׉?ׁB!בCטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://PsqedFrta7hNH6-R8O2cedtNin3sXjnHq1-VihNPCOou`׉ 7cassandra://efu7cuwBH_Wst8l43yXfDdGH9rvg8Q0UVruyVT0PWbUs`h׉ 7cassandra://vXZq4Xagd838tYcjUpGbFFraLRp1Lu19bEfWSL9Iuc0)=`f`yme׈Ef`yme׉EIssue 146 TOLEDO STREETS NEW SP APER One dollar suggested donation. Your donation directly benefits the Vendor. Please only buy from badged Vendors. Toledo is Family Skating at The Ribbon Award-Winning Glass City Metropark Photo by Doug Hinebaugh for Metroparks Toledo Partners In Education This school year, PIE has supported literacy and college and career readiness education for over 1,000 area K-12 students in 16 schools. Page 7 BeLove Parenting Penny Meeker is a parent coach, writer, positive youth development specialist, and a parent to three wonderful young adults. Penny helps parents make intentional parenting decisions to meet the needs of their unique child. Page 6 INSPIRING HOPE • FOSTERING COMMUNITY • CULTIVATING CHANGE ׉ 7cassandra://vXZq4Xagd838tYcjUpGbFFraLRp1Lu19bEfWSL9Iuc0)=`f`yme镁f`yme锁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://yCDouH5Vyqovf91knwxjh7Jb0t9kZ6vzb9IyHvFbDPsC`׉ 7cassandra://OvrsPacynDNMFBPhAtZeorc4qAhXy4RhpL9XjRM4E_c̓`h׉ 7cassandra://HJWBDWwbTkiImn24iNCbss0Y66t91ftdXn0V3HW0PwM)`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://XITKS8NslQtvISMaZdIlQIO4RpjuhZII0usBdKlqFL8+`׉ 7cassandra://EGQ5R9kYal7GubarrI-X38KVGL6olEaXunE4pNm9Nkc{`h׉ 7cassandra://4wCzm8Oa-GXpKkwAJJkc104oogJjpRXDC2LsqhzLVGM'`f`yme׉E UTOLEDO STREETS NEW SP APER 3 Children’s Programs and Services Ed Conn provides an introduction to the June Issue. June Issue 146 4 Interactive Adventures Await: Kid-Friendly Programs at the National Museum of the Great Lakes The museum not only showcases the most important natural resource in the world — the Great Lakes — but also weaves hundreds of years of history into a compelling narrative. 5 Metroparks Youth Programming A new program, Amazing Athletes focuses on fi tness, friendship and outdoor exploration in a guided program with time for free-play. / Parent/Child Opportunities at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Various family oriented activities available at The Zoo; ZooTeen Program continues this summer. 6 Interview with Penny Meeker, BeLove Parenting Meeker is a parent coach, writer, positive youth development specialist, and a parent to three wonderful young adults. Penny helps parents make intentional parenting decisions to meet the needs of their unique child. 7 Partners in Education Call for Volunteers Founded by the Toledo Rotary in 1994, Partners in Education (PIE) has a long history of service in the Toledo community. / Big Brothers and Big Sisters Ben Stalets shares his journey as a Big Brother. 8 Interview with Makiedah Messam, Executive Director of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. Makiedah Messam was recently appointed as Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.’s (ABLE) executive director. Toledo Lucas County Library Celebrates 100 Years of Summer Read Page 9 9 The Place for Everybody (Including Children) is the Library 100 Years of Summer Read / ComicAunts: the new wave of women in comics and illustration Eleven young female illustrators and comic authors from Serbia have formed a collective called Stripotetke (ComicAunts) 10 Unveiling Complexities: Exposing Challenges and Opportunities within the Child Welfare System The child welfare system is complicated. The system removes children from harmful and potentially lethal situations and strives to ensure familial connections. 13 Young Artists At Work Not many adults can give their teenage self-credit for good judgment. Ari Collins can. / Inside the System: Perspectives from a Mother and Daughter To get a long-term perspective on the experience of fostering and adopting, Angela Jennings spoke with a mother and one of her adopted daughters - who is now an adult. 14 Heartbreak High star Chloé Hayden on autism and stardom The Australian fan-favorite star of the wildly successful Heartbreak High reboot, Chloé Hayden, talks autistic joy, public scrutiny and the power of saying no. 15 Martha Wainwright on “Love Will Be Reborn” and “Stories I Might Regret Telling You” Lauded singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright exorcises family demons on her new album and in her memoir. 16 Solmaz Khorsand on rebellion amid conformity 17 The future of street papers in a post-pandemic world Over the past few decades, street papers have been quietly changing the lives of countless people around the world, not only by sharing interesting stories and insights, but also as a tool to help the disadvantaged in society to become self-reliPage 2 ׉ 7cassandra://HJWBDWwbTkiImn24iNCbss0Y66t91ftdXn0V3HW0PwM)`f`yme׉EhChildren’s Services and Programs By Ed Conn, Creative Director, TSN Last October, when I was on a lunch break from a seminar, I sat with three women who were telling their stories of being foster parents in the Toledo area. They shared touching moments, as well as troubling stories that make up the foster care system. I knew almost nothing about foster care and proposed this month’s theme to our editorial group in November. I solicited the help of a friend who had been a foster parent, became an adoptive parent, and could help us navigate through the web of this system and help us tell a story that gets very little attention. The article on page 10 Unveiling Complexities: Exposing Challenges and Opportunities within the Child Welfare System tells the story from a personal view. Ben Stalets, our TSN Vendor Manager, shares his journey this year as a Big Brother with the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Ohio. Angela Jennings, TSN Intern and incoming senior at Toledo School for the Arts, interviewed a foster mother who became an adoptive parent along with one of her adoptive daughters who is now an adult. This issue, I interviewed Penny Meeker, founder of BeLove Parenting, and chatted about parent coaching and how she helps parents make intentional parenting decisions. Toledo is known as a family friendly city and we were not at a loss for opportunities from the Zoo to the Metroparks; from Imagination Station to the Arts Commission’s Young Artists at Work summer internship. On page 4, you will fi nd a piece on all the kid friendly activities associated with the National Museum of the Great Lakes. The Metroparks offer s a host of programs including a new program, Amazing Athletes, at Swan Creek which will focus on fi tness, friendship and outdoor exploration. The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium has parent/child opportunities including the popular Stroller Safari. ZooTeen is back again this summer. Although all the spots are fi lled for 2024, it’s never too early to consider for next year. The Toledo Lucas County Library is celebrating 100 years of its Summer Read Program. This year the Library celebrates one whole century of Summer Read with concerts, events, and yes, of course, reading! Partners In Education, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is putting out a call for volunteers to support their literacy and college and career readiness programs in over 16 K-12 schools. Toledo, we are looking forward to a wonderful summer and wish all of our families a fun and safe season. Buy a Paper Get Informed Take Action Photo Courtesy of Toledo Zoo The Buck Starts Here Toledo Streets and its vendors are a powerful, community driven solution to the problem of homelessness. Our vendors earn their way out of their individual situations