We are the change we want to see in the world!
As Masters of Public Administration we feel privileged to have the opportunity to shed light on this ever increasing dilemma. It is our goal with this website to spark interest to those who may be misinformed about the This project centers on the need to approach this issue as a system. We will draw on the KSA’s we gained from Thinking in Systems, authored by Donella Meadows. The book concludes that the biggest problems facing the world; war, hunger, and poverty, are system failures. She argues that these wicked problems cannot be solved by fixing one piece in isolation from the others. We feel that systems thinking, as defined by Meadows is the best approach to problem solving for the disenfranchised youth (Meadows 2008).
Why We Care
“This epidemic is a pure reflection of our unfair education system. This issue should alarm most American’s, as our children are our future. All kids entering the public school system should be afforded the opportunity to gain access to a quality education. My goal is to motivate black youth to recognize the value and importance of an education, and also allow them to seek their own vision within their educational career! As I encourage you all to become an agent of change, I also would like to offer the first step to planting seeds in our communities. We must change the conversation we are having with our children and encourage stimulating dialogue promoting education, continue to advocate for our black youth and most importantly offer resources. This issue hits home with me, because as a black woman completing a Master’s of Public Administration degree, I can guarantee you that this recipe to success works and without support and resources I would not have made it! I urge you to take a stance on this issue and become an agent of change!” -Quiana Montgomery, MPA
"I care about this issue because the minority poor community has suffered with exclusion since the inception of this country. The ebb and flow of justice for this community is not a tolerable event. I feel that the only way to truly carry human rights to greatness in the United States is to stop the violations against the minority poor community. I feel this can be achieved through awareness, empowerment, and education. This is the challenge to me as well as the rest of society. The question that we are left with is can we be positive change in the world? The Organic farm was thought of as a great place to start as it addresses many issues at once. First, it would help to connect the disenfranchised minority poor youth with the earth and nature as well as important ideas as food insecurity. Second, a farm has the ability to be a setting of peace and a break from the tragedies of an urban setting. Also, an organic farm can produce sustenance not only for the farm but can be financially sustainable and this is important to longevity to a program that intends to create a true and substantial change in its environment. In conclusion I would say lets get back to earth, let’s get back to life, and let’s get back to love through healing!" -Francesca Carreras-Velez, MPA
"I care because the School To Prison Pipeline is a disturbing trend in public schools across the United States. In the name of “zero-tolerance” and “school safety” increasing numbers of children have been suspended, expelled and even arrested for relatively minor disciplinary infractions. Once they have been funneled out of the public school system, these children are more likely to end up in dead-end alternative schools, the juvenile justice system, and in prison. This trend disproportionately affects the poor and children of color. There is no one fix-all program. There are many different types of at-risk students and each student faces a distinct matrix of social, familial, and personal barriers.
To engage each student schools must collaborate with the stake holders involved. Collaboration between schools, parents, local leaders, agencies, and community organizations is vital to keeping students in school and finding meaningful alternatives besides the prison pipeline. I was fortunate enough to have a wonderful support system that never gave up on my efforts to succeed in life. The children that we want to reach do not need another back turned on them, nor another punitive interaction with a person of power or influence. They need support from people who believe they have a fighting chance." -Kerren Buchanan, MPA