Don't you love it when someone actually decides to be the change they want to see in the world? Tonight, one young woman will be honored for changing life for a group of gay teens and young people.
Gray Newlin (the one at the mic) created the Out There Poetry Camp, a Seattle Parks & Recreation program geared specifically for 14-20-year olds who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning their sexuality. In July, the kids spent a week at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center with (grown-up) poets, artists and performers who helped them strengthen their voices as artists and queer youth.
The camp culminated in a Friday night Camper Showcase event. And Newlin spent less than a thousand dollars putting together an enterprise that could've cost $8,000 (in cash, in-kind sponsorhips and volunteer time). Pretty awesome for a then-first-year college student who'd never organized an event of this scope before.
Tonight, Newlin will accept the "Making a Difference" Award, one of seven Denny Awards that Seattle gives to outstanding volunteers in Parks and Recreation programs. Check the LHPAC's Twitter feed for photos of the ceremony this evening!
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAC on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAC", generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.
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| Photos courtesy Seattle Parks & Recreation Dept. |
FTC disclosure: I'm partnering with the LHPAC on a series I call "Thursdays with LHPAC", generally published on Thursdays. I am being paid an honorarium for my work. However, all opinions and views expressed in this series are my own.