Projects and Accomplishments of Voices of the Next Generation Purpose Statement Voices of the Next Generation Educational Association is a non-profit organization which seeks to enable youth of diverse cultures and religions to support one another in working towards personal and global cooperation and understanding. This is accomplished by developing and promoting opportunities for responsible and responsive living through education, networking, social awareness-action training, and publishing. Youth select projects encompassing the areas of human rights, environmental concerns, conflict resolution, interfaith and multicultural understanding. Connecting with similar youth on local, state, national, and international levels, personal and social responsibility are then expressed through the arts, through education, through publishing, and through social action. Voices of the Next Generation Youth Pages (originally Voices from the Next Generation) in the OPS newspaper) These pages were created to give children and youth the opportunity to share their ideas, their visions; to express their thoughts and actions through art, through short essays, through poetry; to connect with others locally, nationally, and internationally for support, inspiration, and action. They were first included in the newspaper in September 1991 and continue on a monthly basis. Voices from the Next Generation Video In February 1992, a video was written and produced by Voices of the Next Generation and filmed by Cox Cable concerning the crisis facing our children, promises made at the 1990 World Summit for Children, and what the youth wanted others to do to help meet this crisis. The filming of this video attracted CNN Newsroom (a youth news program at CNN), who traveled to Oklahoma City to do a story about the project. The result was a beautiful 5-minute story, which aired in 64,000 schools around the world and brought forth connections and distribution of the video to schools, churches, and youth groups. Local newspapers and television stations also covered this project. The video was, in addition, taken to Washington, D.C., shared with senators and congressmen, and aired at the International Conference of RESULTS in the summer of 1992. Connections were made with other adults working with youth who were interested in joining forces for positive change. Earthday, Peace, and Multicultural Festivals Voices of the Next Generation planned and presented community Earthday and Multicultural Festivals from 1992-1994 and provided youth participation in state Earthday and Peace Festivals 1991-1995. This work is continuing. Candlelight Vigil: Two-Year Anniversary of the 1990 World Summit for Children In September 1992, Voices of the Next Generation presented a candlelight vigil program in Oklahoma City, recognizing the two-year anniversary of the 1990 World Summit for Children and the continued crisis facing our most precious resource. Hunger Drives; Ecological Projects: Medical, Educational, and Clothing Drives Since 1991, Voices of the Next Generation has provided youth participation in local hunger and clothing drives, ecological projects, and in medical, educational, and clothing relief drives for children in Central America. UNICEF News Conference: 1993 State of the World’s Children Report In December 1992, Voices of the Next Generation planned and hosted a news conference releasing the 1993 State of the World’s Children Report from UNICEF, which included working with groups such as RESULTS, World Neighbors, UNA and U.S. Committee for UNICEF, Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy, Peace House, and others. Four television stations, two radio stations, and two newspapers covered this event which brought attention to the continuing needs of children in our world. International Telephone Conference Call of the Next Generation In 1993, Voices of the Next Generation planned and hosted an international telephone conference call from Oklahoma City, which connected youth from all regions of the U.S. and from 11 other countries who were actively creating positive changes in their localities to eliminate the worst aspects of hunger and poverty and other global concerns, which threaten the quality and longevity of life on our planet. The primary objective was to provide the opportunity for the youth to network in common purpose, to inspire and support one another in their visions and work, and to affirm their power to make a difference. This call was broadcast live on Radio for Peace International, from Costa Rica and was aired and replayed in different time zones, and was covered by media in different parts of the world. On the call to affirm and support the youth were Dr. Robert Muller, former Assistant Secretary General of the United Nations and currently the Chancellor of the United Nations’ University for Peace; actress and activist Valerie Harper; U.S. Congressmen Mike Synar and Floyd Spence; Sam Harris, Executive Director and founder of RESULTS, and Dr. Nina Lynn Meyerhof from Children of the Earth. Voices From the Next Generation: We are Making a Difference – Book and