After starting the morning with a delicious breakfast of strawberry juice, pears, and cheese sandwiches, we participated in our first Community Action Project (CAP) meeting. Ana and Melissa opened the meeting with an enlightening quote by Joel Barber: “Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes time. Vision with action can change the world.” We then discussed the importance of having a sustainable project that engaged the community, learned the three D’s of the CAP–design, discovery, and delivery–and read about Casa de la Mujer, our community partners for the CAP and our speakers for the day. Further, we divided into three groups to brainstorm questions to ask members of the organization later, spanning background questions about why they were founded to ideas of projects in which we could help.
Then, after a fun round of “Evolution,” we walked to Casa de la Mujer, and met the inspirational women who participated in several hallmark movements for women’s rights– from Ana Maria, who was the first to fight for the rights of indigenous women and led a protest in 1991 with 30,000 fellow indigenous activists, to her granddaughter, Tamia, who fought for and won a voluntary vote for youth aged 16 and up as a member of the People’s Assembly in 2008 (when she was only 14)!
Later, following a delicious four-course lunch of salad, vegetable soup, shrimp and fish with rice, and banana cream desserts, we returned to the hotel for our second CAP meeting of the day. We shared the responses from the organization’s leaders regarding our project-oriented questions with the rest of the group, and came up with CAP possibilities. After voting and considering various factors such as need, community engagement, feasibility, and personal passion, we decided on four projects to present to our partners on Monday: patching up and repainting the walls, cleaning and replanting the garden, constructing wooden signs, and deep cleaning numerous rooms in the house.
We then went to a surprise dinner of pizza and Coke, which prompted smiles, cheers, and lines for seconds. Finally, after a Broadway-themed walk back with friends, we ended the day with our nightly meeting, the traditional passing of the torch and lei to the next Leader of the Day, and a lively reflection section!
I can’t wait for what’s ahead, and all the fun that Free Day will bring!
What an amazing day you all had! Meeting the wonderful women at Casa de la Mujer must have been inspiring! Whatever project is chosen, I know you all will do an excellent job! I am so proud of you all! Arriana, it was so good to see you! I am sure you enjoyed the Broadway themed walk back…lol! Father, Jared, Corie and I miss you! Be safe! God bless you guys!
I look forward to seeing more pictures and reading more about the projects you guys selected.
I also can’t wait for your free day. I want to hear my princess voice.
I don’t know if she can see this comment so if anyone in her group reads it please let her know that I miss her dearly and love her so much!
I am so proud of her.
Great to hear about the meeting with indigenous social justice activists, sounds exciting. I can’t wait to hear more about the CAP. I am sure Mikaela enjoyed the Broadway themed walk! It is great when fun and learning ignite!
Ana Maria and Tamia sound amazing. What inspirational people! I know you will all have a wonderful learning, supporting and leading experience.
Carmen, I love and miss you dearly. I’m only comforted by knowing you are with an exceptional group of your peers and adults who know the importance of creating community in the service of and with others. I cannot wait to see how this unique experience shapes your worldview because I’m already quite impressed with your critical thinking skills and politics. ❤️❤️❤️
I also miss your beautiful smile.
It sounds like you guys had an amazing day. How awesome that Sara is able to be a part of a project that she is so passionate about. Whatever you decide , we are sure it will be amazing. We cannot wait to hear and see how this evolves.
Sara everyone is calling and texting daily to see how your doing. We love you and miss you, however the smile on your face lets us know your very happy.
We cannot wait to see what tomorrow brings…….
Love
Mom and Dad
PS Remeber your time there is short, so take in as much as you can and enjoy.
Dear Lutie:
We have really enjoyed following the group’s activities on the GG Blog, and the photos were particularly interesting! Your report on the day’s actities was excellent; and we are most pleased that you were able to get through to us on the phone this afternoon, after we missed your call this morning.
Hearing your voice was magical! We are grateful to the person who allowed you to make a second attempt to reach us. We’re proud of you, and we are cheering you on!
With love,
Your Parents