Hello all!  My name’s Andrew Winig and I’m a new summer intern here at RSYP.  For the past couple of years I’ve been attending college at American University in Washington, D.C., studying Sociology, and this summer have decided to return home to the Berkshires to get acquainted with the Youth Project.  Throughout my years at college I’ve grown increasingly interested in RSYP, as it compliments my area of study as well as my development as a member of the local youth.  I’m now 23, and find the aims and aspirations of the organization consistent with my own.  I’ll be working at the Project Mondays through Wednesdays, and hope to personally meet everyone involved.  Thanks for the opportunity and look forward to meeting with you all!

Title: Diamond Mining Trip
Location: Herkimer, NY
Description: Join the YOB as we explore the Herkimer mines over in New York, searching for interesting crystals. Bring any chisels or tools you have. Sign up by contacting Jules.
Start Time: 9:00
Date: 2009-06-14
End Time: 17:00

Title: Art Along the River
Location: RSYP Drop-in Center
Description: Artists Will Machin and Howie Snyder will meet with local youth who are interested in creating public art as part of a vision for a renewed skatepark/recreational area next to the Housatonic. Bring your ideas and sketches, or just come to find out more!
We are looking for a group of 4 young people to help spearhead this project by serving as Lead Organizers. Youth will learn from Will and Howie, professional public artists, how to use art to change your community.
Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-05-31
End Time: 12:00

Title: NGO Briefing at the United Nations
Location: United Nations, NY, NY
Description: Women in Peacekeeping: the Power to Empower

In Observance of International Day of Peacekeepers
(29 May 2009)

on
28 May 2009
10:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

in
Venue: to be confirmed

Background Information:
The first UN Peacekeeping Mission was established in 1948, when the Security Council authorized the deployment of UN military observers to the Middle East to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its Arab neighbours. Since then, there have been a total of 63 UN peacekeeping operations around the world, overseen by the Department of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO). Some 110,000 men and women currently serve in 16 peacekeeping operations around the world. On 24 February 2003 the General Assembly approved a resolution establishing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers which would pay tribute to the peacekeepers “who served and continue to serve in peace keeping operations. This year’s observance focuses on the role of Women in the peacekeeping process. The 1990’s saw a marked increase in conflicts across Africa, Asia and the former Soviet Union. These conflicts had a distinct impact on women, who while perhaps not engaged in the conflict itself, were sometimes left solely responsible for rebuilding their communities. On 27 October 2000, the Security Council adopted resolution 1325, addressing for the first time the fact that women bear an enormous burden in armed conflicts, and should therefore have an equal role in contributing to their prevention and resolution. The adoption of resolution 1325 was followed by an increase in the participation of women deployed by the Secretariat to work in peacekeeping operations. However, women still make up less than three percent of the ‘uniformed components of UN peacekeeping operations’ contributed by Member States, including eight percent of the 10,000 police officers and 2 percent of the 80,000 military personnel. Over the years, peacekeeping missions have evolved to meet the demands of large scale and multi-dimensional conflicts, such as those in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan. This week’s briefing examines the role of women and the increasingly complex peacekeeping challenges they face maintaining peace on the ground in these countries.

Moderator:
Maria-Luisa Chávez; Chief, NGO Relations, Department of Public Information (DPI)

Start Time: 10:00
Date: 2009-05-28
End Time: 12:00

Title: Forum on School Ideas
Location: RSYP Drop-In Center
Description: Committee members from the South County Charter School Movement will ask questions of youth in the community regarding what their \’ideal school\’ would look like.
Start Time: 15:30
Date: 2009-05-18
End Time: 16:30

Title: Youth Operational Board Meeting
Location: 60 Bridge St, Great Barrington
Description: This week we will meet with Peter Wise and begin discussing ideas for a new LOGO. Please come with ideas and any sketches you have to share!
Start Time: 16:00
Date: 2009-05-19
End Time: 17:00

Beautiful...?

Teens, ages 13 to 19, create your own 30 or 60 second video on plastic bags and their effects on the environment.

Entries are due on October 8, 2009.

Winning entries will be shown at the Green For A Change film festival at the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington, MA.

AWESOME prizes from the Snap Shop, Berkshire Bike and Board, JWS Art Supply, Triplex, AdventureUS.

To Register, contact email hidden; JavaScript is required

No, He's not coming back from Trader Joe's

Title: Mentoring Match Activity
Location: Framingham State College
Description: The AmeriCorps Ambassadors of Mentoring present a free, fun-filled day of activities for mentors, mentees and program staff from across Massachusetts. This event is a great opportunity for matches to come together, enjoy the sun and kick-off the summer!
Start Time: 11:00
Date: 2009-06-13
End Time: 15:30