Tape In 1994, transcripts from students and adults participating in the 1993 International Telephone Conference Call of the Next Generation, photographs, and news clippings were compiled into this book. The tape, which accompanied the book, included the version from Radio for Peace International and other tapings from groups unable to be connected. Copies of the book and tape were distributed to those on the call and to schools, youth groups, and political leaders. International Youth Leadership Training Camp At Heart’s Bend World Children’s Center in Newfane, VT In August 1994, Voices of the Next Generation provided training classes in social action at the Children of the Earth Leadership Camp in VT. 1995 World Summit of Children North American PrepCom in VT In October 1994, Voices of the Next Generation presented training classes in social action, working with the media, and on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the NA PrepCom in Vermont. UN Convention on the Rights of the Child Education and Action Program Following the 1994 North American PrepCom in Vermont, Voices of the Next Generation began an active educational and action networking endeavor, bringing together youth from various parts of the U.S. for educational work in their communities with regards to the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Central Regional North American PrepCom for the 1995 World Summit of Children, in OK In February 1995, Voices of the Next Generation planned and hosted the Central Regional North American PrepCom for the 1995 World Summit of Children. This four-day event was held in Oklahoma City, and brought together youth from six states for training and preparation for the 1995 World Summit of Children. Central Regional North American PrepCom for the 1995 World Summit of Children, in CO In May 1995, Voices of the Next Generation presented the Central Regional North American PrepCom for the 1995 World Summit of Children in Colorado. This two- day event, held in Denver, provided youth from area elementary and middle schools with training and preparation for the 1995 World Summit of Children. Rights of the Child Day, May 4, 1995 Following the model of Alliances Benefiting Children, VT, Voices of the Next Generation organized participation in Rights of the Child Day from five other U.S. states and from Russia, Nigeria, and Japan. Students in Oklahoma City held a news conference at the OK State Capitol to bring attention to the continuing needs and rights of children. 1995 World Summit of Children Voices of the Next Generation participated in planning and training for the 1995 World Summit of Children, in San Francisco. From Saturday, June 17 through Wednesday, June 28, 120 children and youth and 20 adults, representing 36 countries, gathered at Mt. Alverno, just outside San Francisco, for the 1995 World Summit of Children. Collectively, the students created their vision and began the work on a plan of action for this generation and generations to come. The major part of their work included proposals for Hear the Children Day, United Nations Young General Assembly, and International Keeping the Promise Report. Children’s Day of Hope in Oklahoma Voices of the Next Generation Educational Association planned and presented two specific events to unite children, youth, and adults in OK as the TORCH bearers, Earth Guardians, and Niños de la Tierra, came into Oklahoma City with message from children worldwide. These events were the Children’s Day of Hope News Conference at the state capitol (presented in conjunction with the Coalition for Children of the Earth) and the Candlelight Vigil and Interfaith Service held at the downtown plaza of Southwestern Bell (co-sponsored by RESULTS and the Peace House). A third event occurred on Oct. 7 at the Celebration of Children 1995, which involved a special multicultural closing ceremony at the Celebration of Children 95 as the TORCH prepared to continue its journey across the U.S. and around the world. Children’s Day of Hope Candlelight Vigil On the evening of Oct. 6, at the downtown plaza of Southwestern Bell, children, youth, and adults from various faith communities gathered for a special service and candlelight vigil. In commemoration of the five-year anniversary of the 1990 World Summit for Children and featuring the Children’s TORCH of Hope, participants shared how their particular faith supports the hope for children of this generation and for generations to follow. Each group also gave their collective views on how we can work together to create more harmony and understanding in our community and in our world. Candles were lit from the Children’s TORCH of Hope as al united to sing “One Voice, One Light”. Children’s Day of Hope News Conference On the morning of Oct. 6, over 300 children, youth, and adults, representing 32 schools and organizations across the state, gathered at the Oklahoma State Capitol for Children’s Day of Hope, proclaimed as such by Governor Frank Keating. Each group shared its own contribution of positive actions which are making a difference in Oklahoma, the nation and