To begin, just what is City Year? City Year is a non-profit organization within AmeriCorps. It is a ten month service and leadership development program for youth ages 17-24. As described on the City Year website:
City Year unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, giving them the skills and opportunities to change the world. As tutors, mentors and role models, these diverse young leaders help children stay in school and on track, and transform schools and communities across the United States, as well as through international affiliates in Johannesburg, South Africa and London, England. Just as important, during their year of service corps members develop civic leadership skills they can use throughout a lifetime of community service.
Why have I come to Philadelphia? In my senior year at the University of Michigan, I became passionate about creating a more just food system, and promoting foodways that are healthy for both people and the environment. As I explored how to become a part of this movement, I and was soon convicted that the first step was to experience (at least some) different environments and cultures in which people are obtaining, preparing and consuming food. The East Coast is my first stop. After doing some research, Philadelphia stood out as an urban center with food accessibility concerns, a place of great agricultural bounty and heritage (with the Dutch Amish and nearby Lancaster County), and home to interesting food organizations like The Food Trust.
But City Year is about education - if foodways are what I care about, why participate in City Year? Well, City Year Greater Philadelphia is an opportunity to really get to know some kids who are growing up in the most condemning and unjust foodways in the country. As the incidence of childhood obesity increases, many of the kids that I work with live in an urban food desert and are growing up with low-incomes, tough neighborhoods, and perhaps a lack of healthy eating role models. They come to school with plastic "papi store" bags filled with $0.69 soda, candy, and a bag of chips. They eat cafeteria food for breakfast and lunch. As a City Year Corps member, I will get to know these kids well. I will live part of their reality with them and hopefully understand it at least a little.
In his book, Out of Poverty, Paul Polak lists "12 steps to practical problem solving." The first two are: 1) Go where the action is, and 2) Talk to the people who have the problem, and listen to what they have to say. In this term of service with City Year, I have come to where the action is. My challenge now is step two, to talk and to listen. In this blog, I will be sharing these conversations and experiences with you. Please share your thoughts using the comment feature - I value your ideas and insights. Thank you for your support!
But City Year is about education - if foodways are what I care about, why participate in City Year? Well, City Year Greater Philadelphia is an opportunity to really get to know some kids who are growing up in the most condemning and unjust foodways in the country. As the incidence of childhood obesity increases, many of the kids that I work with live in an urban food desert and are growing up with low-incomes, tough neighborhoods, and perhaps a lack of healthy eating role models. They come to school with plastic "papi store" bags filled with $0.69 soda, candy, and a bag of chips. They eat cafeteria food for breakfast and lunch. As a City Year Corps member, I will get to know these kids well. I will live part of their reality with them and hopefully understand it at least a little.
In his book, Out of Poverty, Paul Polak lists "12 steps to practical problem solving." The first two are: 1) Go where the action is, and 2) Talk to the people who have the problem, and listen to what they have to say. In this term of service with City Year, I have come to where the action is. My challenge now is step two, to talk and to listen. In this blog, I will be sharing these conversations and experiences with you. Please share your thoughts using the comment feature - I value your ideas and insights. Thank you for your support!
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