Do you have a story to share? My name is Jessie Dirks. I’m 17 years old, and I attend Chief Sealth International High School. I’m embarking on a project to spread awareness and respect throughout my community for youth who have disabilities. The project, entitled “We See,” involves an awareness video and campaign that will be presented in my high school and shared through various social media websites such as Facebook and Youtube. I’ve discovered a need for this project by witnessing disrespect of students with disabilities in my own school, and by discussing bullying in schools and the lack of funding for respite care with community members. With a focus on giving youth with disabilities a voice, the video element of “We See” will be comprised of video interviews with children and teens who have disabilities, as well as the family members who care for them. It is not my goal to engender pity from my audience. My goal is to create a cultural exchange—a window into the personalities, dreams, hopes, joys, and struggles of individuals who might otherwise be silenced in society. I want to share their stories and emphasize that youth with disabilities have something special to share with the world. My request: Do you have a story to share? I would love to meet with you or talk on the phone about any level of participation you would like to contribute. I greatly appreciate anything you have to offer. If you or anyone you know would like to be in the video, filming will take place by appointment from August 4th-8th, and August 17th-23rd. Please contact me to discuss and schedule an interview. I can come to your house, unless you prefer otherwise. Contact information: Home phone: (206) XXX-XXXX E-mail: jessterdirks@gmail The best way to initially contact me is by e-mail. Let me know when you’re available so we can chat on the phone before the day of the interview. Questions or concerns? Just let me know. “We See” is a Girl Scout Gold Award project. The Gold Award is an opportunity for high school girls to make a positive impact on their community through the creation of a sustainable project. It involves learning from and working with people in the community, discovering and working to address the root cause of a community issue, and educating and spreading knowledge about the issue throughout the community. Thank you so much for your time and interest. Sincerely, Jessie Dirks
Posted on: Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:40:52 +0000