Mentoring Program Update!

August 18th, 2010

The summer is starting to wind down, and a new school year is about to begin. Railroad Street Youth Project’s Mentoring Program will also be going through a change — Michele Wendling will be the new Mentoring Program Coordinator/Ambassador of Mentoring!

In addition, the program is still looking for both mentors and mentees! If you are an adult over the age of 25, reside in south Berkshire County, and want to make a difference in the life of a young person, you should consider becoming a mentor.

If you are a young person between the ages of 13 and 21, and would like support outside of school and family in order to identify and reach your personal and academic goals, consider becoming a mentee!

Find out more about the program and download an application here!

Community Mural Painting Day

July 21st, 2010

Title: Community Mural Painting Day
Location: CARR Hardware, Great Barrington
Description: Join artists Brett Parson and Jake Reiny as they lead the community in an all-hands-on repainting of the WEB Du Bois mural in Great Barrington!
Date: 2010-07-25

RSYP receives official NGO status with United Nations

July 21st, 2010

We just got the official word:  RSYP is now an NGO with the United Nations!  We look forward to sharing access to the education and experiences offered at the UN with our Berkshire County community.

Click here for the iBerkshires article, “Railroad Street Youth Project Becomes Ambassador for Peace”, Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Click here for the WAMC news story, “Berkshire Youth Org. Gets UN Designation”, Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Public Art at the GB Skatepark

July 19th, 2010

RSYP is looking for any youth who would like to display original pieces of art for a new public art project funded by the New England Foundation for the Arts. The exhibit will be installed outdoors, above the existing poles that form the fence between the river and the skatepark. Youth must fill out an application to be considered, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. The first installation will be August 15th. This project is made possible by the incredible public artists Will Machin and Howie Sneider of The Steel Yard.

Rotating Artwork Application

WEB DuBois Mural to be re-painted July 25

July 16th, 2010

Dear Friends,

After 7 years as a prominent public mural in Great Barrington, the CARR Hardware mural will be re-painted this month.  The existing mural has been worn down by wall deterioration and weather, etc., and many community members and businesses have been asking us if we would spearhead its restoration.  This summer, community volunteer Jake Reiney was looking for just this kind of a project!  Jake has coordinated with original mural contributor Brett Parsons, UMass’s WEB DuBois’ program, and local heritage committees in order to have the input of many scholars into the new design.  Parsons took the lead on drawing the art, with help from Jake on choosing quotations and historical relevance.

Prepping and priming the wall will take place all week, and the coordinators will host a community painting day on July 25.  Anyone is invited to come, grab a brush and paint within the lines!

For questions, or to reach Jake, call RSYP 413-528-2475.

What do we do?

July 15th, 2010

Looking for more information about RSYP?  Want to tell your friends what we do, but don’t quite know…?  View or download this info packet for a closer look at our most exciting programs in 2010.  If you have more time, browse this website.  If you like what you see, consider making a donation.  All gifts are tax-deductible and much appreciated!

RSYP program info 2010

Brian Alberg and RSYP’s Culinary Arts Program

July 9th, 2010

Check out this slideshow featuring Brian Alberg, Executive Chef at The Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge, MA, and hear him talk about his involvement with Railroad Street Youth Project’s Culinary Arts Program! Click the link below:

http://www.berkshirefoodjournal.com/the-red-lion-inn

Work at RSYP!

June 3rd, 2010

RSYP seeks creative, intelligent, high-functioning adults for two exciting positions:

MANAGING DIRECTOR: Railroad Street Youth Project seeks to hire a Managing Director for its vibrant youth empowerment organization. Must be a visionary and engaging leader, an experienced manager, a strategic thinker and deeply committed to social services. This is a small, lean organization where all staff play a direct, hands-on role. The Managing Director must excel at balancing multiple tasks, including internal management of staff and programs, cultivating external relationships with key stakeholders and allies, and the demands of working in a fluid, fast-paced environment. The Managing Director must work strategically to advance the organization’s goals and to ensure that it is fiscally and programmatically sound. Fundraising, grant management and financial oversight experience a plus. This is a full-time salaried position that will begin Sept. 1, 2010. Please send cover letter, resume with salary history and three references to lannie@rsyp.org by June 20.

MENTORING AMERICORPS POSITION: The Ambassador of Mentoring will serve as the Mentoring Program Coordinator for the 2010-2011 program year, which runs 8/2/2010 through 7/31/2011. Responsibilities will include: recruiting and screening mentors and mentees; facilitating mentor/mentee trainings; facilitating mentor/mentee activities, including the annual Mentoring celebration; data input and analysis in evaluation database and researching, creating and disbursing program marketing materials. Please send cover letter, resume and three references to: Marla Robertson, email marla@rsyp.org or call (413)-528-2475.

HERKIMER DIAMOND MINING AND CAMPOUT

June 3rd, 2010

Here we go again!

If anyone missed out on last years excursion to Herkimer, NY,  this is your chance to get in on the action.

Herkimer County is the only place in the world where you can mine for double-terminated quartz formations known as Herkimer “diamonds.”   They are gorgeous, very clear and prismatic quartz that were strewn about the county after a large volcanic blast.   “Diamonds” of all shapes and sizes are ready to be discovered by YOU!  Join the hunt and see what buried treasure you can bring home. 

We will be leaving on Tuesday,  June 22 from the RSYP drop-in center at 11:00am.  We will go to Herkimer county, set up a campsite at the KOA campground, and then proceed to go smash away and see what we can find.  After the day of mining we will have a camp out and cookout.  We will mine again in the morning and leave with enough time to return by 1pm.  If you are interested in coming on the trip, please contact Jules Jenssen to sign up.  Julesyob@gmail.com, or 413.528.2475.   A $15 dollar deposit must be paid at time of sign up.

You’re Invited!

June 2nd, 2010