We spent it in a workshop with the Generation for Change kids. The level of energy and inspiration were astonishing - and while I deeply want to transmit to you all of that and all that we did and that the kids discussed, I think I'll only detract from its power. So what I'm posting here is a compilation poem created by all of the participants in the workshop. The requirement was simply to fill in the following blanks:
I am _________.
I will _________.
Read on. As you read it, imagine a group of about 30 kids - white girls from the US, black and coloured kids from the township, huddled around three giant pieces of butcher paper. Each one read out loud the words that someone else had written: how each had chosen to define herself, what each had committed to for the future. And then at the end, imagine all 30, without hesitation, reading the last two lines confidently. Imagine them reverberate slightly in the room we were in. So read on the words. They speak for themselves.
We Are Who We Choose to Be
I am a dancer and I believe in myself to live my dream.
I am observant.
I will see and help the people in need.
I am a part of the solution.
I will be a politician.
I am the New Generation and will try to pull my community together.
I will respect my family.
I am a leader of this generation.
I will share my urge to change the world.
I am a listener.
I will listen and help the hopes and dreams of people around the world.
I am a friendly person.
I will always make new friends.
I am a doctor.
I will help people.
I have dreams of myself.
I am kind.
I will help people in the community.
I am happy.
I am pretty.
I will always be pretty.
I am clever.
I will always be clever.
I want to be a doctor.
I want to help people.
I am black.
I will always be black.
I am a writer.
I will make a difference.
I am Crystal and I have a lot of dreams.
I will make a change in my community.
I am passionate.
I will inspire others to make change and discover their own passions.
I am a good listener.
I will learn and grow from every answer I receive.
I am Ashley and I have a dream.
I will love my community as I love myself.
I am passionate and driven to acquire knowledge.
I will learn how I can help the world.
I am BLANK.
I will try to change that.
I am what many will never be.
I will acknowledge my responsibilities.
I am very kind.
I will dance.
I am proud to be part of this generation.
I will make a difference.
I am active and fit.
I will promote a healthy lifestyle in my community.
I am strong.
I will strengthen others.
I am honest.
I will always tell the truth.
I am passionate and unique.
I will help to promote positive change and NOTHING will stop me.
I am well connected, opinionated, educated, and frustrated.
I will talk to the people who have the power ‘til I become one myself.
I am capable of changing the world.
I will.
We are one.
We will stand as one.
