I just got around to reading an e-mail a couple days old from a friend of mine who posts over at PhillyBlog. Anyway, he just e-mailed me a link to a post by State Rep. Mark Cohen which I discovered has left me feeling quite meloncholy and a bit haunted feeling for lack of a better description...and I don't even know the subject of his post. I thought I would cross post an excerpt and link:

Philly Blog: Former Logan Community Leader Sally McIntyre Dies In Legislative Office by Mark B. Cohen

Kids can sometimes set us adults straight. Such was the case today, as I attended a "Poetry Slam" at Girard College, put on by the 5th grade class of Ms. La Shaya Duval. Ms. Duval is my supervisor in the After School program at Girard called G-Sap. I've encountered her class at least once before; and, it was a great experience.
As a part of "305 Lounge" and the Poetry Slam, students recited several types of poetry: Free-Verse, Parralel, Poem for two voices and personification. I was enthralled at the performance--and the 'worldly' awareness of these wonderful students. I guess it speaks to Ms. Duval's teaching style--and effectiveness.
One of the pieces; "Save Darfur" a poem for two voices, pointed out the daily tragedy of the Darfur genocide in the Sudan. We have so many problems. Not really. These kids are really concerned about what's happening worlds away. The event's student MC, pleaded with audience members to "Do more, do something".
"Go to www.savedarfur.org " he said, but, if you're a kid like me, get your parent's permission first." I'm always impressed with the abilities of young persons. I have a special love for Girard College students. I'm enjoying working there and being part of the culture that is Girard--inside--and outside the wall.
So, for me, for my special "Good Friends" at the Elementary School at Girard College, check out the web site for Save Darfur. Get up to speed with what's going on there. If only as a diversion from the daily death toll in Iraq, and our constant threats to Iran. Find out what we're doing--or not doing about death, and devestation in the Sudan region.
Do all that you can to learn about this situation. If you teach, tell other teachers. Teach your students. Develop young, independent thinkers and concerned, compassionate humans. One day, you may be glad that you acted.
Oh, one more thing; encourage a young person today. There are too many negative stories about kids. Let's talk more about the good that they do--everyday.

www.savedarfur.org Do It...TODAY! Act Now! Lives depend on it.

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