through a collaboration of journalism, local business partners and their own hard work. Use these four steps to be a part of the solution. Meet Vendors • Vendors -- the people who sell the paper -- are at the core of Toledo Streets' mission. Each year more than 70 indiviuals work as vendors with Toledo Streets. At any given time, more than 25 vendors are at work, in the rain, snow, or heat. Vendors play an active role in the management of TS, meeting regularly to discuss issues of concern and even serving on our board. • With the money made selling the newspaper, vendors are able to secure basic needs, independence and dignity, and work toward obtaining housing. Vendors buy papers for a quarter and sell them for a $1, keeping all income and tips for each sale. Toledo Streets tries to tie its editorial to three basic principals: • Inspiring Hope, Fostering Community, and Cultivating Change. We are a member of INSP, our global organization of street papers around the world which provides us with content relevent to social justice, homelessness, and street community around the world. • Donate to the organization and give vendors experiencing homelessness and poverty a hand up. It supports not only the paper but also issues throughout NW Ohio. • Volunteer your time and expertise and help the organization grow. • Share Toledo Streets with your network, and tell people about the organization. Page 3 ׉ 7cassandra://4wCzm8Oa-GXpKkwAJJkc104oogJjpRXDC2LsqhzLVGM'`f`yme闁f`yme閁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://CQ9Wm0Oq0oTsnEzGK5A6jgYacFasVDT1Fhm8t8DxqeA`׉ 7cassandra://wcD07o_xrGhEoBtheaBFTyJ1knpV_j5-ZbsoMVyHfZQ̈́`h׉ 7cassandra://YpqVtbotVlFMkfN0q2iIrweKSeuhle3yqWQ9pHkcGVE&L`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://Tpqy6eVN5F1G6JWxGarmmgFaWMtV4if-1_q10d75jagz`׉ 7cassandra://nx-AvNtgQJFfMp7FCJTQiySZIZNlpH7cJqB3Uge_Fe8y`h׉ 7cassandra://EwNOcw4-NiCNRyUHqjXZHPjNlqsUWG8-u8NZLqj8iiU$`f`yme鲒נf`yme齁 *C̜9ׁHmailto:unteer@toledozoo.orgׁ ׁ Јנf`yme鼁;̰9ׁHhttp://MetroparksToledo.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E'the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Services (IBCCES). This certifi cation refl ects the museum’s dedication to understanding and supporting individuals with autism and other sensory sensitivities. Interactive Adventures Await: Kid-Friendly Programs at the National Museum of the Great Lakes By Ashley Streichert, Marketing and Communications Manager at the National Museum of the Great Lakes Did you know the National Museum of the Great Lakes (NMGL) is right in your backyard? Covering all fi ve bodies of water across the United States and Canada, the exhibits dive deep into unique stories and history taking place throughout the lakes of Erie, Huron, Ontario, Michigan and Superior. Visitors are invited to explore these tales through more than 500 breathtaking photographs, 250 incredible artifacts, 45 interactive exhibits, and magnifi cent museum ships for a true treasure trove of maritime history that captivates visitors of all ages. The museum not only showcases the most important natural resource in the world — the Great Lakes — but also weaves hundreds of years of history into a compelling narrative. From the fur traders of the 1600s to the sailors on today’s thousand-footers, the tales of the Great Lakes’ social, economic, and political impact come to life in an engaging and interactive environment. Interactive Learning for Young Minds At the heart of the NMGL is a commitment to interactive learning, especially for children. Nearly every exhibit invites kids to play, touch, and feel the maritime history, offering a hands-on approach that makes understanding the Great Lakes experience fun and educational. “Our kid-friendly programming is crucial in engaging young minds with the rich history of the Great Lakes,” said Ellen Kennedy, director of museum operations. “We believe that by creating interactive and enjoyable experiences, we can spark a lifelong interest in maritime history.” To further engage families, the museum offers kid-friendly programming both in-person and online through its Captain Scupper’s Kids Club. Inspired by the tales told in The Adventures of Kitty Smoke, a children’s book illustrated by Alexander Burns Cook, a late museum benefactor, and commissioned by the NMGL, kids get to experience what life is like working on the lakes through educational experiences and play. For the museum’s virtual activities, visit nmgl. org/kid-zone. In this article, we’re diving into the upcoming events for the whole family happening this summer. Sensory Friendly Mornings Understanding the importance of inclusivity, the museum hosts sensory-friendly mornings throughout the year. The next event is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. During this time, families can explore the museum with fewer crowds, dimmed lights, and lowered or no exhibit sounds, providing a more comfortable environment for people with sensory sensitivities. The museum’s commitment to inclusivity is further highlighted by its status as a Certifi ed Autism Center™ (CAC) by Families interested in attending Sensory Friendly Mornings can purchase tickets ahead of time at nmglstore.org or upon arrival. Regular admission rates apply with free admission for NMGL members and Museums for All Participants, which is a national access program for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefi ts). Eligible participants can gain free or reduced admission using their SNAP EBT card. Captain Scupper’s Kids Club Events Captain Scupper’s Tug Life Together with their caregivers, kids ages three to 10 are invited to explore the Museum Tug Ohio, stepping aboard a real-life tugboat built in 1903, during the program Captain Scupper’s Tug Life. The hour-long event takes place at various times on Saturday, July 13, and includes tug-themed activities and story time inspired by The Adventures of Kitty Smoke, a tale about an old Great Lakes tug that gets a second chance with the help of a small boy. “Education is one of our most important values,” said Kate Fineske, NMGL executive director. “We are dedicated to educating future generations about the importance and value of the Great Lakes and the various industry-related careers.” Registration for Tug Life is included with museum-ship admission and free for NMGL members and Museums for All participants. Pre-registration is recommended to save your spot. You can fi nd more information at nmgl.org/events. Captain Scupper’s Crew Life For ages eight to 12, the museum offers Captain Scupper’s Crew Life, presented by The Andersons. Together with their caregivers, the guided tour allows young visitors to experience a day in the life of crew members on a lake freighter aboard the 617-ft Col. James M. Schoonmaker museum ship. Children will learn about the various jobs onboard and the careers necessary to support the Great Lakes shipping industry, both now and in the past. This small group activity combines education and fun, making it ideal for school-aged visitors. Upcoming Crew Life events take place on Saturday, June 8, and Saturday, August 10 at various times. Similar to Tug Life, Crew Life is included with museum-ship admission rates and free for NMGL members and Museums for All participants. At least one parent or guardian must accompany their participating children during both of these events. Register at nmgl.org/events. Page 4 Captain Scupper’s Songfest The museum is thrilled to bring back Captain Scupper’s Songfest, presented by Craig’s Keyboards, for our youngest maritime enthusiasts. Ideal for children up