Getfest Educators Information Package Jan2010 12pFINAL(2)

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2010

EDUCATOR’S INFORMATION P ACKAGE



INTRODUCTION

Founded by Sharlene Thomas of Movements, GETfest is a social initiative that has been inspiring, informing,

and engaging youth since 2003. This year, GETfest plans to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Nelson

Mandela’s release from prison by encouraging students to use their creativity, skills and talents to be of

service to their community through the 27 PROJECT. GETfest challenges students to engage in a month-long

service activity as a way to pay tribute to the 27 years Nelson Mandela spent in prison.

In this guide, you will find information to help you take a community service lesson plan or volunteer service

requirement and create an 8 week long service-learning curriculum. Implementing the 27 PROJECT that is

outlined in this package is a strategic way to reach authentic, sustainable and long-term service goals with

your students. Instead of episodic acts, a month-long project that includes planning, research, action,

relationship-building, leadership and reflection will allow young people and educators to collaborate on and

commit to solving some of the most important and challenging issues facing our global world.

GETfest encourages you to start your 27 days of service at the beginning of Black History Month (February 1,2010) and culminate it on Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) (April 23-25, 2010). The goal is that by linking

these two important events with a service-learning project, youth, teachers and community members will be

able to engage in both high-impact service work and meaningful learning.

While the Educator Information Package is directed at teachers and school administrators, it can easily be

translated for community groups. Many of the strategies listed below are equally pertinent to non-school

service-learning work. Yet, in order for the 27 Project to be successful within a school, it is necessary for

topics such as Academic Standards and Time Requirements to be addressed. If you require additional

information or support, please contact us via email at [email protected] or by phone at 780-415-5211.

GETfest would like to thank Rebecca Bissonnette, Kirstie Blackmore, Ayanna Inniss–Reynolds and

Paul Edwards-Shand for their work on this guide.

YOUTH STEERING COMMITTEE

JESSIE WANG, GR. 11

Harry Ainlay H.S

AREZOO AHMADZADEH, GR. 11

Old Scona Academic School

ZOE ZHUI, GR. 11

Harry Ainlay H.S.

ASHLEY YANG, GR. 11


BRANWEN PRICE, GR. 11

M.E. LaZerte H.S.

JENNY TAO, GR. 11


CLAIRE UWERA, GR. 12

M.E. LaZerte H.S.

ANDREW WONG, GR. 11

Ross Sheppard H.S.

GENESIS HEVIA, GR. 11

M.E. LaZerte H.S.

ARIANE LOKI

Note: Some of the information contained in this package was adapted from the Semester of Service Strategy Guide with

permission from Youth Serve America.

Several Members of the Youth Steering Committee

From l. to r.: Rebecca Bissonnette ( facilitator ), Arezoo Ahmadzadeh, Ashley Yang,

Jenny Tao, Paul Edwards-Shand ( facilitator ), Zoe Zhui and Andrew Wong.



BOUNCE BACK, TAKE CHARGE, RISE UP! GETfest 2010 3

WHO WE ARE ............................................................................................................................................4

MISSION & VISION........................................................................................................................................................................ 2

2010 THEME ......................................................................................................................................................... ................. 3

ESTABLISHING A Y OUTH SERVICE INITIATIVE INSPIRED BY M ANDELA’S LIFE AND LEGACY ......6

GETFEST 2010 YOUTH FESTIVAL—SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE.................................................................................... 6

MANDELA A BRIEF HISTORY ................................................................................................................................................ 7

THE 27 PROJECT—COMMEMORATING M ANDELA: 27 D AYS, 27 Y EARS ................................. 8

SERVICE-LEARNING ..................................................................................................................................................... ................. 8

RE-THINKING THE TEACHER’S ROLE ........................................................................................................................................ 8

PROJECT TIMELINE ................................................................................................................................................ ................. 9

CONNECTIONS TO THE CURRICULUM ........................................................................................................................................ 8

PROJECT EXAMPLES .................................................................................................................................................................. 10

REFLECTION ACTIVITY: ELECTRONIC QUILT ........................................................................................................................ 11

T ABLE OF CONTENTS



4 GETfest 2010

THEME 2010

WINNING FROM THE INSIDE:

BOUNCE B ACK , T AKE CHARGE, RISE UP!

WHO WE ARE

GETfest is an Edmonton based organization led by, and devoted to, young people of diverse cultures and

backgrounds. The annual 3-week “Getting Everyone Together” youth fest is a key component of this full-

time community initiative.

Over its six-year history, GETfest has grown to include students in both Edmonton and Calgary.

It has inspired them to be active, well informed and passionate in applying creative ideas and their unique

abilities in service to their communities.

