The inaugural group from the first year of this program will be completing the Experience in August, and we have had a great time learning with and from them. This year's program promises to build on a great start with our annual kick off at the Pittsburgh Zoo in September- stay tuned, date and time to be announced. Please contact Scott if interested as a participant or volunteer, we would love to have you!! Remember, space is limited to 16 children ages 7-9.
This program will establish an event for those of different socioeconomic profiles, to have positive relationship-building experiences in the critical early life stages. Opportunities to create mutually positive experiences, to embrace uniqueness of diversity, and to find common threads of perception will be pursued. There will also be a focus on cultural and creative exposure. Children will be identified for participation in the Experience to include varied family and neighborhood backgrounds in the Greater Pittsburgh region. Starting with a group of between 12-16 children, we will closely and directly facilitate a program of interactive games and education, which will promote relationship building between the children. Resources required will include transportation, volunteer facilitators, financial support for visit sites (entrance fees, small meal or snack if applicable), sponsor locations (zoo, cultural sites, etc), and time for project development. A minimum of one volunteer facilitator for every 4 participants will be identified and expected to be instrumental in designing and directly implementing the project. Marketing and identifying in-kind and pro-bono donations for entrance fees and meals will pursued. The Horizon is the window of time where action is most effective, and I feel that this Experience will foster understanding and respect for different cultures at a most critical time in each participant’s development.