to six years old and their parents or guardians, participants will delight in a morning fi lled with maritime music and movement class taught in partnership with Risa Beth Cohen from Sing into Reading. This 30-minute activity helps build a love of reading through music with a Great Lakes twist. Following the music session, children can enjoy open play in the museum’s Port of Play and explore the exhibit space. Captain Scupper’s Songfest takes place next on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 am. Additional dates include Saturday, July 20, and Saturday, August 17. Registration is $5.00 for NMGL member children and $15.00 for non-member children per class (price includes free museum-only admission for one adult and child). Non-member visitors wishing to explore the museum vessels may do so for an additional cost. Classes are limited to 20 kids and their grownups. Register at nmgl.org/events. Summer Fun for the Whole Family Freighter Golf Challenge If you’re looking for a unique and exciting event that the whole family can enjoy, hop aboard the Schoonmaker for the museum’s Freighter Golf Challenge. From July 12 through July 21, visitors can participate in a hole-in-one contest on custom-built putting greens aboard the 113-year-old historic vessel. A successful hole-in-one earns a special prize and entry into a drawing for a free museum membership. Access to the putting greens is included with museum-ship admission, making this a fun activity for young families, solo visitors, and groups of friends alike. Membership Swap with Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum The museum is also thrilled to partner with the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum for a membership swap during the month of August. NMGL members of all levels can visit the Ann Arbor Museum at no additional cost, providing an opportunity to explore even more hands-on educational experiences. ~ Since its foundation, the NMGL has been dedicated to creating an engaging and educational environment for people of all ages. Through various interactive exhibits, sensory-friendly mornings, and special programs like Captain Scupper’s Kids Club events, the museum ensures that young visitors learn about maritime history and have fun doing it. The museum’s commitment to education and inclusivity helps inspire a lifelong interest in the Great Lakes and the vital role they play in North American history. ׉ 7cassandra://YpqVtbotVlFMkfN0q2iIrweKSeuhle3yqWQ9pHkcGVE&L`f`yme׉E!ZooTeen Program for Students Ages 13-17 The ZOOTeen program offers volunteer opportunities to students ages 13-17 who have a strong interest in education, animal science and conservation. ZOOTeens also must have the ability to complete activities independently, a positive attitude, and willingness to engage in a team environment. The ZOOTeen program strives to work with individuals of all abilities. Please contact our offi ce to discuss reasonable accommodations at 419-385-5721 ext. 2045. Program activities Glass City Metropark Photo Courtesy of Metroparks Toledo Metroparks Toledo Youth Programming There is a Metropark within fi ve miles of every home in Lucas County, including 12 parks with playgrounds. Child and family programs throughout the year get toddlers and teens alike outside for adventures such as kayaking, archery and tree climbing. Programs are free or low cost, and reservations may be required. For a list of parks, a playground guide and a calendar of activities, see MetroparksToledo.com. A new program, Amazing Athletes, June 23 from 9 to 10 a.m. at Swan Creek Preserve, Airport Highway playground, focuses on fi tness, friendship and outdoor exploration in a guided program with time for free-play. The new Glass City Metropark, between Front Street and the Maumee River in East Toledo, has three unique children’s play areas: The 40-foot-tall Grosbeak Tower with slides, climbing, cargo nets and other challenging play components. A Prairie and Pollinator play area suitable for younger children. And the Mini-Maumee water play park. There is also a 1,000-foot-long roller skating trail called The Ribbon. Admission is free. Dressing rooms, lockers, skate rental and a restaurant are located inside Market Hall. Ottawa Park Concert Series Location: Ottawa Park Amphitheater, 2205 Kenwood Blvd. Date: Saturday, June 1 Time: 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Free concerts in the park for all ages. All concerts are from 6-8 p.m. Concert line up June 1 Nicole Khoury Page 5 June 8 The Grape Smugglers June 15 The Good, The Bad, & The Blues June 22 Madison Avenue June 29 Distant Cousinz July 13 Cheek’s July 20 Dezire July 27 Carmen Miller Music August 3 Intuition August 10 Brad Berries Parent/Child Opportunities at the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium Animal Tales Enjoy charming animal stories, songs, games, crafts and animal visits. Classroom time will be followed by a Zoo Adventure. Each month has a theme with three classes. Shake, Rattle and Roll Warm up with us at the Zoo this winter while we dance, sing, and play together. Enjoy stories, songs, games, dances and animal visits with your toddler. Each week we will focus on a different habitat. Stroller Safari Break out the stroller and explore the Zoo with an educator to learn fun animal facts. Wear comfortable shoes: this class visits a different exhibit each date. Stroller Safari at the Zoo Photo Courtesy of Th e Toledo Zoo Host education activity stations covering a variety of animal topics Facilitate and support live animal encounters in the Aquarium and Nature’s Neighborhood Use biofacts (hides, bones, etc) to educate visitors about our animals and exhibits Assist with Summer Camp programs Participate in a variety of off-grounds community service and conservation projects Make enrichment for the animals, provide clerical support and other activities as needed Requirements Successfully complete required trainings, including orientation and hands on sessions Volunteer at least 60 hours before October 31 Of those 60 hours, serve at least 7 hours (post-training) on a Saturday or Sunday between June 1st and August 31st. Attend at least 1 ZOOTeen meeting between May and October Follow Zoo uniform dress code policies Ability to complete activities independently, have a positive attitude, and to engage in a team environment Additional information about year-round program opportunities, including requirements and applications, will be given throughout the season. Program Fee The ZOOTeen program requires an annual fee of $75 to cover expenses of the program, including shirts, training materials, name tag, staffi ng, etc. This fee is payable upon acceptance into the ZOOTeen program, and is not required at the time of application. Scholarships are available. Please contact the Volunteer Department at 419-385-5721 ext. 2045 to be put on a mailing list for next season. Application Process Teens and their parents must attend an Informational Session, typically held in January and February each year. Please contact the Volunteer Department at volunteer@toledozoo.org or 419.385.5721 to be contacted when registration opens for the 2025 season. ׉ 7cassandra://EwNOcw4-NiCNRyUHqjXZHPjNlqsUWG8-u8NZLqj8iiU$`f`yme陁f`yme阁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://kaeckY6OcAmBh2hU6T5NV7-lC9ov-oTBstpXumSfbN4`׉ 7cassandra://sUWzUb2GrtuemKIKdFOzLo2EQcB_s41raXw2x3WtY5g̓`h׉ 7cassandra://R-AqzZBvu6BIvzOpK9cDfkX4IHxb204p97Ge8yGhqQQ$a`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://IXBNY4sDuxYXR5OIgm159GskUpB4yYSLxRVZ2vZ1FB4`׉ 7cassandra://HP343_uxtBGHwFBvkyX2qtEXrVWUJxZ37Q0cajSAKYM}_`h׉ 7cassandra://vlTwXbbrC3Hx4eclKFFjB3-IdAcyBz4dnol-E9NqZD4$Z`f`yme麒נf`ymeÁ -c9ׁHhttp://bbbsnwo.orgׁ ׁ Јנf`yme̹9ׁHmailto:info@partnerstoledo.