Voices Blog Comments http://www.voicesinc.org/blog Youth weblog from the Voices, Inc. front. Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:15:07 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=1.5.2 Comment on Unlearning Racism Workshop by: Administrator http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/11/11/the-unlearning-racism-workshop/#comment-1099 Thu, 18 May 2006 00:34:57 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/11/11/the-unlearning-racism-workshop/#comment-1099 also, we should talk more thoroughly about what things you feel sensitive about as part of your identity-- what things you speak up about because you feel personally attacked...we touched on religious identification but identifying as a vegan, idetifying as a born again, identifying as a republican, those are things that people can feel very deeply sensitive about so we should let each other know which topics are to be talked about with open minds and without cut downs or generalizations being used. also, we should talk more thoroughly about what things you feel sensitive about as part of your identity– what things you speak up about because you feel personally attacked…we touched on religious identification but identifying as a vegan, idetifying as a born again, identifying as a republican, those are things that people can feel very deeply sensitive about so we should let each other know which topics are to be talked about with open minds and without cut downs or generalizations being used.

]]> Comment on Unlearning Racism Workshop by: Administrator http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/11/11/the-unlearning-racism-workshop/#comment-1075 Wed, 17 May 2006 18:17:11 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/11/11/the-unlearning-racism-workshop/#comment-1075 i was thinking that for next year it would be challenging to do an exercise in which we are forced to make assumptions about other staff members. ie: "hey __________ you're wearing a Fubu shirt so i assume you listen to mainstream hip-hop" to which ______ could respond, "what do you mean by "mainstream hip hop"? I listen to Murs as much as i listen to Nelly as much as i listen to grandmaster flash...i like old school hip hop as much as contemporary underground emo hip hop as much as i like what plays on 98.3. i also listen to KXCI and KFMA and my dad's in a mariachi band so i listen to that too. oh yeah, and i've been taking voice lessons from my gramma since i was little so i'm also an opera singer in my shower." you get it? like we would force ourselves to make small assumptions and the person on the recieving end of the assumptions would have to expand on it so we get to know them past our initial perception of them. i was thinking that for next year it would be challenging to do an exercise in which we are forced to make assumptions about other staff members. ie: “hey __________ you’re wearing a Fubu shirt so i assume you listen to mainstream hip-hop” to which ______ could respond, “what do you mean by “mainstream hip hop”? I listen to Murs as much as i listen to Nelly as much as i listen to grandmaster flash…i like old school hip hop as much as contemporary underground emo hip hop as much as i like what plays on 98.3. i also listen to KXCI and KFMA and my dad’s in a mariachi band so i listen to that too. oh yeah, and i’ve been taking voice lessons from my gramma since i was little so i’m also an opera singer in my shower.” you get it? like we would force ourselves to make small assumptions and the person on the recieving end of the assumptions would have to expand on it so we get to know them past our initial perception of them.

]]> Comment on Young Chicago Authors by: Regina Kelly http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/10/young-chicago-authors/#comment-233 Thu, 06 Apr 2006 17:11:13 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/10/young-chicago-authors/#comment-233 Wow. We all really need to go to Chicago to meet the YCA folks, visit Street Level 57, etc etc. There are so many amazing youth-centered arts/voice initiatives going on there. Wow. We all really need to go to Chicago to meet the YCA folks, visit Street Level 57, etc etc. There are so many amazing youth-centered arts/voice initiatives going on there.

]]> Comment on BRANDON IS PUBLISHED by: Brandon http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/02/12/brandon-is-published/#comment-226 Mon, 03 Apr 2006 09:38:45 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/02/12/brandon-is-published/#comment-226 Thank you Caitlyn for your praises. I would love to hear from you guys, please drop me a line at CapnEdwardo@msn.com. I'm anxious to hear what you're all writing about. Thank you Caitlyn for your praises. I would love to hear from you guys, please drop me a line at CapnEdwardo@msn.com. I’m anxious to hear what you’re all writing about.

