Project Report
| Jan 8, 2021
Fall into Winter GK Youth Update
![GK Middle School]()
GK Middle School
Due to the uncertainty around schools reopening, and programming protocols, all Global Kids programs were off to a staggered start this year. This prompted a later start to the enrollment period, changes in enrollment processes for some of our contracts and multiple changes in the start to the school year – all of which are related to the COVID pandemic. While most of our programs are operating remotely, some of our staff are supporting students in person at the school sites.
Along with our outreach to students and our school partners, Global Kids was able to run some bridge programs to introduce and welcome students back to Global Kids, kicked off several programs including Power of Citizenry, College and Career Readiness, HRAP, clubs and others. We also resumed our Council on Foriegn Relations (CFR) roundtables virtually in October of 2020 with CFRfellowRob Knakewho spoke about the elections and cybersecurity. To continue supporting staff’s ongoing learning, we launched our new staff professional development series this fall which focused on our anti-racist work.
Lastly, Global Kids was extremely proud and humbled to be named by Nonprofit New York as the Overall Management Excellence Winner for its 2020 Nonprofit Excellence Awards! This win is an incredible honor for all of us at Global Kids, and indicative of the commitment and passion that all of our staff brings to fulfilling GK's mission of educating, activating and inspiring students to become civically engaged participants in our democracy.
As Overall Winner, in addition to being awarded $30,000 to continue our programming, GK leadership was also asked to take part in two panels at the 2020 Nonprofit Excellence Awards. Global Kids Executive Director Evie Hantzopoulos participated in the "From Crisis To Recovery: The Current State of the Sector" panel. Panelists spoke on how nonprofits have been handling the pandemic and supporting their staff and communities through these difficult times. You can watch the panel here. In "More Than a Protest Slogan: Making Anti-Racism Real in Your Organization," GK Director of Programs Yvonne Brathwaite spoke about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion best practices. You can watch the panel
here.
Global Kids and Art and Design High School Youth Celebrate Suffragettes of Color With Portraits Across NYC.
From October 15th to November 3rd, 2020, Global Kids, in partnership with LinkNYC and the High School of Art and Design, celebrated the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment and women’s constitutional right to vote with portraits of Suffragettes of Color displayed in Link kiosks across New York City.
Global Kids youth leaders at the High School of Art and Design conducted research and then selected ten prominent women of color who made a significant impact in their fight for equality and Woman’s Suffrage. The artwork for this campaign was created as part of Global Kids’ Girl Hack digital education program.
See the full project and learn more about the suffragettes featured in it
here.College and Career Readiness
This fall our College and Career Readiness Program has primarily focused on seniors as they are in the midst of applying for colleges at a time when there is less support provided by their schools. Students attend specialized college-centered workshops to stay on track with the college application process. The program opened with a Senior Kick Off party where students were able to process their emotions around the college process, learn key terms and concepts, and review a timeline for the coming months. They also attended workshops on creating the college list, completing the Common app and the CUNY app, as well as writing college essays. Students are also encouraged to connect with trainers for individual support. We also offered larger events including: a Virtual College Fair with speakers from Macaulay Honors College, St. Francis and HBCU Hub; a College Application Party; Macaulay Honors College Info Session for Juniors and Seniors, and a special presentation from Judy Young of College Excellence.
Power of Citizenry Leadership program
Global Kids Youth leaders began by exploring the theme “Who’s Got the Power”. They learned about different forms of governments around the world, examined how political beliefs are formed, learned about the U.S. election process through an interactive online simulation, and discussed their own opinions on different political issues. Students processed their feelings and thoughts about the current election including how it was different from years past due to COVID 19. Students learned about how we can build power at the local level, highlighting the importance of making phone calls to local elected officials. Every week students were encouraged to take action in Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts by encouraging their friends, family and community members to know their voting plan and to vote.
Human Rights Activist Project (HRAP)
The youth leaders focused on cohort building and helping students understand the basics: who, what, where, why and how of community organizing. Students learned how to differentiate between organizing, activism, and social movements and gained tools for organizing in their communities. They analyzed issues that affect their communities and ways to build successful campaigns around these issues. The program hosted a panel featuring community organizers representing healthcare, immigration, climate change, education, criminal justice, and housing and racial justice. During the panel, students asked questions and learned about the issues and tactics to prepare for their own campaigns for social change.
![GK Middle School]()
GK Middle School
![GK Youth Leaders Art]()
GK Youth Leaders Art
![GK Youth Leaders Art]()
GK Youth Leaders Art
![GK Youth Leaders Welcome Back]()
GK Youth Leaders Welcome Back
![GK Youth Leaders Welcome Back]()
GK Youth Leaders Welcome Back
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