around the world and celebrated together through music, dance, and service. Special guests included Dr. Cynthia Price Cohen, Dr. Nina Lynn Meyerhof, Ms. Basheera Ahmad and Sleepy Eye LaFromboise. Celebration of Children 1995 In conjunction with the planning committee of the 1995 Celebration of Children, Voices of the Next Generation planned and presented a special multicultural closing ceremony for the Children’s TORCH of Hope at Hafer Park, Edmond, on the evening of Oct. 7. Activities included a TORCH processional led by the Vien Giac Buddhist Youth Group’s “Dragon Dance” team and by traditional Native American dancers, TORCH history presentations, a traditional native circle dance, a candlelight ceremony and a traditional snake dance leading the TORCH and participants out of the park. Peace Festival and Dr. Martin Luther King Festival Voices of the Next Generation opened the OKC Peace Festival (Dec. 95) and Dr. Martin Luther King Youth Festival (Jan. 96) with a candlelight ceremony with the flame from the Children’s Torch of Hope. Children’s Week of H.O.P.E. (Healing our Planet Earth) (with OKC Public Schools and U.S. Committee for UNICEF) May 8, 1996 News conference (planned and presented by OKC Public School students, teachers, and administrators) to announce state/local plans of community action; Earth Tour II; and Children’s Torch of Hope. May 9, 1996 International conference call and news conferences (hosted by Capitol Hill High School and OKC Public Schools, linking students around the world), to announce national & international plans of community action and to generate attention for the U.N. Habitat II Project. May 11, 1996 OKC Forum: “Sharing Visions: Children’s Voices and Actions in Advocacy” (Alternatives to Violence) June 3-14 U.N. Habitat II Summit linkups from Istanbul, Turkey, to local, national, and international gatherings; educational caucus and youth caucus. August 5-17, 1996 World Summit of Children Linkup from Costa Rica; preparation for international website and newspaper. February 21, 2001 Black History Celebration Through Music and Dance: this project was organized to celebrate the African American culture in the United States. Designed and presented by students at Independence Charter Middle School and VNG, the community was given the opportunity to see that the history of a culture can perhaps be best learned from its music and dance. ICMS students shared traditional and hip-hop music and dance, and students from the Oklahoma City Public Schools shared their gospel and jazz selections. Local artists Jahruba Lambeth and Steve McLinn added their expertise and music. May 11, 2001 “P.E.A.C.E. Day” (Peace Enriches and Connects Everyone): This project was organized with students from Independence Charter Middle School in Oklahoma City and groups and artists from the community. A celebration of this day, which was proclaimed on a city and state level, was prepared and included the dedication of a community Peace Garden (with a peace pole stating in eight different languages, “May Peace Prevail on Earth”), and the sharing of music, poetry, essays and art by students and staff at ICMS. Other participants included the Children’s Torch of H.O.P.E., citations from Governor Frank Keating’s office and Mayor Kirk Humphreys’ office, music from OJAS (Steve McLinn) and from Urban Art Society (Jahruba Lambeth). Representatives from the Temple B’Nai Israel Jewish Community (Rabbi Packman), from Rissho Kosei Kai Japanese Buddhist Dharma Center (Yasuko Hildebrand), from the Sana Maria Mission (Father Stanny Joris), from the Native American Lakota Community (Roanne Morris), from the Islamic Moroccan Association of OCU (Narjise Bababrik), from the Indian Association of OCU (Hindu- Sonal Shah), were there to bless the Peace Garden from the perspective of their faith traditions. Students from Newkirk Middle School also participated. September, 2002 Interfaith Education: An interfaith exchange program was created by VNG at Independence Charter Middle School. Participating groups included the India Cultural Foundation, Rissho Kosei Kai Buddhist Dharma Center, Vien Giac Buddhist Temple, Respect Diversity Foundation, Emanuel Jewish Synagogue, Elijah Orthodox Christian Church, Islamic Center of Oklahoma City, and Mercy Islamic School in Oklahoma City. May 16, 2002 Celebrate Life Festival (cultures, faiths, and friendships): Because of the need to understand, respect, and appreciate the diverse cultures and faiths that enrich our community, this festival was planned at Independence Charter Middle School to address the need and to celebrate these friendships. In addition to students and staff at ICMS, participants included Steve McLinn (OJAS Music), Jahruba Lambeth (Urban Art Factory), Mark Bravo (Respect Diversity Foundation) Father Stanny Joris (Santa Maria Virgin Mission), Yasuko Hildebrand (Rissho Kosei Kai Dharma Center), C Narasimhachari and Guruswami Ganesa (India Cultural Foundation), Mohammed M. Saleem and students from Mercy Islamic School, and Mike Standing (Native American Community). |
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