I’m currently teaching a trimester class required of all Juniors called Activism. At Burke, Activism is about giving the students a space to think about their values, and to put those values in action through service. We start the class by focusing on homelessness, a topic that is increasingly pressing in both locally and nationally . Burke is lucky to have found a great partner to help dispel the myths on homelessness, the Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place (CCHFP), located on Wisconsin Avenue. They are one of the few organizations working on homelessness in upper NW and one of the most vocal advocates for the homeless in Ward 3. All Burke Juniors complete their required service hours through helping at the shelter, making sandwiches for the homeless and organizing Open Mic fundraisers and our Annual Homeless Walkathon. I’m also hoping to challenge students’ notions around homelessness. One way we do that is by having speakers who have experienced homelessness come speak to the class. We have heard from both David and George, former CCHFP clients, and learned from their stories.
After learning about homelessness, students then move on to research a topic of their choosing and record 3 minute podcasts PSA’s, educating the public using statistics, stories or examples. Those podcasts will be available in the future. For now, enjoy the pictures of my Activism class helping the homeless through making meals and friendships through service.
