BLOG POST #9: Resonances/ Questions/Critiques
Chillaxing chapter gave a story into the minds and processes of students who attended NUA throughout the years.
"Compression of youth" should have something to show for themselves as adults earlier in life.
I have yet to entirely create a risk in my brain of youth arts and humanities programs like NUA; they become entangled in reproducing this social act, and young people should be more productive as creatives. Although all my creative friends have felt this rush of making it younger or else...
You tend to see youth non-profit organizations feel this need to demonstrate "impact" to show their attendees are not being "left behind." Putting pressure on the kids to fill a quota. The presence of Brown and RISD students unveiled a privileged and powerful cover among artists. The college students have the time, energy, and ability to volunteer, make art, etc., while the youth rush to build it all.
The thought of an NUA allowing kids to join leave, how often or sparsely they wanted to participate, feels so far from the norm - the measurable growth pathway of an organization. But so what?! Open classroom education was excellent to learn about! Why do we question the value of independence and allowing youth to follow their pressure when concerning the poor and BIPOC community? Do they not deserve it? Is it fun, open, opportunity, freedom, etc.?
NUA's emerging priority of discussing and debating public events is advocacy. I had a "Frankie" at Onward who attended PCTA - I brought him to NUA to do just that: observe and act when it feels right- Shout out to Jobanny, who advised me to connect students in that way.
Lunisol's quote of loving and talking can be more than enough - HIT MY SOUL.
We should be able to use moments like the zen space to win grants, fundraising, etc.
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