At the on April 16, student leaders from Albany High invited community leaders to participate in important conversations focused on the topic of providing centralized support in times of crisis for City of Albany residents.
Our Falcon leaders—Phillip Walcott, Suad Fagbenro, Marley Hyppolite, Harriet Westin, Carmen Sampona, Cleana Brummell, Brooke McKenzie, James Campbell and Daniel Penna— worked with Student Engagement Principal Shermaine Moore-Boakye, Ed.D. and Love and Serve Albany Executive Director Heather Ardrey over the course of several months to put together a dynamic program which consisted of a brief opening, followed by round table discussions and a final call to action.
Our Falcons curated thought-provoking questions and the dialogue that took place gave community leaders the opportunity to take detailed notes on the unique perspectives and creative ideas our youth have to offer.
Examples of questions include:
- What crises exist? What problem(s) would a centralized center help solve?
- How do people in crises get help now? What help is missing?
- What type of funding would be needed, and where would we find it?
- How do we gather folks who want to help with this? What kinds of qualifications should they have?
As the event wrapped up, students and leaders discussed one tangible next step that could be taken within the course of the coming year to move towards centralizing support for those in crisis.
The feedback students and community leaders shared will be passed along to Supporting Your Neighbors Collaboratively (SYNC)—a collaboration between Homeless & Travelers Aid Society (HATAS), Trinity Alliance and Albany County Department of Mental Health.
Senior Cleana Brummell shared a powerful and visionary closing statement,
"Together, we can build a community rooted in care, empathy and hope. Thank you to everyone who came today and showed that Albany's strength truly lies in its people, united by purpose and driven by heart."
Event participants included dozens of Albany High students in grades 9-12 and leaders from over 20 community groups and organizations, such as the Albany Public Library, City of Albany Neighborhood Services, the Capital District YMCA, Wizard's Wardrobe, Albany County Youth Bureau and the Albany Police Department. Honest Weight Food Co-op provided a lovely free brunch for all of our participants.
"I had encouraging conversations with the students, community leaders and supporters. I was beyond impressed with the poise, communication skills and openness of the students," shared community leader Linda Kindlon Cary. "Kudos to those people leading these students. I can't wait to see what amazing things they accomplish."