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉Ea good parent, so she would know what to do when she became a parent herself. I started thinking about all the different components of being a good parent, and that was really when BeLove Parenting began. I began BeLove Parenting to help parents fi nd more joy in parenting, build stronger connections with their child, and give kids what they need to be resilient in the face of challenges and thrive. Interview with Penny Meeker, BeLove Parenting By Ed Conn Penny Meeker is a parent coach, writer, positive youth development specialist, and a parent to three wonderful young adults. For 30+ years, she had the opportunity to work with kids, parents, and organizations. Penny helps parents make intentional parenting decisions to meet the needs of their unique child, create deeper connections with less confl ict and a safer, supportive environment, and increase children’s resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Penny, how did BeLove Parenting come about? As a parent myself, I remember being challenged to know how to handle different situations and behaviors that came up. Because of my profession, working with children and youth, I drew on my training and background to get me through. Even still, sometimes, I felt at a loss to know what to do at times. I often wondered how parents did it, if they have a job that is not related to youth development, who hadn’t been to all the trainings, experiences, and education that I had. When my daughter, Zoe, was around 12 or 13, she asked me what made me How has your own parenting experiences affected how you coach others? For the practical parenting tools and effective strategies and interventions, I draw on research, training, education, and experience. The empathy that I have for what parents are struggling with and how they’re feeling comes from my own experiences as a parent. I may not have been through the exact same challenges as the parent I am coaching, but I can relate to more universal feelings that parents have. Parenting is exhausting, exhilarating, and rewarding and however different the individual challenges for a parent, I can still relate to those feelings. You talk about parent coaching. What is it? As a parent coach, I help parents meet their goals. Parents come into coaching for a variety of reasons. Some parents want support and tools to deal with specifi c struggles such as toddler behaviors, teen attitudes, morning stress, bedtime/sleep issues or setting boundaries without harm. For example, parents may fi nd themselves negotiating with their teenager all day. They’re feeling exhausted, and end up yelling at their child. Neither they nor their child is happy or thriving with that dynamic. In situations where parents desire a different dynamic in their relationship with their child, parent coaching can help develop routines, interventions and other intentional strategies that work for the unique needs of the child and family. Parents also come to coaching when children are dealing with complex issues and diagnoses, I can be part of the team that supports the entire family as parents need tools and support, not just the child. As a coach, I also work with organizations to support their families, speak at parent nights, teach workshops, or have group coaching session on specifi c topics. How are your coaching sessions set up? I meet one on one with a parent, caregiver, or co-parents. Parents and I have an initial meeting where we look at their main concerns. We also talk about their child’s strengths and the wonderful qualities of their child. Finally, I want to know what the parents’ main goals are. I create an individualized plan based on their unique needs and goals. I know parents are busy, so I meet with parents either in-person or online and have a fl exible schedule. Are there any anecdotes of success that you can share with us? Yes, I have a parent that I coached who knew that she didn’t want to raise her child the way that she had been raised, but instead wanted to use positive parenting practices that don’t cause harm.As the child reached the toddler stage, setting boundaries and getting her child to follow directions became diffi cult, and she didn’t have good models to teach her how to handle her child’s challenging behavior and attitude. The parent eventually told me that she felt alone, stressed, and resorted to yelling. Together we designed routines for mornings and bedtimes, and we developed interventions for unwanted behaviors and not following directions that were appropriate and consistent. After the stability and structure were in place, we began working on building more opportunities for positive feedback and connection. The difference has been amazing – she reports being able to stay calm, have smoother mornings and bedtimes, more confi dence, and feel respected as a parent. Her child is having fewer meltdowns and is much happier and cooperative in general. What are some of your concepts for setting children up for success? When talking about setting children up for success, I use the term resilience. My work with children has been in prevention – preventing kids from risky behaviors such as using drugs, violence, teen pregnancy, and bullying. The early focus was on the kids who weren’t doing well, who were engaging in risky behaviors. We called them “at-risk.” Page 6 Then as a profession, we realized that certain kids were thriving, and starting to fi gure out what factors made kids more resilient and set them up for success. These factors include: having a positive sense of themselves and their values; feeling cared for at home, school and in the community; having family members and other adults that they can turn to; being involved and engaged at school and in their community. The more of these resilience factors, the more likely a child is to do well academically, socially and emotionally - and the less likely children are to put themselves at risk. Social Media and phones: where do you stand and how do you help families navigate in these murky waters? When I talk to kids, parents, and counselors about social media, they all agree on three things. • First, wait until kids are older to give them a phone. Phones open up so much that elementary and even middle school kids have trouble understanding and navigating. • Second, supervise their phone, social media and screen time. Kids can get in over their heads with friend issues on social media, catfi shing, and seeing things online that they aren’t old enough to make sense of. Have frequent open conversations around cyberbullying, adults posing as kids online, pornography or other things they might be exposed to, so they are learning with you as their guide. • Third, teens may complain, but they want parents to place limits on their phone and social media use. Make sure they don’t have their phones or tablets in their bedroom before bed and while they should be sleeping, so they get a full night’s sleep and aren’t “on” 24/7. Bullying is a topic that we see in the news regularly, sometimes with tragic outcomes. How do you address this? Talk about bullying frequently with your child and teenag er. Help them understand that bullying has many forms such as name-calling, exclusion, spreading rumors, physical intimidation. Keep communication open with your child, so they can let you know if they experience any