They Say We Stand For Nothing and There’s No Way We Ever Could

The past month I have been so involved in democracy that I dream about bills and manage to turn every conversation into one about legislation. It’s annoying and yet I’m hooked. I soak it all up. Yesterday I attended COBI—Children…Our Best Investment, which is a day where students can hear speakers talk about current issues, form messages for their legislators, have lunch with Senators and Representatives, and go to the Statehouse for tours and conversations with legislators. I was so impressed to see young people soaking it up just like I do.

They asked panelists tough questions that forced them to get to the heart of the issues. When legislators came to lunch, they brought up problems in education that they are facing and asked how the current bills are going to address the issues. If answers from panelists or legislators were not up to snuff, they said, “But what about this…” Everything from gang activity in schools, to undocumented immigrants getting a college education, to how far schools can go in suspending and expelling students, to restructuring the Indianapolis Public School system were brought up and spoken about not only with passion, but with poise, knowledge, and confidence.

At the Statehouse later in the day I saw students talking with their legislators, grilling legislative assistants about how they got their jobs and what degree was needed, and introducing themselves as “Future Senator So-and-So” and “Future Governor”.

If this is the face of Indiana’s future, we are in good hands. These high school students want to know the answers. They ask good questions. They’re not interested in simply identifying a problem; they’re interested in coming up with solutions and making them happen. I’m confident that even in a highly partisan political climate that is discouraging many, these students will keep their drive and optimism and become great leaders.

One day our generation is gonna rule the population, so stop Waiting on the World to Change. These youth did.

Interested in having your voice heard? Join MCCOY’s Youth Advocacy Council.
Want to stay updated on the legislative session and other advocacy updates? Follow MCCOY_Advocacy on Twitter.


 

Parent Leadership Month

February.  It is know as Black History month, the month of love, National Bird Feeding month, and Parent Leadership month.  With so many dedications to one month, it is difficult to decide which way to celebrate.  I encourage everyone to become more involved in the lives of children.  Whether you are parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend of a parent, or know a child, being involved in child's life and leading them in a positive light pays large dividends in their future.  I know that this month is almost over, but just because there is a different dedication to another month leadership knows no seasonality.  Now is a good time as any to start being instrumental in the lives of children.  Parents are not just biological, they are influential.

Inspirational Story from Providence Cristo Rey HS student

A few weeks ago, I had the fortune of meeting Damon Wharton, an inspirational, outstanding 10^th grader at Providence Cristo Rey High School. Damon recently decided to enter the Own Your Future Media Arts Contest, which is an opportunity for students to creatively express why school is important to them. Damon submitted his song, “Stay in School”, into the High School Video category and when I first heard it, I was impressed by his powerful message, skill with the guitar, and smooth voice. Later on, when Shahana and I went to interview him and find out more about his story, we were amazed to hear that he had only been playing the guitar for a month! Moreover, he was not taking lessons from a professional; instead, he was teaching himself how to play!

As we delved deeper into his story, he spoke about the tremendous influences in his life, including his faith, his mentor, Jim, and his twin brother, Jarmon. I couldn’t stop smiling as Damon told us about how these positive influences have motivated him to excel both inside and outside the classroom. Even though we spent less than an hour with Damon and Jarmon, it was clear how mature and driven they both were. After we finished up the interview, they shook our hands and thanked us for our time. Every time we’ve communicated with these two all-star students, before and after the interview, I’ve been astonished by how well-mannered they are, especially at their age! As students and as young adults, Damon and Jarmon truly embody the Own Your Future message and I wish them great success in all of their endeavors!

Super Volunteers Inspire Others at Super Bowl

Written by: Evan Thomas, MCCOY Vice Chairman of the Board

It's easy to find information at the Super Bowl Village, because of Super Volunteers!Picture courtesy of www.indianapolissuperbowl.com

One of the most surprising and heartening things I’ve learned from MCCOY is how much community involvement we have in Indianapolis. I think we all know we have more than our fair share of issues, but good people wanting to help doesn’t seem to be among them.

That said, I really shouldn’t have been surprised by all the media accounts of how much the people of Indianapolis played into the success of the events leading up to the Super Bowl. The people made the difference. I believe that, but I also that it takes more than good people and their good intentions to bring off an event as big as the Super Bowl. It takes public – private partnerships, it takes corporate involvement and it takes planning. 

The city’s successful landing of the Super Bowl and its execution are a testament to Indianapolis can do. Indianapolis can be a world class city. We have hard evidence that we can form public – private partnerships that work, that the city’s corporate citizens will step up when called upon, and that we have the foresight to lay the groundwork today to achieve something audacious years from now. It’s not a theoretical anymore; Indianapolis does amazing things. Who would have believed a year ago or even a month ago that national media would be saying Indianapolis should be in the regular rotation to host a Super Bowl?

The real trick now is getting the good people, the companies, and the local government all pulling in the same direction without the pinnacle of American pop-culture awesomeness as the rallying point. It’s clear Indianapolis needs something to rally behind. We need something to pull us together. We need some audacious goal to set for ourselves and our city. 

What is it?

And zip lines, we definitely need zip lines…