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Youth Healing Hate Grants

In 2016 the United States experienced a rise in hate crimes that has now continued into consecutive years. Local communities have been targeted because of their religion, sexuality, and ethnicity. In response to these recent events, the Gandhi Institute (in partnership with the Farash Foundation) created Youth Healing Hate grants, to empower youth to address the root causes of hate and incivility.

Our second grant cycle (2018) wrapped up in June, with 14 completed projects. Local youth ages 12-24 received up to $1,000 in funding to design a creative solution for fear, hostility, and division within their community. During our first grant cycle in March of 2017, we funded 10 innovative projects that utilized the arts, outreach, and creative educational techniques to promote active nonviolence.

Peace Mural

Designed by Rayonna Weaver, a high school student, this project revolved around peer-mentoring. Rayonna taught 7th graders on healthy ways to communicate when dealing with conflict. Using peace circles and collaborative methods, the students then designed a mural in their school cafeteria to demonstrate peace.

Equilibrium

Designed by Nayal Zaidi in collaboration with Richard Duan, Aidan Gagnon, and Jacob Byck, this project focused on raising awareness to create a more equal and just society. The final project was a music video with lyrics and videography that instilled positivity and unity.

Check out their music video!

Building Bridges in Rochester

Designed by Merisa Kamali, this student exchange program brought middle school-age students from various schools (#45, #12, Wilson High School) & Cameron Community Ministries to develop a deeper understanding of the racial and socioeconomic diversity in the Greater Rochester community. The final project included murals in four quadrants of the city of Rochester, designed by students through these conversations.

Peace Ambassadors

Designed by Guelmary Rodriguez and the Peace Ambassadors club at Integrated Arts and Technology, this project focused on student-led community building. The final project included a Spoken Word Showcase/Coffee House, art work created and displayed in the school to demonstrate unity, and a short video on respect.

Youth Recognition Reward

Designed by Brian Fox, this project aimed to recognize community members who utilize best practices in working with youth who cope with mental health challenges. By reducing barriers and stigma associated with mental health challenges there can be an increase community awareness and deeper support.

Art 2 Heart

Designed by Wilson Magnet High School student Daimarelys Lara, this project focused on the expansion of the current methods of restorative practices beyond peace circles through using art as a form of healing.

Student Lead Community Service & In-School Resource Center

Designed by 5th and 6th grade students at Discovery Charter School, this project created a sister's closet, a brother's closet, and a pantry, that provided youth with clothing and food items. Upon implementation, it created a feedback loop where community stepped in and continued the food and clothing donation drives since the infrastructure was successful.

Walking In Someone Else’s Shoes

Designed by School #35 Island Jacobs, this project explored cultural awareness with the entire 6th grade class. Students engaged with the various culture, language, and food from three different cultures.

Students Taking a Stand for Communities within Communities

Designed by 8th grader Khadeja Thomas, President of the Monroe High School Math Club, this project aimed to create unity through the creation of a Monroe flag in both Spanish & English. Additionally, the entire Math Club became trained in Nonviolent Communication in efforts to create a more peaceful school environment.

MCC Upward Bound: the Police Teen Talent Slam 2K18.

Designed by Gammachis Duresso with MCC Upward Bound, this final project was a Talent Slam between Rochester Youth and police. Prior to the showcase, youth and police came together during a racism dialogue event to discuss many issues plaguing Rochester, such as police teen relations, education, and racism, in order to share their experiences and reflect on possible solutions.

We Are Rochester

Designed by UR student Ruki PV, this project incorporated themes of diversity and togetherness in a mural. Specific themes emerged directly from the students at Bloomfield Elementary School.

Meditation On The Move (M.O.M)

Designed by Vanguard Collegiate High School student Natalie Robles, this project focused on youth and calming strategies. Student leaders were taught yoga and meditation, and created workshops to share with their peers, faculty, and staff.

Spread The Love Day!

Designed by National Junior Honor Society Members from School #5, this project created a half day of events and activities discussing unity, kindness, and peace. Activities included peace circles, creating signs and murals representing peace, and cooking a meal for St. Joe's Neighborhood Center.

Community Mural Project

Designed by Kaori-Mei Stephens, this project paired students from the Harley School with students from World of Inquiry to create an informational mural about the Emergency Services and Family Stabilization Network (ESFSN).