issues. Get to know your child’s friends and other parents. Let your school know if you have any concerns. On the other side, it’s important to teach children how to resolve confl ict and to share your value of being kind. I like the acronym THINK – Is it? True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind – for online and in person communication. Kids are going to make mistakes, and parents can help teach kids how to do better as they learn to navigate social relationships. ׉ 7cassandra://R-AqzZBvu6BIvzOpK9cDfkX4IHxb204p97Ge8yGhqQQ$a`f`yme׉EPartners in Education Call for Volunteers Founded by the Toledo Rotary in 1994, Partners in Education (PIE) has a long history of service in the Toledo community. This school year, PIE has supported literacy and college and career readiness education for over 1,000 area K-12 students in 16 schools. PIE also engaged with over 130 community volunteers, training and providing them with opportunities to serve their community. This part is perhaps the most important because it means that Toledoans are showing up for this important cause. Because of the immense challenges students today face, PIE really needs the help of community volunteers. PIE’s programs are run by paid staff but are stronger with a good volunteer base. Volunteers can have powerful impacts on students’ social-emotional health, as working with their mentor helps them feel that their community truly cares about their success. When a student works with a literacy mentor or meets a local professional who is doing a job they admire, they feel more confi dent in their abilities and optimistic about their futures. “I like coming to MiTS because it helps me feel smarter.... Like I can spell Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!” said a student involved in Mentors in Toledo Schools (MiTS). A College and Career Ready, Set, Go (CCRSG) student shared a similar excitement. “I used to want to be a fi refi ghter because of the station across the street. But now I think I want to be a fi nancial analyst because I learned about that job last time,” the student said. Volunteers can see the difference they are making as well. “PIE truly helps students because they get more adults in the classroom. Many organizations provide supplies but PIE has adults forming relationships with students to help them succeed,” the volunteer said. Research shows that volunteerism correlates with better health outcomes, like lower blood pressure and better mental health. One volunteer in the MiTS program consistently calls the work “fuel for the soul.” “Volunteering allows me to connect to my community and make it a better place,” said a CCRSG volunteer. We have to work together as Toledoans to make this work – and be part of something bigger. Take pride in our city, in our town and come together to build our own future. PIE’s programming addresses important community needs but we rely on volunteers to extend the reach of our programs. We need your help to provide the 1:1 mentoring our students need to grow. We also need volunteers as career speakers and mentors for students in our college and career readiness program. Anyone interested in joining our PIE team can contact us at info@partnerstoledo.org. Our next volunteer recruitment class will be in August 2024 for the 20 24-25 school year. Big Brothers and Big Sisters By Ben Stalets I started volunteering with Big Brothers Big Sisters Northwest Ohio (BBBS) about a year ago, after attending a Leadership Toledo program. On the fi nal programming day, Leadership Toledo urged us to volunteer with one of several nonprofi ts. I noticed that the BBBS booth wasn’t getting as much attention. Perhaps it seemed too much of a commitment for a busy professional - that was my dead reckon. I would’ve fi gured the same but they told me they only expected a commitment of a couple days, a couple hours each month. I signed up even though I didn’t know much about the program before that. After several months of background checks and interviews, I fi nally met my “little” - a 12-year -old boy who’s taller and stronger than me. As I got to know him better, I found out that it was no accident that his Nana, Paula Chadwick, signed him up for the program. She’d been a part of BBBS when she was a child and she wanted her grandchildren to have the same positive experiences. I asked Paula about it and she had this to say. “I was pretty young, maybe 10, when I found out about BBBS. My mother signed my sister and I up for it. They did a lot for me – I actually loved it! We did a lot of very fun things together –went to her house, went exploring – all kinds of things. She also formed a very unique relationship with me, where I was able to talk about important stuff that I didn’t want to talk to my parents about. “These days I have my grandchildren in the program. I like it for them because they can do a little more for the kids that we might not necessarily have the time for. They can get the kids out of the house if we aren’t able to. It gives them someone to talk to that they wouldn’t have otherwise.” I’ve really enjoyed my time with the program so far. Of course it’s charitable, but I also feel like I’m doing some inner-child work on myself, as well. Saying words and expressing sentiments that I would’ve like to hear as a kid. I’m also learning quite a bit from my little. We’ve played basketball, gone trick-ortreating, and went to see a musical. The list goes on and I’m excited for whatever we do next. I didn’t realize what a positive impact it could be to just consistently show up for someone. You don’t need to be rich, or have some deep wisdom, or to be funny or entertaining. Showing up and being authentic is a unique relationship that we all need in our lives, regardless of age. Only you know if you’re in a position to be a Big Brother or Big Sister, but I’ll say it’s a really fulfi lling way to spend some of your free time. If you’re interested, go to https://www. bbbsnwo.org Page 7 ׉ 7cassandra://vlTwXbbrC3Hx4eclKFFjB3-IdAcyBz4dnol-E9NqZD4$Z`f`yme雁f`yme隁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://CIq0mZ1tOIjbVWPSJu2dJu-jV_d2Vm6V6E8V9IGdNoE`׉ 7cassandra://kkniMTN3rG0h8elrexnm67G7vge-pIYm1uTAmsWqzlMk`h׉ 7cassandra://_e2dmNHGsBeu_64T0_E5DTD9cW2ptqZMbzuXzUJr_9w%6`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://naw-t_XNcsYjKyEWNOfl05SfAFwUlAxVar-pNvzD124_`׉ 7cassandra://4cq-OJ1L-R9fkwOUBf6rFda3Xga5UL6M5DP0K4KwUtU͓`h׉ 7cassandra://ZyxS4r_IOpSaTcGZ6R-oppojgtnuysR3a_HjjA0L9oM-%`f`ymeנf`ymeȁ D9ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Јנf`ymeǁρj9ׁHhttp://brary.org/food.