6:00 pm – 10:00 pm

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 Anderson Academic Commons

Community Change Initiative Presentations

University of Denver Pioneer Leadership Program

www.du.edu/leadership

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                     Racial  Inequality  in  the  Justice  System  

                                                   Morgan  Carter,  Camryn  Dreyer,  Victoria  Price-­‐Husher,  &  Lois  Shih    

                                                   Partner  Organizations:                  The  Bridge  Project  &  The  Denver  Police  Department    

                                                 This  year,  we  have  undertaken  an  initiative  to  attempt  to  bridge  the                                                      gap  between  minority  communities  and  the  Denver  Police  Department.                                                    We  partnered  with  the  Bridge  Project,  which  provides  after  school                                                      programming  for  students  in  public  housing  neighborhoods,  and  the                                                    Denver  Police  Department.  Our  goal  was  to  facilitate  interaction                                                    between  these  communities  and  help  build  meaningful  bonds  that                                                    assist  in  lessening  the  stigma  between  these  groups.  After  intense                                                  research  into  the  issue  as  it  pertains  to  the  Denver  community,  for                                                    our  final  project  we  met  with  the  officers  who  work  in  the  same                                                    neighborhood  our  community  partner  to  showcase  the  volunteer                                                    opportunities  offered  by  the  Bridge  Project  and  encouraged  them  to    

               involve  themselves  with  these  young  minority  students  in  the                    communities  they  serve.  

                   

                       Thank  you  to  all  participating            organizations  and  community  partners!  

NOTES    

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Classroom  Culture  Chaye  Gutierrez,  JJ  Khan, & Faith  McKenna    Partner  Organization:    

Centennial  Elementary:  A  School  For  Expeditionary  Learning    Hello!  We  are  Chaye  Gutierrez,  Faith  McKenna  and   JJ  Khan  and  for  our   Community   Change   Initiative   we   decided   to   explore   how  students  have  the  ability  to   influence  and  create  positive  classroom  culture.  We   believe   that   by  working   directly   with   elementary   aged  students  to  foster   leadership  skills  and  build  supportive  connections  between  peers,  classrooms  can  have  a  culture  that  positively  impacts  the   future.   This   culture   is   important   not   only   because   of   its  immediate   relevance,  but  also  because   in   the  years   to   come   these  kids   will   be   our   doctors,   teachers,   and   even   world   leaders.   We  believe  it  is  crucial  that  kids  are  supported,  encouraged,  and  given  a  voice  today.          Forward  Focus  Shea  Claflin,  Austin  Johnson,  Montrell  Nickerson,  &  Kayla  Steffens    Partner  Organization:       Englewood  High  School    Education   is   often   heralded   as   the   key   to   a   successful   life.   With  regards  to  low  income  students,  not  only  does  attending  a  college  or  vocational   school   provide   them   with   the   opportunity   to   advance  their  socioeconomic  status,   it  also  gives  them  the  power  to  end  the  vicious   cycle   of   poverty.   The   Forward   Focus   program   seeks   to  address   the   toxic   stressors   that   negatively   impact   low-­‐income   high  school  students’  post-­‐graduation  outcomes.  Our  vision  is  to  prepare  disadvantaged   sophomores   for   life   after   high   school   so   that   their  opportunity  to  achieve   is  equal  to  that  of  their  more  affluent  peers.  In   doing   so,   they   will   rise   above   their   environment,   transforming  from  “just  another  statistic”  into  a  visionary  and  successful  member  of  society.  

Creating  Sustainable  Relationships  Within  the  Arts  Community  Bryce  Armijo-­‐Hubbard,  Nicolino  Carmosino,  Silas  Carter,  Soleil  Kohl,  &  Maddie  Tremblay    Partner  Organizations:            Colorado  Young  Leaders  &  RedLine    Tackling  the  issue  of  arts  in  volunteerism  led  us  on  a  path  where  we  were  able  to  connect  the  youth  of  today  with  an  underrepresented  field.  Our  goal  was  simple:  create  longstanding,  sustainable  relationships  between  volunteer  groups  and  the  arts  field.                Ableism  and  the  Arts    Ryan  Bullard,  Rhianna  DeVries,  Nicholas  Luangphithack,    Moriah  Mabry,  &  Mayci  Namio    Partner  Organization:     Littleton  Public  Schools  Transitions  Program    Our  mission  focuses  on  promoting  communication  skills  for  students  with  disabilities  by  engaging  in  the  performing  arts  and  professionalism  for  the  goal  of  independence  and  accessibility.  Our  Community  Change  Initiative  is  comprised  of  a  partnership  with  the  Littleton  Public  Schools  Transitions  Program,  for  whom  we  instructed  a  course  in  the  performing  arts.  Using  a  devised  curriculum  including  modules  in  improvisation,  storytelling,  and  professionalism,  the  class  came  to  fruition  in  a  final  production  including  all  of  the  students.  By  the  end  of  the  course,  students  developed  their  acting  skills,  they  grew  in  confidence  while  performing,  and  they  became  equipped  with  tools  and  resources  they  can  employ  in  the  workforce  and  in  life.                  

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Making  College  a  Reality  Lloyd  Alcorn,  Alex  Barrett,  Hugh  Jeffery,  Spencer  Johnson,  &  Noah  Rodighiero    Partner  Organization:  

Denver  Public  School;  North  High  School,  University  of  Denver  Admissions  Team,  &  University  of  Denver  Financial  Aid  Team  

 Our  team  coordinated  with  Denver  North  High  School  to  plan  three  visits  with  15-­‐20  students  focusing  on  college  access.  One  session  was  held  at  their  campus  and  two  were  held  here  at  the  University  of  Denver.  We  addressed  the  various  difficulties  within  the  complex  college  application  process.  We  linked  them  with  valuable  resources  here  on  campus,  and  gave  them  crucial  insights  on  how  to  approach  the  college  application  process.  We  gave  each  individual  the  skills  and  assets  to  help  make  college  a  reality  for  them.                Substance  Abuse   Nancy  Enriquez,  Long  Liu,  Amanda  Ly,  &  Abi  Olson    Partner  Organizations:    

Colorado  Office  of  Behavioral  Health  &    Harm  Reduction  Action  Center    

Substance  abuse  is  the  use  of  substances  that  serves  as  harmful  to  the  individual  physically,  mentally  and  socially.  In  other  words,  it  poses  a  threat  to  the  user’s  health  and  overall  well-­‐being.  Throughout  the  year,  our  team  worked  to  lessen  the  impact  of  those  abusing  substances  around  the  community  by  spreading  awareness  and  teaming  up  with  the  Harm  Reduction  Center  in  hopes  it  will  not  only  positively  influence  the  individual,  but  those  they  are  surrounded  by.    

High  School  Sexual  Assault  Prevention  Education  Maddy  Gawler,  Erin  Maher,  Talia  Reynolds,  &  Donovan  Rice    Partner  Organizations:    

Blue  Bench,  MESA  (Movement  to  End  Sexual  Assault),    &  South  High  School  

 Sexual  assault  is  primarily  a  crime  committed  against  youth.  It  is  also  partially  committed  by  youth.  We  brought  this  much-­‐needed  conversation  to  a  younger  audience  to  teach  not  only  how  to  avoid  being  sexually  assaulted,  but  how  to  proactively  stop  yourself  and  others  from  committing  sexual  assault.  We  partnered  with  South  High  School’s  student  council  to  organize  an  awareness  month,  and  we  delivered  a  four-­‐hour  lecture  to  seniors  in  partnership  with  Blue  Bench  and  MESA.  Next  school  year,  the  student  council  is  creating  an  annual  education  program  during  freshmen  orientation  in  partnership  with  Blue  Bench.  They  will  also  make  an  awareness  campaign  in  the  school  every  April.        Sexual  Assault  and  Consent  Education  Kelly  Cortes,  Tommy  Dattilo,  Emily  Janée,  Sophia  Sterling,    &  Suraj  Renganathan    Partner  Organizations:    

The  Blue  Bench  &  1is2Many  from  the  Denver  School  of  the  Arts    

For  our  community  change  initiative,  we  sought  to  educate  high  school  students  about  topics  of  sexual  assault,  bystander  intervention,  and  consent.  With  the  help  of  our  partner,  The  Blue  Bench,  we  were  able  to  connect  with  a  student  organization,  1is2Many,  at  the  Denver  School  of  the  Arts  (DSA)  who  share  the  goals  of  sexual  assault  education  within  their  community.  With  our  partnerships,  we  sought  to  foster  peer-­‐to-­‐peer  activism  among  young  adults  in  this  subject  matter.  We  also  worked  with  this  organization  to  facilitate  their  recruitment  process  for  the  following  year  by  hosting  engagement  events  with  students  at  DSA  as  well  as  organizing  a  senior  send-­‐off  panel  event  for  the  parents  of  graduating  seniors  where  we  began  a  discussion  over  sexual  assault  prevention  in  universities.              

