CONGRATS YLO GRADS!!

Ashley, Diana and Sandra graduated from the Youth Leadership Organization summer internship program. The youth, all from the neighborhoods near Kelly Air Force Base brought music, art and theatre to SWU events, creating 2 original plays and several songs. The YLO took charge of outreach and propoganda for the March for Community Lives and Conference Against Military Contamination and Militarism.

Thanks for all your hard work and dedication this summer.

Sandra's Reflection:

Hi, my name is Sandra. I am shy and scared of trying new things. So, when SWU-YLO went to my school to talk about what they do, I found it cool! I wasn't sure what they did, but, I was interested in finding out more information. When the internship started, I wasn't one of the interns. My friend Diana was an intern. She kept me informed, and told me what they were about. They talked to youth, and educated them in thier communities and how they can make a difference. She also informed me about the community I live in. Specifically, how Kelly AFB had been dumping toxic waste in the water and in the land for years. This is where I live! So I asked " Can I volunteer???" I was volunteering by Friday! It was a rush! I was so nervous, but excited.

My first protest was against Boeing and it's noise pollution against the neighboring community. What Boeing does, is that it test it's engines towards the community for about 45 minutes! Can you believe 5 planes a day, one after another!?! While we were protesting, five planes took off, and their engines were very loud. So, I understood that if they test each plane, and aim it towards the community, the sound is constant and makes the houses and the windows rattle. Later, after the protest, I practice for a play or Teatro, in which I would have to perform in a week in front of strangers! I immediately learned my lines. This is when I became an intern at SWU. I was able to perform in front of youth and more than 100 people from around the world.Scared of forgetting my lines, I imagined other things. Phew.. I told my self that was one busy week!

It had slowed down in the office, but that didn't slow me down! I had just completed one week with SWU, when they told me I was going to Cd. Juarez in Chih. Mexico, for the Border Social Forum meeting. It was a new experience for me. I had never been anywere that took longer than 3 hours. I am now a member of the Youth Organizing Committee in Cd. Juarez! Wow! When I went back to San Antonio from Cd. Juarez, a day later I went to Austin, for a Border Governor's meeting with an organization named PODER. I was excited tomeet other youth!

I graduated as a youth intern on Friday, but it's not over for me! I will continue to organize with SWU-YLO! Talk about trying new things! Iam no longer afraid... I can act and so can YOU!

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