The Section - Get In The Section
01/02/2006

The Section is a new feature within The Waterbury Observer written by, for and about area youth. It is produced by Media in Motion, a youth jouranlism program, in partnership with The Observer. For more information contact Youth Editor and Executive Director Quajay Donnell at quajay@leader365.org or 203-500-3891.

By Quajay Donnell

It was Friday, January 6, 2006 - the deadline for "The Section". I was beginning to proofread stories, and pull the section together. It came to my attention that I needed a picture of Mayor Bingham, of Torrington, and so I put in a call to his office. While waiting for his return call, I thought about how more and more young people are getting involved in society. Mayor Bingham is just one of those examples. Many young people have taken that positive step, especially for a generation that is said to not have much of a legacy.

This is ultimately what pushed me to start Media in Motion, a journalism-based program working with youth - getting youth involved in something positive, and shedding a light on their peers through print media. While his title is the Honorable Mayor Ryan J. Bingham, like our feature story mentions, he is just an average guy. He is the first politician to ever return my call within an hour, and made himself more accessible by giving me his cell phone number. It is my understanding that this is the way he governs. Mayor Bingham wanted to be involved and make his community a better place to live and work.

I think back to someone else, who at a young age wanted to be involved, and ultimately wanted to create change in the world. He was Martin Luther King, Jr., who at 26 was asked to lead the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama. Another young man that takes getting involved to another level is Farris Hassen, the 16 year-old who traveled to Iraq in the name of journalism (don't worry folks, none of our students will be visiting Iraq any time soon). Their stories are motivational. It inspires young people to get involved.

While involved with this program, students won't govern a city, be a civil rights leader or visit Iraq - they will, however, become a voice for their generation and community, providing useful insight to the world of young people, while giving them a vehicle to write for and about youth. Youth involved in the program will be provided with life skills, and management and leadership opportunities. Their work will hopefully encourage young people to pick up a newspaper, because they aren't doing it now. And it's not just this newspaper; they aren't picking up any newspaper. This section will include news articles, investigative stories, opinion pieces, personal essays, poetry, art and photography.

This program is about more than journalism, it is about being heard. Many of our participants may not pursue a career in journalism, and I recognize that. The trade will provide them with skills that will transcend and be applied to many other careers.

Currently we have two young ladies involved in the program: Julie Albert, a junior at Waterbury Arts Magnet School, and Amanda Perillo, a senior at Crosby High School. These two young ladies are talented, and as I meet with other young people to round out our youth staff, I'm motivated and excited about their potential, and their involvement in this program.

We are still looking for positive youth, enthusiastic and motivated to "Get In The Section". An interest to pursue a career in journalism or media experience is not necessary - maturity, dedication and curiosity are all requirements. I am looking for five passionate youth who are creative and want to be heard, to round out our team. Involvement in the program is on a voluntary basis, and if you become involved we ask that you stay committed to the program through the end of the school year.

I would like to thank a few people for helping to make this section a reality. First, John Murray, Publisher of the Observer, for constant support, motivation and stressing the patience it would take to get this program up and going. John, I still have a long way to go, and thank you for making sure I remember that. Secondly, Anna Spencer, for helping with proofreading, which goes back to the initial program proposal-writing phase. Your continued support through this entire process is appreciated. Last but not least, Amanda and Julie, for picking up the phone and contacting me, and getting involved. I look forward to working with you over the next few months and reading more of your work.

If you are interested in any way, or would like more information, please contact me at 203-500-3891 or email at quajay@leader365.org.

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