This is Sam T-H. and Devin C. bringing you the events from last week’s AGE UP session. Friday, 2/28, we had Emilio Garza come to us to give some information about politics and The Washington Bus program. He started us off with a video of a politician forum, but one like no other, called the Candidate Survivor with the candidates for Seattle Mayor including Mike McGinn, and our current Mayor Ed Murray. With events like a talent show, and even answering “yes” or “no” questions about the current hot topics of the community. We began our main discussion of what topics we would like opened up more and discussed more so that change is made. One of the topics discussed was race and social equality, and what can be done to change people’s perspectives on that topic.
Afterwards he put us into groups of five and we exchanged thoughts about topics that we would hold events to raise awareness. One group discussed education and how kids around the world don’t have the same educational opportunities that America does, and that we should all be able to have equal education. Their event would be a festival with concert appearances from Drake and Macklemore. Having games involving education would help inform the people playing them about the problems that kids that don’t live in America face. Each group had similar ideas to raise awareness about, but all of the events were very diverse in how they wanted to get the information across.
Both of us pulled away different ideas and things we can do from this session. This is Devin and I learned about lots of cool ways to bring social awareness into the community. One of the things I learned was to try to plan an event to get people more aware about people who are being deprived of their education. My group thought of using free food, games, and entertainment (Drake and Macklemore) to “reel people in.” This is Sam and I learned plenty from Emlio and his activities. I am a huge supporter of gay marriage and I constantly hear friends of mine call things “gay.” I now have learned, not just this week, but through all the weeks I’ve gone to these sessions, that I can do something about it. Things like this don’t have to be left alone, and there are people who want to help, and that have the power to do so. It’s not everyday that people get the opportunity do learn about these kinds of issues, and it’s even more special knowing that this is our last session for the winter. Having Emilio come out was a great close to a great program. I’ve learned a lot and I hope you did too.
Props also to Emilio for staying and playing goalty with us and our guest coach – Sam Harkness from Seattle Sockeye!