GETFEST BELIEVES…. WITH GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY WILL:

Accept greater responsibility for themselves and their communities.

Appreciate the need to be accountable.

Take advantage of the opportunities that lay before them.

Embrace the future with optimism and commitment.

MISSION Our mission is to inspire, empower, support and recognize youth-led service initiatives in the

advancement of unity, tolerance, social responsibility and self-discipline.

VISION We envision young leaders inspired by their peers to advance awareness and opportunity in the

development of socially beneficial attitudes, actions, and institutions the world over.



“I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along

the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that

there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest, to steal a view of the

glorious vista that surrounds me, to look back on the distance I have come. But I can only rest

for a moment, for with freedom comes responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk

is not ended.”

~ Nelson Mandela

FEBRUARY 11, 2010

20TH ANNIVERSARY OF NELSON M ANDELA’S

RELEASE FROM PRISON

GETFEST 2010 CELEBRATES NELSON M ANDELA'S 20 YEARS OF FREEDOM AND

RECOGNIZES HIS ABILITY TO BOUNCE BACK , TAKE CHARGE AND RISE UP!



6 GETfest 2010

GETTING EDMONTON TOGETHER 2010—ESTABLISHING A Y OUTH SERVICE

INITIATIVE INSPIRED BY M ANDELA’S LIFE AND LEGACY

On February 11, 2010, the world will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Nelson Mandela’s release from prison.

Like Mandela, GETfest stands for educating youth on tolerance, diversity, social responsibility, freedom,

equality and human dignity. It is in that vein that GETfest is excited to present its largest fest to date.

In addition to the successful speakers circuit and the city-wide gathering from GETfest’s past, this year’s month

- long event features an exciting interactive program built on two of Mandela’s strongest characteristics:

TENACITY AND RESILIENCE.

This interactive program focuses on student engagement where students will interact with their inner selves,

other students city- and province-wide, and members of their communities. Through various types of student-

led activities, they will examine their internal environments, be empowered to take responsibility for their

decisions, be motivated to find the courage and determination to persist in the face of challenges, and keep

moving forward regardless of the state of their external environments.

Students will be asked to work together to achieve a common goal, to learn about and accept one another’s

similarities and differences, and to give back to the community. Students will exercise their creativity,

curiosity, and their leadership. Finally, they will be encouraged to delight in one another’s successes.

GETFEST 2010 Y OUTH FESTIVAL—SHAW CONFERENCE CENTRE On February 11, 2010, students from across Edmonton will gather at the Shaw Conference Centre. For

approximately 2 hours that morning, students will enjoy listening to a variety of invited speakers and their

spirits will be lifted while watching a variety of cultural performances. An audio visual presentation will

provide information on Nelson Mandela and show the students glimpses of his life and the tenacity and

resilience he has shown throughout. Each school involved in ‘The 27 Project,’ will have an opportunity to

announce their initiative to the group. Students will be recognized for their willingness to seek meaningful

change in their communities. GETfest will acknowledge the students initiative, courage, confidence and

commitment to citizenship and public service. A question and answer period will connect the students so that

experiences of the day may be shared between, and among, the communities represented.




Apartheid was a system of legal racial segregation enforced by the National Party government in South Africa

between 1948 and early 1994. It means ‘separateness’ in “Afrikaans”, the Indo-European language derived

from Dutch. Racial segregation in South Africa began in colonial times but apartheid as an official policy was

introduced following the general elections of 1948. New legislation classified inhabitants into racial groups

("black", "white", "coloured", and "Indian"), and residential areas were segregated by means of forced

removals.

HISTORY RE-FRESHER: APARTHEID

1918 Born in Transkei, South Africa

1942 Bachelor of Arts University of South Africa

1944 Joined the African National Congress (ANC)

1956 Arrested and tried for treason

1964 Sentenced to life imprisonment

1990 Freed from prison

1993 Wins Nobel Peace Prize

1994 Elected first black president of a democratic South Africa

1999 Retired from active politics

2007 Co-founded of the Worldwide Elders group

M ANDELA: A BRIEF HISTORY

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

~ Nelson Mandela ~

The story of Nelson Mandela is an incredible journey of survival in the face of difficult odds; a story of victory

over endless challenges; a story of bouncing back, taking charge and rising up. In short, Nelson Mandela’s life

story is a basic human story and one to which individuals all over the world can relate, for it speaks to the

challenges each one of us struggles with in our own lives. Whether it’s a family member battling cancer; giving

to charities to help those in need; or a political/social cause we wish to fight for, we can all look to Mandela’s

example of bouncing back, taking charge and rising up to end apartheid in South Africa and unite his country

as one democratic nation. In our own lives we too must carry the torch from Mandela’s story and hold it high

in our own lives to keep going; even when it is hard or we despair and want to give up. If Mandela could be

successful after 27 years in prison, we all can find success as well.



