#81. BENCHMARKS

 

#81. BENCHMARKS 

It’s been two days since the Uvalde massacre and it’s hard to get those kids off my brain. So, I go to the Park. And I am immediately cheered by middle school students from across the City. 

 On display around the Washington Square Fountain is a circle of 35 large benches, eight feet long with backs three feet high. Painted with color, artistry, and passion. The students are in an arts program that inspires them to tackle social issues that they select. It's a program of the Center for Educational Innovation called Youth Setting the Standard for Social Change. 

You can read the benches. You can sit on them. You can be inspired to get involved. As I circle the benches here are some themes: Stop Discrimination, Our School is No Place for Hate, Climate Change, Being Different Gives the World Color, LGBTQ+ Teens Have Voices Too, Stop Bullying. And my fave – Throw Kindness Around Like Confetti! 

 These benches will travel to other parks too. I feel better.

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