consider the need and interest of creating a unique cultural competency program for our community. Because of her dedication, insight and determination, Oklahoma City now has one of the only programs in the Midwest to inspire and mobilize youth leaders to reflect upon their values and beliefs, connect with others across differences, and act together to address local and global challenges.

           This unique program is called Youth LEAD (Leaders Engaging Across Differences) and literally only exists because of Sidney and three other students, Sam K.'15, Dane N. and Serene K. Mercy School/Edmond Santa Fe, from across our city. Establishing a program based on ideas that are generated, executed and completely led by youth is a difficult task. Sidney stuck through the challenging times when it seemed like the program would remain a simple idea instead of becoming the multifaceted program that it is today. She continued to recruit other students to help launch the program when other teens dropped off from the planning team because it required a lot of time, effort and critical thinking. Her steadfast attitude even kept the adult directors motivated to see the program through during the most difficult times when it seemed we would not find local funding or support.      

         After four years of hard work and commitment, Youth LEAD is now a robust program of students from many diverse Oklahoma City metro high schools, representing a multitude of races, religions, beliefs and interests. Sidney thrives in the group and gets along well with any teenager that joins. Thanks to the YLOKC founding teens caring nature and dedication to diversity, Oklahoma City has a premier cultural competency and diversity education program that will enhance youth and their ideals for generations to come.

Shannon Presti
YLOKC CEO
YMCA Youth Initiatives Director

Sidney received a token of YLOKC's appreciation, which was delivered on behalf of Shannon Presti by Mrs. Carmen Clay, Casady Service-Learning Director at the awards chapel assembly on May 23, 2015






Martin Luther King Scholar Program Award @ Ithaca College


The Martin Luther King Scholar Program at Ithaca College is a dynamic learning community, developing future leaders and global citizens who are committed to promoting King’s legacy of social justice and equality in their personal and professional lives, engaging in public services, building bridges to other communities, and educating others with their international perspective.

Seondre C'15, recipient of the Martin Luther King School Program scholarship at Ithaca College stated, "The MLK Program at Ithaca College was based on involvement with community service, leadership, and academics. 

Through my involvement with Youth Lead OKC, YAC and the countless other organizations that I have worked with through them gave me an edge when applying to the program. There were 300 applicants, 30 were invited and flown out to the campus to interview and participate in some activities.   Afterwards 15 were chosen to enter the program. Through my interview I talked about my involvement with Youth LEAD and YAC which sparked a conversation that outlasted some of the other interviews. 

Doing community service while always good for others will also benefit you by making you a better leader, a better person, and give you those important connections that you may need one day.  Those connections  helped me land into a program that lets me travel the globe researching social issues, and better understand the true complexity of the world while also receiving a $47,000 scholarship to attend Ithaca College in New York."

Summer Service

Casady Peace Week Team begins planning 
Episcopal Dioceses "Peace Village" Materials

Saint Paul's Episcopal labyrinth


YLOKCasady helps host, Muslim Jewish Film Institute screening of "The Other Son"  175 people attended the screening and panel discussion that took place at Mercy School Institute.





YAC Tennis Clinic at Boys and Girls Club.  Collaboration with Cleats for Kids










YAC Fedex-Planning School Year 2015-2016








Summer Advocacy and Direct Service

Casady Peace Week Team begins planning 
Episcopal Dioceses "Peace Village" Materials


Saint Paul's Episcopal labyrinth


YLOKCasady helps host, Muslim Jewish Film Institute screening of "The Other Son"  175 people attended the screening and panel discussion that took place at Mercy School Institute.





YAC Tennis Clinic at Boys and Girls Club.  Collaboration with Cleats for Kids










YAC Fedex-Planning School Year 2015-2016








Tuesday, June 9, 2015

YOUTH LEAD OKC?





