Discover the Treasure Buried in Your Back Yard
An editorial by Cynthia Tschampl

Somerville could become one of the richest cities in the region if we only took the time to dig up the treasure hiding right in front of our noses. I am, of course, referring to our youth. Doubtless you have heard the statistics about suicide rates, drop out rates and alcohol abuse rates going up. Poverty is on the rise, the minimum wage has been frozen for nearly a decade and drug use among young people is increasing. I bring these facts up not to depress you but rather to explain why I call our youth “buried” treasures. With all the negative stereotypes heaped on top of risk factors heaped on top of under investment in youth—our valuables are generally kept out of sight.

As Program Director for Centro Presente’s Somerville-based, after-school arts and leadership program, Pintamos Nuestro Mundo (“We Paint Our World”), I work with Latino immigrant youth ages 11 to 18. They have awed me time and again with their accomplishments. Here are just a few examples:

1. After being a Peer Leader for a semester, Jorge* went from “not interested in college” to writing and publicly performing a rap song about the challenges of being an immigrant, including the need to overcome additional barriers to higher education. Not only did he tell his story, he clearly demonstrated analysis of the system. All that and it rhymed too!
2. Incensed by published hate speech, Aliza brought the items to the program, led a lively discussion, asked advice of Alderman Maryann Heuston (our guest speaker) and then published a letter to the editor.
3. The entire group (14 youth) participating in Leadership Week 2005 composed a series of questions and answers about the youth program and about the In-State Tuition bill, which they have been supporting for the past two years. They went live on WUNR 1600AM, after which several listeners expressed congratulations and compliments on how well prepared the youth were. I should add that part of their presentation involved explaining how to override a veto with a two-thirds majority vote. Truly, they could teach a civics class.

The great news is that these stories are duplicated in youth programs around the city. I have yet to attend a Somerville Youth Workers Network meeting in which I am not inspired. Why is this? Research shows the number one thing that keeps youth from falling through the cracks is the presence of a positive adult. It does not require a degree in psychology; it does take some time and attention, being present and setting a good example. The challenge is to get more people involved: 20 or so youth workers can have a huge impact, but a better future for everyone will require additional caring adults—I hate to say it, but it does take a city!

Now that you know you are needed and that you can make a difference, you may be wondering, “Where do I get started?” Here are some suggestions:
1. Expect the best: If you see a group of young folks and a negative statistic or news report comes to mind, counteract it and expect great things from them even if you never exchange a word. When I bring my high expectations into the program the youth produce and amaze (despite past records of misbehaving).
2. Meet the young people: Get to know the youth on your street or in your neighborhood. It may be as simple as saying “hi” every time they pass by or as involved as finding out their names, likes and dislikes, etc.
3. Volunteer time with community programs: We are always looking for helpers!
4. Advocate at city, state and federal levels for more funds for young people: This is what I call “full immersion” and has larger payloads. Let’s face it, an ounce of prevention (i.e. early investment) is worth a more than a lifetime of regrets (i.e. letting the cracks claim our youth).

The participants of Centro Presente/Pintamos Nuestro Mundo have experienced some of the hardest knocks life can dish out—surviving war, families torn apart and forced to learn a new language in one year or less — to name a few hits. Despite this, they have consistently participated in positive activities as well as demonstrated higher levels of thinking and civic engagement. And they represent only a few coins of the wealth that is all around us so get out there and start digging Somerville!

The author is the Program Director for Centro Presente/Pintamos Nuestro Mundo. She welcomes comments and questions and can be reached at: cynthiaatcentro@yahoo.com

*All youth’s names have been changed.