Walkabout Education - May 2020 Newsletter
Executive Director Update
Dear Walkabout Family,
25 years ago, when school wasn’t working for me, Walkabout awoke my love for learning. It honestly saved my life. Through applied academics, internships, service learning projects and wilderness trips, I was transformed into a critically conscious entrepreneur. Two things I know to be true are:
Walkabout was the foundation that made my life successful.
More students deserve this opportunity to realize their potential, especially those in under-resourced communities.
After 7 years of work, I am honored to announce that Walkabout Bronx High School will open its doors as a New York City Public High School on September 10th, 2020. In partnership with the New York City Department of Education and the borough of The Bronx, we will open the first new public school in The Bronx in 7 years. The dedication to creativity, culture and community found in The Bronx makes for a perfect match for the Walkabout model. We are humbled to be working side-by-side with such gifted educators and Bronx community members to bring Walkabout to a new generation of students.
I am also reaching out because of the uncertain times in which we find ourselves. The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the obsolescence of our school systems while simultaneously increasing the systemic inequities experienced by the most vulnerable. As we prepare to open doors in September, every day we are reminded how lucky we are to be doing this work. Our team has grown to four full-time employees, the amazing educator/activist Kam Gordon has been hired to lead WBHS, and we have recruited a ROCKSTAR advisory board. (See our team celebrating the WBHS approval vote in the photo above.)
None of this would be happening without the support of this community. You have rallied behind our mission of transforming high school into a meaningful rite of passage that truly prepares students for the challenges our society faces. For this, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to you, Walkabout’s extended family, who made this moment possible. My hope is that, during these challenging times, this bit of news gave you a little hope, which is something we can all use a little more of right now.
With love,
Ben Wild
P.S. If you’d like to get more involved, ask us a question or reach out in any way, I want to hear from you! Email me directly at ben at walkabout.org.
WALKABOUT ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Tangi Walker-Rennalls, Walkabout 31 (Class of '08)
Occupation: Crisis Respite Specialist for Family Services of Westchester
How did Walkabout impact your life?
"Walkabout gave me direction. I didn’t know what I wanted to do for a career or how I would get to college. Through my service learning and internship and the support of the students and staff, I was able to solidify my plans for the future. My service learning project at Ossining Children’s Center turned into a job that sustained me while I completed school. My internship at Phelps Hospital working on the dual diagnostic unit led me to pursue a social work degree so that I could help people in crisis. I love the work that I am doing with Family Services of Westchester and know that I chose the right path.
How is Walkabout a part of your life today?
"I still use the problem solving skills that I learned at Walkabout and the value of my own experience to help others. The support and validation I received from the Walkabout community is something that I use with the children I work with now to let them know that I am in their corner. I am always mindful that everyone I meet is going through something and that makes me more compassionate in my interactions with others."
Thank you, Tangi and Logan!
One of Walkabout’s most powerful practices is “New and Goods,” a simple activity where participants sit in a circle and share something new and good that happened in their lives in the last 24 hours. We’ve heard from many of you that this practice has become part of your daily life—and not just in the classroom! Here is a quick write-up of how to facilitate New & Goods. We hope that this can help weave the threads of community in your lives. And please, tell us how you're using it, we’d love to hear from you.
