My elders all feel the same there's no bravery

We're suposed to fight for freedom not just the end of slavery
-Akrobatik, "Remind My Soul"

With the local municipal elections now behind us, life has calmed down a bit for many. For others, it is picking up pace at even faster levels. Regardless, I needed to decompress from the madness and wonder of it all. Take a walk with me.

My friend Carlos Henriquez lost his 2nd attempt to unseat Chuck Turner for the District 7 spot. My Boston peoples know the incredible legacy of Mr Turner has as a community activist and organizer. Many of yall also know how real Mr Henriquez keeps it as well. It's just unfortunate that the election became a more of a referendum on Mr. Turner's guilt/innocence than on the actual issues that confront the district.

Personally, I feel Mr Turner was more effective as a activist in his pre-city councilor days than he is now. But to each his own, right? But the main thing that really troubles me is the lack of introspection on the part of many of the elders in the Black community who saw the election as battle between us versus them, when in fact we all rep the Bury and not the fruit yall.

It is often said that the young folks have not done enough to step up to the mantle of leadership. But in my eyes, it has been tried on several occasions only to be stymied by an unwillingness to let go of the baton and pass it on with accompanying guidance and "pushing." It is my hope that our community soon comes to realize that if we are not developing new leaders, ideas, and visionaries yearly, we are doing ourselves a disservice by simply granting authority to a sleet few because of their presupposed experience.

As many of the sons of Roxbury fall victim to its streets, other sons are stepping up in many different ways to make their impact. It is time for the mature generations to recognize and embrace this passion wit earnest encouragement.

Volunteer Opportunity: Boston Tech Day

Are you interested in using your tech skills to make a difference in our community? If so, we have an exciting volunteer opportunity that we think will interest you.

On Saturday, November 21st, Open Air Boston, TechBoston, and the Castle Square Technology Center will be hosting Boston Tech Day at the John D. O'Bryant High School in Roxbury.

During this event, computer-savvy volunteers will offer free computer repair services and provide one-on-one computer training to low-income Boston residents. A lack of affordable computer repair services and a lack of knowledge about how to make use of relevant programs and Internet services are two of the most significant barriers to technology use for low-income families.

We are looking for:

• Volunteers who are experienced with PC maintenance and repair and feel comfortable working on other people's computers. We will supply tools and software, but please feel free to bring your own.
  
  
• Volunteers who feel comfortable working one-on-one with families with little or no computer experience and can demonstrate technologies such as email and web browsing and useful websites such as as Google
  and Google Maps.
  
  
• Volunteers who can help with the logistics of the event - signing people in, offering directions, etc. It would be particularly helpful if you speak a second language.
  

Boston Tech Day will take place from 10am to 2:30pm on Saturday, November 21st at the John D. O'Bryant High School in Roxbury. Volunteers should arrive at 9am for orientation. The school is located at: 55 Malcolm X. Boulevard, Building #3, Roxbury, MA 02120. We will provide coffee and lunch for volunteers. The school is accessible from the T and parking will be available. Tech-savvy high school students will have an opportunity to earn money for their hands-on technical help.

To sign up, please contact me with your name, email address, telephone number, whether you want to volunteer for training or repair work, and a very brief statement about your relevant experience.

Also, please feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested.

I was that tree that grew from the weeds and wasn't meant to be

"I find greatness in the tree, that grows against all odds
It blossoms in darkness, and gives birth to promising pods"
-Tupac, "Family Tree"

I've participated for many years as a pen pal in the Timilty Middle School's Promising Pals program and it is a great way to connect with a young person. I encourage you to Get connected!

Dear Promising Pal,

We are writing to invite you to participate in the 24th Annual Promising Pals Program at the Timilty Middle School in the Boston Public Schools. This year’s theme, The Dream Lives On, celebrates the legacy of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy, continues our focus on community, and reinforces our emphasis on peace. As you know, this program is unique to the Timilty and we look forward to forging multi-year relationships with our Pals. As in previous years, the letter writing will begin in January and conclude with the Promising Pals Breakfast on June 4, 2010. Please mark this date in your calendar, to be sure you can attend.

Please respond by emailing Promising Pals Coordinator Laryssa Doherty at LDohertyBPS AT gmail.com or filling out the online registration form by November 13, 2009. All Pals must re-register each year so we have an accurate list of participating Pals.

In a few weeks, we will send out a letter confirming your participation in the program and introducing you to your new pal. This mailing will also include a writing calendar and Promising Pals Writing Handbook to help in writing to your Student Pal. We appreciate your continued support of this program in advance and hope you will refer others to participate as well. We look forward to another successful year of writing!

To register for Promising Pals, please click the following link: http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dFFxVEh1UWI4ZjlUWDhfb0N5THdyMmc6MA

Teach Plus Boston

Teach Plus Boston is offering two exciting new opportunities for teachers interested in education policy and reform. Teach Plus works to retain outstanding teachers by giving them a chance to: CONNECT with reform-minded peers and national and local education policy leaders, LEARN about innovative policies to empower and retain effective teachers, and BE A VOICE for change within the teaching profession.

To learn more about the Teaching Policy Fellows (a selective fellowship program for teachers within years 3-10) and the T+ Network (a series of events meant to engage a larger number of teachers), visit: http://www.teach-plus.org/work/boston.htm. The T+ Network is kicking off November 5th, 2009, featuring Brad Jupp, Teacher Quality Expert, US Department of Education.

Contact: Julie Sheffer, jsheffer@teach-plus.org