ׁ ׁ Јנf`ymeƁ̵9ׁHhttp://toledolibrary.org/summerׁ ׁ Ј׉E=Legal Services Corporation (LSC) were founded to tackle the many noncriminal legal issues that keep Americans in poverty. LAWO was formed out of numerous LSCfunded organizations that existed in the western part of our state. Today, LAWO is still largely funded by LSC and, along with ABLE, which is largely funded by the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation, serves people through 32 counties in western Ohio, as well as agricultural workers throughout the state. Both fi rms also receive funding from individual donors, community, state and nationally funded grant opportunities. Interview with Makiedah Messam, Executive Director of Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. Makiedah Messam was recently appointed as Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.’s (ABLE) executive director after the ABLE board of trustees conducted a nationwide wearch to fi nd the the appropriate candidate to lead the 55-yearold legal services nonprofi t. Ben Stalets interviewed Makiedah for Toledo Streets during her fi rst visit to Toledo as the new executive director and spoke to her about her life experiences and vision for the organization’s future. I read that you’re from Jamaica, how did you end up in Ohio? My family immigrated from Jamaica when I was a child, and we moved to Cleveland, where I went to junior high and high school. I eventually went to law school in Cincinnati. I used to tell everyone I’m from Jamaica, but really, I’m an Ohioan. When I went back to work in Jamaica, I found out I’m really just an Ohioan at heart! What were you doing before this? How did you wind up in this fi eld? I’ve always been in this fi eld, largely because of my parents. When I was six, I decided I was meant to help people on a bus trip to my mother’s hometown in the interior of the island to visit her family in the country. It was my fi rst time leaving Montego Bay, where I was born. There were all kinds of farmers and higglers with us on this bus. My mother gave me the window seat so I could look out. What I noticed is there were a lot of dying coconut trees. It was depressing. Coconuts are a big part of the economy in Jamaica. The Jamaican people know how to use all the parts of the coconut—bark, oil, juices, etc. To see them dying meant something to the people that were living in that area. I asked my mother why the coconut trees were dying, and she said, “yellow disease.” At that moment, I knew I was going to fi nd the cure for yellow disease. When I was growing up, my father wanted all his children to be engineers. I went to undergrad for physics, and it kicked my butt. During my junior year of undergrad, I had to break it to my father that I didn’t want to be an engineer. It was a hard conversation for a 19-year-old to have. I told him I wanted to create public policy to make people’s lives better, instead. So, I went to law school. I have transitioned many times throughout my career. During my fi rst clerkship in law school, I went to Botswana in Africa to work on women’s issues, primarily equality and domestic violence. By the time I fi nished law school, I was voted “Most Likely to Break the Chains of Oppression.” Prior to joining ABLE, I spent many years working on social justice issues such as human rights and police brutality. I went back to my birth country of Jamaica to work as a director with the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM). Most recently, I worked for the Citizen Complaint Authority in Cincinnati. I never cured yellow disease. And I’m not an engineer or physicist. But service is my calling. This is my life. What are ABLE and LAWO? What’s the mission statement and what’s the difference between the two? What we do is make people’s lives better. ABLE and Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. (LAWO) are two separate organizations with one mission: to improve the lives of people living in poverty by providing them with free, quality legal services in civil matters. Our differences lie in our funding partners and key areas of focus. While both fi rms provide free legal services to people living below the poverty level, in addition to representing individuals, ABLE handles class action lawsuits and works on policies and legal research that impact systemic change in our communities. LAWO represents individual clients in court with their specifi c civil legal issues. Examples include eviction defense, help in obtaining a civil protection order, representation in a consumer fraud case, or assistance in applying for benefi ts. ABLE was founded in 1969, during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and his declaration that “we need to support people in poverty.” Through this initiative, organizations like ABLE and the Page 8 In addition to improving on our community members’ lives, we also help clarify the law and legal speak that can be confusing to people who haven’t gone to law school. The Constitution is great if you have access to its promise. It’s mumbo jumbo if you don’t know the language, though. Our attorneys and advocates work with everyone so they have a clear understanding of their legal rights and decisions. ABLE and LAWO exist to give you access to this form of justice. To give you the words and access to the promise. Both organizations do it in different ways, but with a shared mission. How can people contribute to the organization? What’s the biggest hurdle? Our biggest hurdle is funding. Like most nonprofi t organizations, the need for our services is greater than the resources available. We are grateful to our funders and donors, but if you’re in a position to give, we could always use your help. Each year, ABLE and LAWO champion regional campaigns within our legal communities. In Toledo, we have the Justice for All Campaign in conjunction with the Toledo Bar Association. We also host a joint fundraiser dinner and ceremony, the annual Access to Justice Awards in northwest Ohio. This year’s event is set for Thursday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m. at The Pinnacle in Maumee. We’re bringing a nationally known education rights activist named Erin Gruwell, who is the founder of the Freedom Writers. Additionally, we will celebrate three extraordinary local champions of justice who have worked in law or other advocacy initiatives to improve the lives of people living in poverty throughout northwest Ohio. We have a similar fundraising campaign and events in the greater Dayton region as well. ABLE and LAWO also accept individual donations to support programs and legal services in whatever capacity the donor designates. While our services are free to those who qualify, our lawyers are not pro bono, meaning they do get paid for their legal work. Donations and grants pay for this work. To quote Nelson Mandela: ““We don’t do charity, what we do is justice.” For us to assist more people we need more funding. If you want to donate to us, please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/support-ourwork/. ׉ 7cassandra://_e2dmNHGsBeu_64T0_E5DTD9cW2ptqZMbzuXzUJr_9w%6`f`yme׉EeThe Place for Everybody (Including Children) is the Library by Franco Vitella . 100 Years of Summer Read 100 years ago, way back in 1924, Toledoans embarked on a bold journey to read during the summer – and win fabulous prizes just for doing so! This year, Toledo Lucas County Public Library celebrates one whole century of Summer Read with concerts, events, and of course, reading! To participate in Summer Read, just visit toledolibrary.org/summer or stop by any Library location to register. After that, you just have to read at least once a day for 30 days between June 1 – August 3. Kids, teens, and adults alike are eligible to participate! Connecting Kids to Meals Children who might be food insecure can visit the Library throughout the summer months to grab a lunch, without income restrictions or registration requirements, thanks to our friends at Connecting Kids to Meals. Lunches are distributed at select Library locations. For more information, visit toledolibrary.org/food. Something for the Adults If you’re an adult caregiver for a child, you deserve a break too! It’s good to take some downtime away from the kids to recharge. If this sounds like something you need, try this tailor-made Library book club just for you… Books on Tap Talk books, socialize, and relax with a cold one at Maumee Bay Brewing Company this summer! Visit toledolibrary. org/bookclubs for more details, or visit one of our meetings: Wednesday, June 12, 7:308:30 