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Get  Woke:  Cultural  Engagement  for  Students  Alejandro  Chavez,  Sarina  Phu,  Olivia  Storz,  &  Morgan  Zueger    Partner  Organization:       The  Bridge  Project    Get  Woke  centers  on  educating  and  fostering  discussion  around  social  justice  issues  for  young  students,  who  may  not  get  the  opportunity  to  have  these  discourses  in  their  regular  classes.  By  focusing  on  expanding  their  cultural  competencies  and  exposure  to  various  cultures  and  societal  issues,  especially  in  Denver,  we  hope  to  cultivate  the  next  leaders  of  Denver.  

         Education  Access:  Summer  Melt  Anthony  Clemente,  Trey  Berry,  Laney  Brink,  &  Chris  Florez    Partner  Organizations:       Meredith  Barrow  &  Denver  South  High  School    ‘Summer  Melt’  is  a  term  to  describe  the  10%  of  admitted  college  students,  that,  every  year  pay  their  deposit  but  don’t  show  up  to  school  in  the  fall.  For  our  group,  the  hope  was  to  assist  students  in  breaking  the  cycle  not  attending  different  institutions  around  the  country.  In  doing  so,  we  wanted  to  provide  resources  and  opportunities,  specifically  for  students  to  utilize  in  the  summer  leading  into  their  first  year  in  college,  that  would  potentially  keep  them  on  track  and  confident  in  their  ability.  Our  end  product  is  going  to  be  a  step  by  step  process  guide  of  the  FAFSA  process,  distributed  to  our  partner  organization  in  the  hopes  of  helping  students  through  the  application.    

Toxic  Masculinity  Blake  Ballard,  Alex  Bliss,  Skyler  Bowden,  Kira  Pratt,    &  Michael  Young    Partner  Organizations:    

Denver  South  High  School  Student  Senate,    Elizabeth  Truskin  from  Vista  Peak  Preparatory,    &  Man  Up  from  Rangeview  High  School  

 We  aimed  to  facilitate  a  community  dialogue  surrounding  the  effects  of  toxic  masculinity  and  gender  stereotypes  for  a  primarily  high  school  aged  demographic.    We  worked  with  the  Denver  South  Student  Senate  to  organize  the  1st  Annual  Community  Dialogue  about  what  roles  gender  has  in  our  society  today,  particularly  Masculinity.    This  conference,  open  to  students,  teachers,  and  parents  alike,  was  centered  around  how  masculinity  is  presented  through  media,  the  classroom,  and  social  interaction  and  how  it  impacts  the  South  community  specifically.    As  a  result  of  our  work,  the  leadership  teams  at  South  have  set  the  goal  to  work  together  to  create  a  healthier  community  in  regards  to  masculinity.    Mental  Health  in  Middle  Schools  Erin  Beasley,  Jackie  English,  Claire  Girardeau,  Kameron  Haake,    &  Charlotte  Moxley    Partner  Organizations:    

Morey  Middle  School,  Schools  within  DPS,  &    University  of  Denver  Professors  

 We  partnered  with  Morey  Middle  School  with  the  goal  of  helping  teachers  better  identify  and  work  with  students  who  have  mental  health  issues.  To  accomplish  this,  we  created  an  intervention  guide  that  contains  information  on  internalizing  and  externalizing  behaviors  as  well  as  advice  on  what  teachers  can  say  and  do  to  support  these  students.  Several  community  members  collaborated  with  us  on  this  project  including  school  counselors  in  the  Denver  area,  professionals  in  the  mental  health  field,  and  professors  in  the  DU  physiology  department.  We  recently  had  the  opportunity  to  present  our  guide  to  the  Morey  staff  at  their  weekly  meeting.  Based  on  the  results  from  our  pre  and  post  surveys  of  the  teachers,  we  hope  to  be  able  to  bring  this  guide  into  other  schools.    