]]> Comment on WILLIAM’S STORY/WW2 by: Caitlyn Myers http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/17/williams-storyww2/#comment-218 Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:14:30 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/17/williams-storyww2/#comment-218 Good Job William!! This is really exciting. Just like when Brandon K, and then Jonathan got published, congrats are in order. --Caitlyn Myers p.s. Is that Mr. Hammel's daughter i see there in the background?? I think it is! Good Job William!! This is really exciting. Just like when Brandon K, and then Jonathan got published, congrats are in order.
–Caitlyn Myers
p.s. Is that Mr. Hammel’s daughter i see there in the background?? I think it is!

]]> Comment on APPROACHING THE END… by: Caitlyn Myers http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-217 Wed, 22 Mar 2006 20:11:58 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-217 Adam, It is clear that you have had an impact on Voices Inc, and on the youth community. You are truly a leader. I think you would be surprised to know how many teens and young adults you have respected, inspired and for that, look up to you. I always feel humbled to say that I work with you, as I attach a long line of accomplishments to your name. And the cool thing is, nothing is hyperbolated. It's all true. And I can also say that you have given me a lot of insight and knowledge regarding photography, art -photoshop included- and writing. And for that I am greatful. If you feel you have gained and given all that you have to offer to Voices, then I say go for the gold and do what your soul longs for. There is nothing worse than to be stuck in a rut and not knowing what you want or where you want to go. I hope your desires take you far, and I will always be looking for your name posted in various places and publications. While it is a shame that you will be leaving Voices after "nearly four years," it is kind of exciting to know that there will soon be another "mentor" in your position building those future leaders. But before all that sentiment can REALLY set in, WE HAVE A MAGAZINE TO WRAP UP!!!! So don't [mentally] quit on us yet Adam, because you still have mentoring to do and leaders to create! Much love. --Caitlyn Myers Adam,
It is clear that you have had an impact on Voices Inc, and on the youth community. You are truly a leader. I think you would be surprised to know how many teens and young adults you have respected, inspired and for that, look up to you. I always feel humbled to say that I work with you, as I attach a long line of accomplishments to your name. And the cool thing is, nothing is hyperbolated. It’s all true. And I can also say that you have given me a lot of insight and knowledge regarding photography, art -photoshop included- and writing. And for that I am greatful.
If you feel you have gained and given all that you have to offer to Voices, then I say go for the gold and do what your soul longs for. There is nothing worse than to be stuck in a rut and not knowing what you want or where you want to go. I hope your desires take you far, and I will always be looking for your name posted in various places and publications. While it is a shame that you will be leaving Voices after “nearly four years,” it is kind of exciting to know that there will soon be another “mentor” in your position building those future leaders.
But before all that sentiment can REALLY set in, WE HAVE A MAGAZINE TO WRAP UP!!!! So don’t [mentally] quit on us yet Adam, because you still have mentoring to do and leaders to create!
Much love.
–Caitlyn Myers

]]> Comment on APPROACHING THE END… by: donna http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-199 Thu, 16 Mar 2006 16:34:09 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-199 Adam, I'm sad to know that you'll be leaving, but i'm also excited that you are taking a change for yourself. I thank you for respecting the staff and letting us know how you felt, I wish you the best in what you choose to do becuase you are an amazing person with amazing talents. Thank you for being an awesome mentor and I'm sure that all you've gained from Voices will be most successful now that you are steping out into "the real world"..lol... I wish you the best of luck in all.. Sincerely, Donnamarie Adam,

I’m sad to know that you’ll be leaving, but i’m also excited that you are taking a change for yourself. I thank you for respecting the staff and letting us know how you felt, I wish you the best in what you choose to do becuase you are an amazing person with amazing talents. Thank you for being an awesome mentor and I’m sure that all you’ve gained from Voices will be most successful now that you are steping out into “the real world”..lol…
I wish you the best of luck in all..
Sincerely,
Donnamarie