p.m. – Chain-Gang AllStars by Nana Kwame Adjei Brenyah Wednesday, July 17, 7:308:30 p.m. – Banyan Moon by Thao Thai Wednesday, August 21, 7:308:30 p.m. – All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby ComicAunts: the new wave of women in comics and illustration Eleven young female illustrators and comic authors from Serbia have formed a collective called Stripotetke (ComicAunts). Their fi rst project, “At Home”, is centered around the feminist issue of unpaid housework, and the second, “Breaking the Silence”, is inspired by the stories of intersex people. By Dejan Kožul The comics collected under the title “At Home” attracted different perspectives on working from home – where does professional work stop and everything else start? If I work hard, am I a good mother or the opposite? These are dilemmas that every mother faces, regardless of their profession, says Danica Jevdjović, a member of female illustration collective ComicAunts. “The [initial] target group of the project was young women speaking about their lives during lockdown.” It asked them to probe “what life was – living on one’s own, or maybe with the family; how they spent their time… A part of the project was a comic I was working on. Every one of us has a story to tell, and that, I think, is demonstrated in the anthology,” says Jevdjović of contributing to “At Home”. Also included in the anthology is Ana Petrović, author of the globally acclaimed book Comicotherapy, which used the short comic form to examine the experience of psychotherapy. Whereas other authors explored how their experiences changed during lockdown, Ana, who has long worked from home, witnessed everyone start to live as she does: “You can wear leggings; you don’t think of your new hairdo.” But, she adds, there is a more challenging side to being alone. “At therapy sessions, I was talking about feelings of isolation. The thing that helped me was the radio, because by listening to radio shows I got a feeling of belonging to a community,” she says. Each of the authors faced challenges. Delineating work time while at home was not an easy task for those with parenting responsibilities, member Jana says. “The attempt to work and raise a child was intense and contradictory, because you feel work pressure on one hand, to be at the scene as if you don’t have a child, and on the other hand, you have to raise a child as if you do not work. That was breaking me. Then I came up with the idea to depict a situation where Jana the mum confronts Jana the artist.” Post-lockdowns, ComicAunts have continued their work. Their new edition, “Breaking the Silence”, shares intersex people’s stories. It features Kristian Randjelović, the fi rst intersex activist in Serbia and the president of Association XY Spectrum, as well as professional comic writer and medical practitioner Pavle Zelić. “The comic was created with the idea of explaining the experiences of intersex persons to the younger population,” Randjelović says. “It was important to me to connect the stories we told with situations that all the participants can relate to.” Translated from Serbian by Katya Ven-vujetic Courtesy of Liceulice / INSP.ngo Page 9 ׉ 7cassandra://ZyxS4r_IOpSaTcGZ6R-oppojgtnuysR3a_HjjA0L9oM-%`f`yme靁f`yme霁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://IWDbFw8DzYG_IJkI2uHkdK1ksYFc0kWFYhdnBlbiNDcW``׉ 7cassandra://gDEGwqGjFtuhjPmL9zdUdIwY0_wWj6nLWRtITVNFlV8w`h׉ 7cassandra://lc5E9KauF8Q6OwFVYcNA-kGCrwAQLrHXJWp7x1qOwqw"=`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://FxMqG8sVjg72RA49uDnUXAJTxskGuLf-_ih0cQW4mZ0 t`׉ 7cassandra://jxyYFCEIpxfjShKXki0AtlX8chs0o2OVGQWgFMoj8Hw~@`h׉ 7cassandra://eL72u_69F_GjZJWruos41dGiJXdgGlj-ZF-nrhfIg5I(`f`ymeɑנf`yme΁HN!9ׁHhttp://hope.wernertcenter.orgׁ ׁ Ј׉Efactors that contributes to children coming back into foster care after being reunited with their parents. Kinship Care: Lacking Support and Information The level of supports, information, and guidance for kinship care providers is essentially non-existent. As kinship care providers, we were not given any training or fi nancial support and very little was communicated to us. In addition, kin are not always provided with all the information they need to make thoughtful decisions. For example, when family members are fi rst approached regarding children in foster care, they aren’t always informed whether the children are already placed in prospective adoptive homes. These children might have been in these homes for a year or more, forming secure attachments, and it could be highly traumatic for them to be moved elsewhere. Foster Families: Inadequate Training and Communication Challenges Unveiling Complexities: Exposing Challenges and Opportunities within the Child Welfare System Name Withheld by Request The child welfare system is complicated. The system removes children from harmful and potentially lethal situations and strives to ensure familial connections. It also has a long history of infl icting trauma, and creating harm in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. Just as complex as the system are the people involved with it. There are those who work for what is in the best interest of children, families and the community and fi ght for equity, connection, health, and wholeness. There are also those who embody problematic stereotypes and aren’t concerned about the well-being of the children, families, and the community. There are a lot of inspirational stories and powerful, even life-changing, experiences people have with the system that are a very important part of a comprehensive understanding of the system and all its nuance. As a former foster parent and kindship care provider as well as an adoptive mom, I feel compelled to speak about Page 10 a less encouraging, but still critically important part of the system: the ways I experienced the system fail. It is not until the problems of a system are brought to light that we can begin to fi x them. In my experience, this is a taste of some of the failures of the child welfare system. Families: Navigating a Bureaucratic System Interacting with the child welfare system is diffi cult and can easily be overwhelming for families between meetings, requirements, and expectations. All these additional activities and obligations can mean leaving work, securing transportation, fi nding childcare, or possibly even missing out on some of the services required by the system itself. Families are also not always provided with the support they need to effectively care for their children. Instead of being approached and treated like people who need help, parents may be viewed with little compassion. Yes, many of the parents with children involved in the child welfare system have made bad, often harmful decisions that impacted their children. They also love their children. While case plans are intended to provide support, too often, they are viewed as a checklist of general mandates. This lack of on-going and individualized support is one of the Through insuffi cient training and supports, foster families are not set up by the system to effectively provide the level of care often required. In addition, communication is one of the biggest challenges as a foster parent. Depending on the caseworker (and their supervisor) many foster parents aren’t given the basic information needed to effectively navigate systems and ensure the children in their care have essential supports. When it comes to the sharing of information, there are legitimate (and legal) reasons to limit the amount of information that is shared. At the same time, there is a