As we approach the second anniversary of violence and hate in Charlottesville, two groups are launching a program to train young activists.
Heather Heyer’s mother says her daughter was not a community leader – just a person who felt she had to stand up against racism. Now, Susan Bro has joined with local activist Elliott Cisneros to launch Heyer Voices – a program to train high school students who are passionate about a cause.
“We’ll really be spending a lot of time doing experiential learning – people exploring their relationship to one another and to these issues of difference," Cisneros explains. "From that place the students will plan what they want to do to impact their communities in a powerful and meaningful way.”
Students will get help from mentors in planning events and campaigns to promote their ideas. Among them, Virginia Tech student Jameel Wilson.
“There are so many kids that are so bright in your schools. You could see them making an impact on their community if they just had a way of doing it, so I’m excited to see these kids actually get a voice out there,” he says.
High school juniors and seniors can apply for the program here. It begins in mid-August. Parents and students are invited to attend an informational meeting from 7-8 p.m. Thursday, August 1 or from 10-11 a.m. Saturday, August 3rd at 914 E. Jefferson Street, Suite G-4.