     

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Refugee  Outdoor  Integration  Initiative  Will  Smock-­‐Egan,  Arie  Feltman-­‐Frank,  Hannah  Fox,  Connor  Horan,  &  Alex  Jackson      Partner  Organizations:    

African  Community  Center  &  Denver  Public  Works    The  Outdoor  Integration  Initiative  (OII)  is  a  program  dedicated  to  getting  refugee  students  to  connect  with  their  new  homes  by  engaging  in  their  natural  environments.  Through  exciting  adventures  to  Saint  Mary's  Glacier,  Dinosaur  Ridge,  or  Cherry  Creek,  the  OII  promotes  environmental  education  as  a  vehicle  for  refugee  students  to  engage  more  with  their  community,  and  gain  an  appreciation  for  Colorado's  rich  natural  environment.  Working  with  the  African  Community  Center,  Denver  Public  Works,  and  other  stakeholders  in  the  scientific  community,  the  OII  plans  trips  on  the  weekends  geared  towards  different  topics  such  as  water  testing,  climate  change,  or  glaciology.  While  there  are  many  organizations  that  help  Refugees  get  on  their  feet  after  the  tough  transition,  the  OII's  goal  is  to  create  opportunity  for  students  to  build  fresh  connections  with  their  new  environments  as  a  catalyst  for  growth  and  personal  grounding.    

 INTERMISSION  

   

Enabled  Volunteerism  Gabi  Arias,  Austin  Clapp,  Holden  Fitzgerald, Dahlia  Kurdmisto,    Claire  McShane,  &  Ben  Sawyer  Partner  Organizations:        South  High  School's  Rising  Rebels  &  Metro  Volunteers    Our  CCI  group  set  out  to  encourage  students  of  color  to  rise  to  leadership  roles  in  the  Denver  community  through  enabled  volunteerism.  Our  partners  include  Metro  Volunteers  and  the  Rising  Rebels,  a  South  High  School  Student  Organization.  Our  team  volunteered  at  the  Denver  Rescue  Mission,  a  nonprofit  that  serves  nutritional  meals  to  those  in  need.  Our  project  also  helped  to  establish  a  team  within  the  Rising  Rebels  devoted  to  volunteerism  that  will  begin  operation  next  fall.  

   

Ethication  Claire  Caviglia,  Sebastian  Legarburo,  Gabe  Marcano,  &  Seung  Joo  Yi    Partner  Organizations:  

EthicsGame,  The  Bridge  Project,  Denver  Board  of  Ethics,  Daniels  Fund  Ethics  Initiative,  &  Cherrelyn  Elementary  School  

 In  a  world  where  ethics  are  seemingly  bent  or  even  ignored,  Ethication's  goal  is  to  bring  ethics  education  into  the  American  school  system,  particularly  in  elementary  schools.  Partnering  with  Cherrelyn  Elementary  School,  our  five-­‐week  long  program  focused  on  ethical  dilemmas  and  problem-­‐solving  skills  that  students  could  use  in  and  outside  of  the  classroom.  We  are  further  excited  to  partner  with  Young  Americans  Bank  and  apply  our  curriculum  to  their  programs.  

 

 

 

 

Denver  Homelessness  Advocacy  Project  Cory  Dubray,  Rachel  Ledon,  &  Lexxi  Reddington    Partner  Organizations:    

Burnes  Center  on  Poverty  and  Homelessness,    Denver  Rescue  Mission,  &  DU  College  of  Law  

 Homelessness  is  a  rapidly  growing  problem  in  the  Denver  area  that  currently  lacks  the  financial,  governmental,  and  community  involvement  to  begin  being  fixed.  For  our  CCI,  we  created  a  short  documentary  style  film  to  inform  the  public  about  homelessness  beyond  the  sign-­‐flyers  and  nomads  they  see  on  the  streets.  With  this  video  we  hope  to  dispel  misconceptions  about  who  homeless  people  are  and  why  they  are  on  the  streets.  We  aim  to  shed  light  on  a  problem  that  has  lived  in  the  shadows  of  our  community.  Our  hope  is  that  it  will  inspire  individuals,  especially  young  people,  into  action  to  help  these  members  of  our  community  who  have  largely  been  ignored.