8 GETfest 2010

THE 27 PROJECT—COMMEMORATING M ANDELA: 27 D AYS, 27 Y EARS WE ARE CALLING ON YOUTH TO BE A FORCE IN THEIR COMMUNITIES FOR 27 DAYS, COMMEMORATING

THE 27 YEARS NELSON MANDELA SPENT IN PRISON.

On November 11, 2009, the United Nations (UN) General Assembly declared July 18th Nelson Mandela International Day. Mandela

Day is an annual international day of humanitarian action that recognises that positive change begins with small actions. Initiatives

can range from direct actions such as: collecting winter coats for those in need or shovelling the sidewalk for the elderly , toadvocacy actions such as: creating a public service campaign around pressing local issues (see pg. 10 for more service action ideas).

THE27 PROJECT OBJECTIVE:Create and implement a strategic plan of action to address issues of interest or concern in the community with the intent of

effectively illustrating that small actions by ordinary people can lead to meaningful and lasting change.

LEVELS OF ENGAGMENT

Alberta has a long-standing tradition of giving. The volunteer rate in Alberta is 52%, which is higher than the Canadian average of

48%. Volunteering is the most common form of service. Most students start volunteering because of personal interest, while others

perform mandatory community service to fulfill a school responsibility. The GETfest 27 Project directs students to transfer

knowledge and skills gained from their school curriculum to their communities. This method of school supported civic engagement

is known as Service Learning.

SERVICE-LEARNING

Service-learning is a powerful, hands-on teaching and learning strategy that integrates meaningful service and classroom content.

The process creates authentic learning opportunities while teaching civic responsibility through service to others with reciprocal

benefits for all involved. Students go far beyond class requirements with service-learning. Students discover intrinsic motivation

when they care about the subject matter and recognize a need they can fulfill.

RETHINKING THE TEACHER’S ROLE Co-educating is a vital component of a service-learning curriculum. Instructionally, teachers and trainers should re-envision their

role as lateral to the students and not hierarchical. In order for students to gain the most from service-learning, it is important that

educators democratically engage their students in order for the experiential learning and teaching relationship to be reciprocal.

One of the most important factors in designing a Service-Learning curriculum is to be authentic in connecting to students’ lives, their

development, and the issues they want to address. The goal is that by breaking the curriculum into intentional stages, a greater level

of genuine learning occurs with tangible, “real world” connections.

The four main stages around which a Service-Learning curriculum can be organized are:

1) Preparation 2) Action 3) Reflection and 4) Celebration & Demonstration

VOLUNTEERING COMMUNITY SERVICE SERVICE-LEARNING




CONNECTIONS TO THE CURRICULUM Recognizing and appreciating the influence of globalization will lead students to develop individual and collective

responses to emergent issues.

Developing understandings of the various points of view associated with nationalism as well as an appreciation for

the perspectives of others will encourage students to develop personal and civic responses to emergent issues related

to nationalism.

Developing a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of modern liberal thought and the tenets of competing

ideologies is important in the development of active, informed and responsible citizens.

Students will be prompted to think deeply about complex community problems and postulate alternative solutions;

aiding in the development of individual and collective responses to contemporary local, national and global issues.

Students will be encouraged to examine their preconceptions and assumptions in order to explore and understand

their roles and responsibilities as citizens.

THE 27 PROJECT TIMELINE

Investigation – Identify a need that your group would like to address.

Determine what your community might need.

Do research on how Mandela’s values can inspire your activity selection.

Speak with organizations that could benefit from your activity.

Preparation – Create a plan for the change your group would like to initiate. Develop a timeline for your activity.

Delegate specific roles & responsibilities for various group members.

Decide what kind of impact your group wants to make on the community.

Action – Follow through with your group’s service activity.

Complete the group activity as you have outlined it.

Document your progress as the activity moves forward.

Invite the media out to your group’s activity to promote the need you are addressing.

Reflection – Evaluate how successful your group’s service activity was & if there is any room for improvement.

Set aside time before, during & after your group’s activity to assess how things are progressing.

Plan how your group will carry the activity further into the community.

Plan a forum, debate or rally within your school to gage their thoughts.

Celebration – Showcase how your group’s service activity met the need that it wanted to

address.

Share what you have done with your community.

Create partnerships with other groups working towards similar goals.

Have a party celebrating your group’s dedicated work!

4

3

1J AN 15-31*

2FEB 1-27

M AR. 1-15

APRIL 23

* IMPORTANT NOTE: The dates listed are provided as a guideline. We understand the need to be flexible around students/teachers academic

schedules and hope that students can begin their month-long service project during the first two weeks of February.



