Monday, 20 October 2008

Darn Computers...

First of all I would like to thank everyone who has been supporting me, and following my campaign. My internet has been down for the past week or so (I'm currently at a mates'), but I am pleased to say that we have indeed made some progress with the centre.
It has now been confirmed that we will be getting music equipment at the centre this Friday, and we will have some FREE tuition lessons for kids in the area as of next week! :)
There will be a pre-opening of the cnetre on Monday so people can come and check out what we're doing and so we can egt more of an input from young people living in the area in regards to what they'd like to see.
You've probably noticed that I've used the word 'we' a lot. Well, that's because I see this centre as a real community project, and so I'm getting as many people as I can involved at each stage.
What I'd really like from you is if you could maybe send me an address or photos or film clip of a youth club you have been to or think is really good so I can visit/ have a butchers, share the examples with others, and use some of the ideas that have worked there in my area- that would be awesome :)

Angelina

Sunday, 5 October 2008

'You don't need to reinvent the wheel'

I am on a definite high: on friday I met my mentor, Melody, who happens to be one super-inspirational lady with a lot of experience; so, I'm looking forward to picking her brain and having her help throughout the course of my campaign.
During the meeting we brainstormed all of the things I want to achieve out of the campaign, how they could be acheive; finishing off with a flow chart (of sorts) of next steps.

One great peice of advice that I got from Melody was (more or less) 'You don't need to reinvent the wheel' , meaning that I don't need to carry the entire weight of the campaign on my shoulders (-I bet up until now that seemed like a bit of a random title!). And she's also given me the contacts of some people who work in the youth sector and ideas on how I might involve more young people who can help with the campaign.

So I'm off to draw up a couple more timetables, do a bit more research, ring a few more people and other busy-bee type things.

Angelina



Monday, 29 September 2008

One Happy Bunny

I've just spoken to Sam ( a guy who works in youth particpation) about my little predicament concerning tutors for and he is now on the case! Hurrah!

-Just thought I'd let you know

Angelina

♪Don't worry ♫ Be happy♪

Well, I'm trying to :P

There is some good news though: I spoke to Debbie today (hurrah!) and the application form is going OK, but we're now getting down to the nitty-gritties:

-How to find tutors for the activties we want to run, and how much they'll cost

-Working out how long the sessions are going to be, and how we're going to advertise.

- etc.

This all, unfortunately means a lot of maniacal phonecalling and e-mailing on my front as the application is due in really soon and we have to have all this kind of stuff covered. BUT I do know some people from whom I may be able to call in a favour... *fingers crossed*
So stress levels are at a medium.

On the other hand, I'm pretty pleased with how the facebook group I created is going, and a few people are beginngin to ask questions and send me messages about how they can help, which is all terrific. Plus, I've got a friend in the USA who is interested in getting involved as well, so we've been discussing what he can do in his area.

Thanks for reading- wish me luck : I'm off to send another e-mail.

Angelina

Sunday, 28 September 2008

I'm getting a little worried...

The deadline for the application form for funding (that we need to carry out the activities) is looming, and I've heard neither head nor tail from the dudes from Pinner Hill. :O

Here comes the fingernail biting.

I've also had the ol' work experience this week, and it was pretty far away (four hours travel per day) so I've spent most of my week working (which was fun)/ sleeping/ eating. Nevertheless, I have been working on a logo for the camapaign as I thought I needed to give it an identity- something recognisable.

Sooo... I (virtually) sat down with a mate to work through some ideas and we came up with a good'un. And she's been computer-whizzing with it. But I've heard neither head nor tail on that front either.

The moral of the story: bug people more.

So, that's what I'm about to do- bug. I'm pulling out the moby as I type :P

Angelina

First Meeting 23/09/08

Last Friday I met up with some young people who want to work with me on my campaign, and turn the centre into a place for young people.

I was a bit nervous at first, but I'm stoked that they're all really enthusiastic; and something else that was pretty cool was that some local kids were coming over to ask questions, so the news is getting out there!

The main focus of the meeting was to get an application form for funding done, which we sort of managed....although there's still a bit of work that needs...delegating by the end of this week The funding will be used to put on four days of actvities for young people during the half term, which will give us a good idea of the sort of stuff we'd need to do to keep a youth centre going. Plus, hopefully, the experience will give some gravitas to my campaign so I can take ti forward to councillors and the like :P

Angelina

PS: Here's a short clip from the end of the meeting that you can check out, and an extended version will be up soon as well.



PPS: I just realised... I used the word 'stoked'

One of those weeks, eh? 21/09/08

Indeed, it has been. Too much homework + procrastinating = no sleep = burnt out :(

BUT- I am pleased to say I have invested in a big pink Diary - Oh yes- and am now on the road to being organised :P

In regard to my campaign, I am spreading the word amongst friends, and my head of year is really interested (so who knows, I may do an assembly :) )

Also, I'm going down to the Youth centre tomorrow to meet with some young people who are really keen on getting involved, and write an application for funding! So, if any of are thinking of settig up your own spaces- watch this space: there will soon be a video of the meeting up!My main aim at the moment is to have something going on for the October half-term (27th- 31st October), and hopefully from there we can get something weekly happening.So please please please, if you have any ideas, or stories/ photos of activities or youth centres that you've been to that you reckoned were good, send them my way!

Angelina x