Use it!
You've got a voice, kid.
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changing
the narrative
Pacoima
28 eighth graders in 10 episodes
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center
Sometimes the strongest advocacy is simply being yourself.
Lead! Create! Advocate!
The research Interviews
Learning how to podcast while learning about Pacoima. Equipment. Interview Prep. Interview technique. Courage.
California Assembly Member Luz Rivas shared her Pacoima upbringing with a Single Mom (yes caps it's a career), her education journey from Pacoima public schools to MIT and Harvard, her advocacy as a non-profit founder of DIY Girls, and her rise to an elected official of her hometown district. (Sheesh-Inspiration much?!)
After an informative introduction by Cesar Rosales and Angel Ponce, she answered a barrage of questions prepared by the class and hosted here by first-time podcasters Ralphie Miranda, Jessica Esparza, with help from Jenrry Gonzalez-Vargas, Leilah Ortega, Valerie Garcia.
Thank you also to the Assembly Member's field rep Arturo Garcia
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Research for Changing the Narrative Pacoima continues! International muralist and Pacoima homey Levi Ponce dropped by to visit our podcasters at Vaughn Next Century Learning Center to share his artistic journey to fame, fortune, and happiness (hint- it has to do with doing what you love and sharing the joy of your talents to uplift your community).
After Levi's presentation of past, present and future murals, first-time podcasters Agueda de Santiago and Aiden Robles Mares lead the group Q & A. Turns out Levi is quite comfortable in the "hot seat" and even turned the tables by grabbing the mic and interviewing Agueda about her art! Always lighthearted and fun, he manages to dive deep. Levi is a dynamic artist in every medium, including this one!
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Our research into Pacoima life continues with a visit from Yesenia Cruz from Pacoima Beautiful. What is Environmental Social Justice? What is a frontline community? How can Yesenia speak so fast?
First-time Podcasters Ashley Lozano and Anthony Hernandez lead the class Q&A after Yesenia's presentation, featuring the very astute questions of Adrian Lomeli, Cesar Rosales, Sergio Gonzales, Analiss Fernandez , Leilah Ortega, Ashley Gonzales, Jenry Gonzales, and Angel Ponce.
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REad more about the process and curriculum on our blog
commendations of achievement
US Congressman Tony Cardenas
For those whose artistic vision helped shape the
Connectopod Podcast Series
"Changing the Narrative Pacoima"
hover on pix to read their accomplishments
This chatterbox and show stealer pulled a big surprise when he chose to give the spotlight to his friend, boxing prodigy Alejandro Morales, even though Cesar is a boxer as well. He chose to focus on the story rather than himself -the sign of a true podcasting journalist.
All that stuff that you get in trouble in class for will one day be your biggest asset when you focus it.
Cesar Rosales
Adrian's voice can be heard on almost every episode, whether in his own episode sharing his dreams and concrete plans to be a professional athlete, or in others asking thoughtful and engaging questions of guests and peers. His curiosity and generous nature always moved the conversation forward.
Adrian Lomeli
Agueda's spirit of inclusiveness, commitment,
and natural leadership abilities, make her an excellent producer.
More than any other group, she kept her team on task and happy. The sign of a true professional!
She is a talented artist who graced our project with her illustrations.
In her writing, she truly captured the spirit of 'Changing the Narrative-Pacoima', inviting the listener into her personal space.
Agueda
De Santiago
Sergio dared to take on the elephant in the room. violence is prevalent in Pacoima, that's a fact. Sergio changed that narrative by illustrating how questioning the status quo of how that is ignored by the media can bring a community together. He called on Eric and Lorenzo Chapman of the gr818ers to fearlessly delve deep into a sensitive subject
Sergio Gonzales, Jr.
Oscar is an idea machine. One of his many ideas was exploring the idea of 'Things that are supposed to work and don't/Things that are not supposed to work and do. " an original thinker, he applied this idea to parking lots, what most see as a blight, but he saw as a level playing field and opportunity to excel for the many gifted athletes in Pacoima.
Oscar Pia
Leilah is practically a professional journalist. She fearlessly leaped into 'Changing the Narrative-Pacoima' with a to-go kit before production even officially began! She realized her vision of 'Pacoima Perspectives' by interviewing people in and outside of Pacoima. She embodied the very idea of of the project by questioning the stereotypes of Pacoima right from the source-the people not the media. She worked independently and then generously invited others join in.
Leilah Ortega
Leilah Ortega
Changing the Narrative Pacoima
Vaughn Next Century Learning Center 2019
Aaron showed us the power of Restorative justice, applying it every day with the kids he guides, disciplines, and protects. He deals with the students with respect and is rewarded with respect in return.
Aaron led the way in our most challenging circumstances.
Aaron Camacho
and...