10 GETfest 2010

SERVICE ACTION IDEAS

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME IDEAS OF HOW THE 27 DAYS MIGHT BE SPENT:

1. Hunger Banquet/Food Drive/Soup Kitchen Volunteering: The “hungry meter”: A target goal of

hungry people to feed is set and the meter starts high on day 1 of the 27 days. By the 27th day, the goal

would be to drop the meter down to its lowest level signifying the goal of feeding the hungry as met.

Note to Educators—Great Resource: www. oxfam.ca and search: Hunger Banquet.

2. Students Working with Law Enforcement: For 27 days students could share and assist with

constructive ideas on youth-related law enforcement issues. The students could chose those ideas they

think might best help law enforcement.

3. Intergenerational Service: Students helping seniors for 27days...anything from reading to them and

talking to them to shovelling their walkways and/or driveways as needed.

4. Fill the Backpacks: 27 days could be spent filing backpacks with various items representing ourcommunities, cities etc and then after the 27 days, the collected items would be gathered together and

sent off to developing countries.

5. Local Sports: Students could work, for 27 days, alongside a local sports team, such as the Oilers or the

Edmonton Rush to raise money for a local charity of the students' choosing.

6. United Way Projects: Youth could work with the United Way for 27days to help them with whichever

community initiatives they are currently working on and need help with.

7. Terra Association: Using the "my girlfriend's baby shower" concept, students could gather things a new

mother might need. At the end of the 27 days, the Terra Association would drop by the schools to pick upthe items and while there, give a talk on the challenges and responsibilities surrounding teen pregnancy.

8. Environmental Service: Students could spend 27 days doing things at home, at school and in the larger

community to efficiently conserve energy. For example, paying attention to, and adjusting their use of,

energy, water and paper, among other things. Students could research and collect examples of Alberta

businesses that demonstrate the changes to operations that can be made to help the environment.

9. Edmonton Cancer Society: Using the “Locks of Love Concept” students could have their hair cut and

recruit their friends and family to have their hair cut and at the end of 27 days, all the hair would be

collected and donated to the Cancer Society.

10. Random Acts of Kindness: Any other youth led student activity or idea that students can think of,

which will benefit the community.




REFLECTION ACTIVITY

ELECTRONIC QUILT EXTENSION COMMUNICATION/ ART PROJECT

Quilts date back to early Egypt and China. Beyond their functional purposes, quilts have been used in many

traditions as a way to record family and community history, depicting events such as births and marriages, and

show religious and political beliefs. During the Underground Railroad period, quilts were used to send

messages to runaway slaves. In the mid 1920’s, quilts were used by women to express their political views.

Quilts have served as storytellers as well as works of art for many different cultures and have also served as a

tool to bring people together.

The GETfest electronic quilt will be used as a medium to document, share and celebrate the success of the

students’ 27 Days, 27 Years service projects. It will illustrate that ordinary people, in this case youth, can make

a meaningful difference in their communities. It is hoped that the students’ achievements will serve to inspire

others in Alberta, and around the world to embrace the call to action.

Student will brainstorm elements of their service project they would like represented on their quilt square.

The quilt squares can be made using digital photos, clip art, original artwork and text to reflect their

contribution. Students will be asked to form small groups to work on a one page written summary of their

service activity. Once complete, each square, and corresponding summary, will be woven together to create

one large digital work of art.

On April 25th, 2010, Global Youth Service Day—Youth Changing the World, the completed electronic GETfest

quilt will be unveiled and following this, the quilt will be presented to former president Nelson Mandela, in

recognition of the students’ contributions to their respective communities and his iconic legacy to the world.

GETfest believes in Getting Everyone Together ….one youth at a time.

“It always seems impossible until it is done.” ~ Nelson Mandela ~



12 GETfest 2010

Ph.: 790.415.5211 Fax: 780.757.4695

E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.getfest.ca

Suite 04, 10275 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 1X9

All GETfest photos provided courtesy of KevinPhoto Photography

MEANINGFUL YOUTH SERVICE ACTIVITIES CREATE STRONG, DIVERSE

COMMUNITIES OF INSPIRED, INTELLIGENT, CIVICALLY-ENGAGED

YOUNG PEOPLE.

THE GETFEST 27 PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO LINK BLACK HISTORY

MONTH WITH GLOBAL YOUTH SERVICE DAY.

LET’S GET EVERYONE TOGETHER TO SUPPORT, ACKNOWLEGE AND

CELEBRATE THE POWER AND POTENTIAL OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN

BUILDING BETTER COMMUNITIES.

Getfest Educators Information Package Jan2010 12pFINAL(2)

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