]]> Comment on APPROACHING THE END… by: Rosie http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-183 Fri, 10 Mar 2006 17:58:46 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/03/09/approaching-the-end/#comment-183 oh man adam!! thats just shocking to me! Well I totally get what your saying....and even tho I was only with you guys for a few months.....gosh you guys taught me so much that I would never learn at my school or anywhere. When I left I realized how stupid it was to let my personal problems get in the way of whats important in my life and future! I realized this is what I want to do...this is what I AM going to do! I used to hate writing, I left you guys and now I'm always writing! Voices is very different then most after school programs...you guys basically provided a gateway an entrance to the pathway I will be taking for my dream...photography. You made me realize how I'm goona have to work herder than 've work for anything in order to get to where I want to be. When I met you I thought you were one of the most creative uniquest person i have EVER meet in my life....no one like you adam! Go for what you want, if you know what that is....even if you don't. I can't even imagine how sad its gonna be when you leave....and I'm not even there anymore!! lol Take care and I hope the best for you....I hope to see you soon too, before you leave and before Voices is over this year..... oh man adam!! thats just shocking to me!
Well I totally get what your saying….and even tho I was only with you guys for a few months…..gosh you guys taught me so much that I would never learn at my school or anywhere. When I left I realized how stupid it was to let my personal problems get in the way of whats important in my life and future! I realized this is what I want to do…this is what I AM going to do! I used to hate writing, I left you guys and now I’m always writing! Voices is very different then most after school programs…you guys basically provided a gateway an entrance to the pathway I will be taking for my dream…photography. You made me realize how I’m goona have to work herder than ‘ve work for anything in order to get to where I want to be.
When I met you I thought you were one of the most creative uniquest person i have EVER meet in my life….no one like you adam! Go for what you want, if you know what that is….even if you don’t. I can’t even imagine how sad its gonna be when you leave….and I’m not even there anymore!! lol
Take care and I hope the best for you….I hope to see you soon too, before you leave and before Voices is over this year…..

]]> Comment on ON COPYRIGHTS 12.03.05 by: Michael Cooper http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/12/03/on-copyrights-120305/#comment-167 Thu, 02 Mar 2006 00:00:14 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2005/12/03/on-copyrights-120305/#comment-167 After all....... It's Land of a 1000 Dances outside your front door!" 1st Amendment prevails!!! Ramma...Lamma... Fah.... Fah.... Fah..... After all…….

It’s Land of a 1000 Dances outside your front door!”

1st Amendment prevails!!!

Ramma…Lamma… Fah…. Fah…. Fah…..

]]> Comment on OUR FIRST PUBLISHED STORY by: Michael Cooper http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/02/28/our-first-published-story/#comment-166 Wed, 01 Mar 2006 23:39:10 +0000 http://www.voicesinc.org/blog/2006/02/28/our-first-published-story/#comment-166 Dear Jonathan, Reading your personal account of the tragedy that you experienced, brought me to reflect upon a similar circumstance which altered my own life. Tears began cascading down upon my unshaven face, creating little pools of silvery dew as they dripped silently into the corners of my curled lips. I felt your moment. I understood your anguish, anger, and frustration. I recognized our unity in the pain of loss. My own life died right before my eyes once. Love is so shrouded in folded corners of darkness and intoxicating in it's forgivness. Sharing your experience has liberated your soul and we are forever brothers in life. God blessed us. Thank you undeniably, your path is clearer now, as you proceed into time and live your life. Your Dad has accomplished what he was unable, through your essence and truth, for your courage and love. May you continue on this journey, filled with peace, compassion, creative expression, and self-fullfillment. Your words truly touched me. Amen. Peace, Love, Shalom Michael Cooper (Adam Cooper's Dad) Dear Jonathan,

Reading your personal account of the tragedy that you experienced, brought me to reflect upon a similar circumstance which altered my own life.

Tears began cascading down upon my unshaven face, creating little pools of silvery dew as they dripped silently into the corners of my curled lips. I felt your moment. I understood your anguish, anger, and frustration. I recognized our unity in the pain of loss. My own life died right before my eyes once.

Love is so shrouded in folded corners of darkness and intoxicating in it’s forgivness. Sharing your experience has liberated your soul and we are forever brothers in life. God blessed us.

Thank you undeniably, your path is clearer now, as you proceed into time and live your life. Your Dad has accomplished what he was unable, through your essence and truth, for your courage and love.

May you continue on this journey, filled with peace, compassion, creative expression, and self-fullfillment. Your words truly touched me. Amen.

Peace, Love, Shalom

Michael Cooper
(Adam Cooper’s Dad)

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