Youth LEAD OKC IS




Togetherness
Educate
Communication
Peace
Unity
Equality
Informing the next generation
Making a better future
Understanding our own community
Identifying who you are
Against racism, segregation and clicks
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Eradicating poverty
Equality, compassion, open  minded
Stop bullying
Kindness, thoughtfulness, being helpful
Destroys stereotypes
New, improvement,
rebirth\
Stop Hunger
Uniting kindness
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Olive branch
Symbolize peace
Flowers
Supports love and grows
A tree
Provides oxygen  and life, creates habitats
A rock
Stability
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Diverse cultures
Ambition
Public Speaking/ Confidence
Engaging across differences
Diversity
Encouraging
Learn about other religions
Communication
Have the same goal
Open minded
More people have the same goals
The needs in our community
Diverse
Engaging
Facilitate
Leadership
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Catholic, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim
Way of life
Jewish, Christian, Muslim, Methodist, Athiesm
Culture is the foundation of the group
Muslim, Catholic, Christian, Hindu, non-believers, Jewish, White, Hispanic
Diversity of backgrounds
Catholic, Jewish, Atheist, Christian, Islamic
Cultural Diversity
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Skittles, cookies, Take-out
Training
Became closer
Chinese, pizza, and tacos
YL Training day
Getting to know people
Cookies, pizza, water
Tabitha
Training
Cookies, tacos
Training with Tabitha
Playing games
Youth LEAD OKC IS
Make a difference
To grow and make a difference
A group that actually helps the community come together


Holding events


Youth LEAD OKC (YLOKC) is a cultural competency and service-learning youth board.  Teens reflect on their similarities and differences.  Connect to their personal passions to serve and act through service-learning experiences of youth voice and choice.  


Multicultural Experience for Positive Tomorrows
LEAD stands for Leaders Engaging Across Differences.  During meetings, teens enhance 21 Century Skills and collaborate across differences to develop service-learning experiences, addressing community needs.

The School Year 2014-2015 was Youth LEAD OKC's first year of full operations.  YLOKC had teens and adults from 10 schools and organizations participating in meetings and projects such as a stereotypes workshop for Boys and Girls Club, a debate about storm shelters for Oklahoma City public schools, and a screening and discussion of a documentary about migrant workers'
children, "La Cosecha."  The big outreach project of the year was a cultural fest, holiday book giveaway for Positive Tomorrows School in partnership with the Come and Read with Me Program of the Metropolitan Library Systems. Youth LEAD also participated in MLK Service Day Advocacy-volunteering at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma and promoting a viewing and discussion of the movie SELMA.  During the recruitment party in August 2014, YLOKC made pinwheels for Peace to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace and fundraising to help build a house for foster children at Peppers Ranch.  YLOKC also collaborated with the Interfaith Alliance and the Casady Service-Learning Program raising awareness of the International Day of Peace at the Day of Kids at Boys and Girls Club and with the Oklahoma Conference of Churches participating and helping plan the reflective component of the Interfaith Youth Tour.  The final school year 2014-2015 collaboration came in the form of being a welcoming committee to the film "The Other Son" sponsored by the Jewish Muslim Film Institute and the Respect Diversity Foundation.





The idea of a cultural competency, service-learning teen board came from Youth LEAD ONLINE Sharon.  After attending her first Youth LEAD Online TIDE Conference in Boston, Sidney J',15 from Casady, in collaboration with Sam K'15 from Heritage Hall, Dane N'15 from Douglas High School and Sirenee K'16 from Edmond Santa Fe via Mercy School Institute started recruitment of teen members for the pilot YLOKC. The year was spent in training sessions and the group had one service-learning experience helping clean-up after the Moore Tornado with a Field of Teams of teens from all over the USA. Some members also collaborated with the Global Youth YMCA Program during their service project for tornado relief.  

The initial supporting and ongoing collaborating agencies and schools are the YMCA Youth Initiatives Program, that provided the funding for 3 training sessions from Youth LEAD Online facilitated by Tabitha May-Tolub, Roots and Wings consultant.   The  Casady Service-Learning Program, the Respect Diversity Foundation, CAIR/Interfaith Alliance OKC-Mercy School Institute, Heritage Hall and Douglas High School provide adult mentors, rotating locations and snacks for meetings.

Youth LEAD OKC meets on Sundays _first Sunday, unless noted_ from 1:30-3:30 pm at rotating locations of participating high schools and partner organization headquarters. 

The planning teen team meets one hour to 30 minutes earlier, as needed by the agenda items, and stays 30 minutes after for debriefing and to set up the next month's agenda.  

In the school year 2014-2015 there was also an overnight training at Camp Fire USA led by Tabitha.  The lock -in focused on project planning and ice breakers facilitation. 

There is an annual fee to belong to YLOKC, but there is also a YMCA-YLOKC scholarship fund.  The fee covers the YLOKC T-shirt and helps with meeting operating expenses.  

Youth LEAD OKC is seeking new high school members, especially rising 9th graders, for the school year 2015-2016. Contact clayc@casady.org, 405-520-1325  or spresti@ymcaokc.org, 405-361-8825 if interested.