 November/December 1999 (XXXVII 5) |
n 1996 the former Friends Committee on Education began giving grants to support Quakers working in public education. Bill Procyson of Norristown Meeting (PA) was one of the first three recipients of PYM grants.
Bill asked his Meeting for clearness to go forward with a project that would break down barriers of race and culture in Norristown. He received an opportunity to work with The Norristown Area Fight Against Drugs (NAFAD) as a board member and volunteer. Bill says NAFAD has always felt that it is important to create a positive climate in the community, thereby removing negative factors that might contribute to drug abuse.
Part of Bill's grant from PYM was used for a program in October 1996 that brought together 60 students from three middle schools within the Norristown Area School District. Some of them had gotten in trouble in school, some did not have good grades, but all had high standing among their peers. The day started with the viewing of a film about racial prejudice in America. A discussion followed in which no one held back. After sharing pizza for lunch the kids were randomly divided into groups of six to eight with the assignment of resolving issues of diversity, ranging from race to sexual preference and cultural values. Afterward each group reported back to the whole gathering.
The second part of the grant was "A Celebration of Our Cultural Diversity — Hands Across Norristown," an event that took place on a sunny Saturday in April 1997 in the back yard of a public school. A stage was set up with almost continuous entertainment from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Local residents, businesses, non-profits and houses of worship set up booths to display their wares, provide information, or conduct demonstrations. There was a youth talent show, and Family Services of Montgomery County put on a play about acceptance of a gay teen-ager.
Bill has expressed his gratitude for the funding of these events, and for the opportunity to work with the board and many volunteers of the Norristown Area Fight Against Drugs. He continues to volunteer with NAFAD. Last spring they organized a talent show for high school and middle school students.
To find out more contact Bill Procyson at 610-277-1953 or Procyson@aol.com.
The Public Education Working Group of PYM wants to support all Friends who teach in public schools. Teachers are invited to get on the mailing list and to apply for a grant for a special project in the area of peace and social concerns. The Friends Teaching in Public Schools Grant Fund is for members of PYM. Direct questions to PEWG Co-Clerk Marlene Santoyo at 215-247-4385 or msantoyo@erols.com. Applications may be requested from PYM Education Coordinator Tom Hoopes at 215-241-7224 or tomh@pym.org.
Marlene Santoyo
Germantown Meeting (PA)
Co-clerk of Public Education Working Group
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM