Schools
Working
both locally and across the state, the program launched activities that ranged
from putting cameras in the hands of students to show what
they believe should be preserved and changed as new schools are built
across the region to coalition building across the state to address the
need for access to public education for all young people.
Ohio Fair Schools Campaign
On the statewide level, Rural Action launched the Ohio Fair Schools Campaign,
a new coalition of grass roots community and faith-based organizations
throughout Ohio.
Educational organizations serve in an advisory capacity
and provide technical assistance, rather than acting as members, in order
to maintain a clear, separate identity for this grassroots effort.
The
mission of the Fair Schools Campaign is to advocate for public education
opportunities for all Ohio children wherever they live, whatever their
race and whatever their family background.
Ohio Fair Schools Campaign
2002 accomplishments:
Approved a platform and developed educational materials for grassroots
organizations to use. The platform emphasizes the need for broad reform
of the funding system and demonstrates the coalition's ability to work
toward common ground.
Students at Trimble, Miller, Federal Hocking and Warren High Schools
participated in facilitated discussions about Ohio's school funding system,
the various Ohio Supreme Court decisions about it, and the current issues
to develop and refine their opinions, which they are being encouraged
to share with legislators.
Community & School
Connections 2002 accomplishments:
Community & School Connections focused on school facilities issues
in our region and worked hand in hand with our statewide work, making
connections with local school communities for their input and participation
about funding issues, as outlined above.
Our staff completed The Camera Project in three area school districts
in which students' photographs depicting what they like and don't like
about their schools helped thinking about designs for the new schools
their districts will be building.
Environmental
Learning Program
Rural Action's Environmental Learning Program (ELP) works with young
people, their teachers and their families to foster a sense of wonder,
responsibility and stewardship of the natural world.
ELP 2002 Accomplishments
The Mercury Education Project, which educated people in 22 southeastern
Ohio communities about the hazards of elemental mercury. Artist Kelly
Lincoln created the "Mercury Miss and Digital Dude" educational
comic strip which was distributed to 11 southeastern Ohio Health Departments.
Sponsored the first annual Earth Walk, which raised $3,000 for environmental
education programming in spite of a downpour on the day of the event.
The following projects reached over 1000 students in our region:
Classroom and schoolyard teaching sessions at 11 schools in the Federal
Hocking, Trimble, Alexander and Vinton County School Districts over
an 8-week period in Spring 2002.
Two single day after school programs, one at Athens Middle School and
one at ReUse Industries.
A seven-week after school program at seven Vinton County schools in Fall
2002.
Participation in the School Days event at Hocking Hills State Park.
Presentation on insects at the Glouster Public Library.
Participation in the Girls Exploring Math and Science (GEMS) program
at Hocking College.
Provided a 3-day Watershed Day Camp or students who live
in the Federal Valley Watershed.
YouthAct
In 2002, Rural Action developed YouthAct, a youth grant making project
at 3 area Middle Schools. In 2003, these grant making councils will
give away a total of $10,000 in grants for these projects.
YouthAct
2002 accomplishments:
Formation of Youth Grant Making Councils at Trimble, Federal Hocking
and Alexander Middle Schools involved over 30 young people. They
have developed grant guidelines and have solicited proposals from their
fellow students for community service projects.
Arts and Cultural Heritage Program
2002 Accomplishments:
Completion of the Corning and Glouster Murals
Nelsonville mural project began with youth involvement playing a key
role. Completion is set for Spring 2003.
Provided Youth Poetry and Songwriting workshops in Nelsonville
Participation in festival planning and audio and video recording services
for the PawPaw Festival, the HockHocking Folk Festival and the
SouthEast Ohio Dulcimer Festival.
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