FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 19, 2006
Julie Levak, Director of External Affairs, California Council for the Humanities
(415) 391-1474
jlevak@calhum.org
SAN FRANCISCO — The California Council for the Humanities announced today the results of a survey of California young people and the launch of a new statewide campaign to hear the stories and experiences of the state’s youth in their words. California Stories: How I See It is the third major campaign of California Stories, a multiyear initiative that aims to strengthen communities and connect Californians by uncovering personal and community stories that tell the story of our state today.
In July the Council surveyed 600 Californians between the ages of 14 and 22 (nearly half were teenagers), representing one of the most diverse populations in the state and country. The Council sought to hear about respondents’ experiences, opinions and hopes, as well as the role that diversity and the humanities play in their lives.
“These young people represent a future we will all share. They are often talked to, talked about, marketed to and advocated for, but how often do we actually listen to them?” asked Jim Quay, executive director of the Council. “California Stories: How I See It is an invitation and an opportunity for young people to share – in their own words – what their lives are like, what they care about and what it’s like growing up in such a diverse and changing state.”
The poll, conducted by Teenage Research Unlimited through online interviews in English and Spanish found that:
The Council created its new campaign to provide a means for young people to connect to their communities and develop essential skills to create a successful future. Beginning in the spring of 2007, schools, community centers, libraries and the Internet will provide many opportunities for Californians to hear what it is like for young people growing up in the state, including:
“How I See It will enable young people to produce their own stories using digital media they know as consumers, including video and the Web,” added Quay. “During the process, young people will learn the planning and analytical skills needed to shape their stories and the technical skills to bring their stories to the public. Most important by participating in programs, young people will build confidence in their voice and abilities.”
California Stories: How I See It is the third major campaign of the California Stories initiative that began in 2002 with Reading The Grapes of Wrath, a statewide reading and story-sharing program that brought together tens of thousands of Californians in hundreds of venues across the state to read Steinbeck’s great classic and discuss their own California experiences.
As part of California Stories Uncovered in 2004-2005, teenagers, immigrants, refugees, critically acclaimed writers and many other Californians helped uncover the reality beneath the headlines, statistics and stereotypes about California through photo essays, student-produced audio/visual interviews, performances, and reading and discussion groups.
“While our previous campaigns focused on California’s past or the immediate present to inspire stories, How I See It focuses on the stories, hopes and dreams of young people and what they imagine their future will be like,” said Quay. “We want to give young people the opportunity to directly tell their peers – and the rest of us – about the issues shaping their lives and start an intergenerational dialogue about our common future.”
For the complete survey findings and to learn about how you, your students or young people you know can participate, visit http://www.calhum.org/press/press_main.htm
About the California Council for the Humanities
The mission of the California Council for the Humanities is to foster understanding between people and encourage their engagement in community life through the public use of the humanities. A state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council has supported and created programs that bring Californians together around their history and culture for more than 30 years. For more information, visit the Council’s website at www.californiastories.org or contact the Council’s administrative office at (415) 391-1474.
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