DETROIT FUTURE MEDIA
+ THE CHANGEMAKERS
the backstory
Last summer, I created a “Be the Change” curriculum for my current class where we work to embody the traits of a “ChangeMaker”. In their self-created definition, this is “a solution based person that inspires others through positive change.”
The year was divided into three parts:
1. Be the Change in your own life
2. Be the Change in someone else's life
3. Be the Change in the city of Detroit*
*Beautifying an abandoned park next to our school.
[Desired] End Goal? Students who don't
just have the ability to act... but truly believe
they can. Students who understand how to
use their voice and how to make an everlasting
impact on the world around them.
ChangeMakers presenting a
Case for Action to Mayor Bing
on December 2, 2011.
Okay! Okay! But what does
this have to do with DFM?
As a graphics student, I originally wanted
to create a logo for our "BTC" movement.
My logo/flyer for the ChangeMakers'
Detroit SOUP presentation.
I tell my kids we learn from trial and error.
This was an error. If I wanted the kids to
own the process, they would have to create
the logo.
TIME FOR DOTMOCRACY!
The designers of the four winning sketches joined
Nate, Ron and me at the DFM offices for private logo lessons.
After a second graphic
dotmocracy we had our winner!
WINNER
Now that's more like it!
Using the ChangeMaker trait
of synergy I created a flyer
for the big clean up using the student
designed [and approved] logo.
Need we compare the two?
Didn't think so...
Back to the park...
LOGOS TURNED INTO SHIRTS
ChangeMakers felt stylish and proud as they beautified Forest Park.
Of course there is more work to be done,
but the ChangeMakers are already inspiring others...
On Tuesday June 5th, we were joined by 8th graders
from Hillel Day School for an afternoon of cleaning up, bonding... and of course some play.
LOGOS & FLYERS
So how does DFM play in?
The theme of my 5th grade ELA/SS
classroom is: "Be the Change." The year
is divided up into three parts.
1. BE THE CHANGE IN YOUR OWN LIFE
2. BE THE CHANGE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE
... lastly
3. BE THE CHANGE IN THE CITY OF DETROIT
Some Background
The goal of the theme was to empower the students to act as "ChangeMakers."
Globalization is shrinking the world and reading, writing, and arithmetic are no longer going to
cut it. In order to effectively engage in the 21st century are students are going to need
more than "beating" the state tests. Our students must be global citizens. We live in
competitive times. Completing school is not going to be enough for our students to truly
thrive. They must be critical thinkers. Most importantly, students--of all ages--must understand how to use their voice and make an everlasting impact
on the world around them.