lot of information that can be shared, which isn’t shared or is incorrectly shared. In some cases, foster parents know the children best. Yet, they are not viewed or brought into conversations as the experts they are. As foster parents, when we were brought in for a meeting to discuss a potential change to a case, it was clear the decision had already been made. Furthermore, when we questioned this decision, which was clearly not in the best interest of the child, we did not experience a willingness to engage in dialogue. Our experience was hostility, an unwillingness to listen and a doubling down on their original stance. Overburdened Caseworkers Caseworkers are overworked, under resourced and not supported in the ways they need to do their jobs effectively and compassionately. The number of cases assigned as well as the lack of consistent training, emotional support and compensation are not conducive to healthy, compassionate, thoughtful, and engaged employees. Caseworkers see and experience abuse and deplorable situations. They need space, time, and guidance to process the realities of their job. Challenges Faced by CASA Volunteers Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers or Guardians at Litem (GAL) are children’s voices in court. Their role is to engage in an independent investigation of the situation, make recommendations to the court and advocate for what is in the children’s best interest. As foster parents, we had a great experience working with the CASA/GALs. They were supportive, helpful and we are eternally grateful for their dedication and advocacy for the children in our care. However, the system doesn’t always engage and keep CASA/GALs as informed as it could, which makes their role very diffi cult. Community Impact The children and families impacted by the child welfare system are integral members of the communities in which they live. Volunteers, caseworkers, and other community members engaging with the system also experience deleterious impacts. Under developing and traumatizing people is problematic to the entire community for a myriad of reasons. Children at the Center The list of the ways children may be, have been, or are being failed by the system can’t comprehensively be captured in an article. Children are failed when decisions are made that are clearly not in their best interest. They are failed when they are placed or remain in unsafe situations. Children are failed when they are removed from the only community, they know to live with people who are complete strangers both to them and their family. Children are failed when they transition between placements and their toys, pictures, and other signifi cant items are not moved with them. They are failed when critical information about their biological family is not shared with them. Children are failed when their caregivers are not given, or don’t seek out, the support they need to properly care for them. They are failed when the supports and services they need are not available to them. Children are failed when they are kept from their biological siblings because they are no longer legally considered siblings (due to adoption). They are failed when they are adopted and returned to the system. Children are failed when they age-out of the system and don’t have the support, connections, and skills they need to fl ourish. Children are failed when cycles of trauma, abuse and involvement with the system are not broken. ׉ 7cassandra://lc5E9KauF8Q6OwFVYcNA-kGCrwAQLrHXJWp7x1qOwqw"=`f`yme׉EOpportunities to Create Change That’s a lot of failure. While I have never encountered a fl awless system, the failings of the child welfare system feel especially heavy, given they impact so many and some of the most vulnerable among us. It’s critical to recognize these shortcomings to make improvements and adjustments. Just as the system has ample opportunities to cause harm, it’s also full of potential to improve. Investing more in the staff of Children’s Services is imperative. This encompasses providing better supports and resources for caseworkers and their supervisors. They play a crucial role in shaping the trajectory of cases and ensuring the sustainability of the entire system. It’s essential to ensure caseworkers receive necessary training, processes, protocols, and practices are clearly documented, and effective communication is facilitated within and across departments. Providing families with more individualized support, access to resources and guidance. Instead of viewing parents with children involved in the system as simply bad people, let’s cultivate understanding and see them for who they really are. Often, they are individuals who don’t have the resources and support they need to be the parents they want to be. Increased respect and consideration for the expertise and humanity of foster parents is essential. Effective, consistent communication in a collaborative and caring manner is integral to addressing the current foster home shortage and ensuring long-term sustainability. Providing more support, guidance, and resources to kinship caregivers is crucial. They often step in to provide care for children in their extended family and supporting them adequately is vital for the well-being of both the caregivers and the children. Improved collaboration with CASAs is important for the holistic support of children in the system. Working together can ensure that the needs and best interests of the children are prioritized and met. Having compassion for everyone involved in the system is paramount. Acknowledging the challenges and complexities of the system and honoring the humanity of everyone involved can help create a more supportive and understanding environment. Developing and refi ning legislation focused on prioritizing the well-being of children. This includes nurturing their attachment needs, ensuring access to necessary services and support, and fostering connections with their biological family when it’s safe. Once the legislation is in place, it’s crucial to integrate it into the system with careful consideration, attention to detail, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This integration involves aligning policies and practices with the intentions and objectives of the law, ensuring its effective implementation. Finally, for those with the time, energy, and interest, get involved. Our community needs individuals who can engage with the system from a position of compassion and understanding. Whether it’s foster parent, kinship care provider or volunteering with local organizations (like Lucas County CASA) supporting children and families, there are numerous ways to make a meaningful difference. A simple online search or a call to 2-1-1 can provide information about organizations working to educate, strengthen, and empower individuals and families. The reform and change I am calling for here will not be easy or quick. Shifting long-standing and intricate systems is tough, probably one of the hardest things to do. But I truly believe we can make strides toward a child welfare system that’s more in tune with what families, kids, and our community deserves. Let’s co-create a system where compassion, respect, dignity, and trauma responsiveness are more than words on paper, but entrenched in everything we do, from policy to action to law. There is HOPE in recovery! One in five adults in the U.S. LIVE with mental illness. Those in Lucas County receiving mental health services are learning every day how to LIVE productive and meaningful lives while taking care of their mental health. PAUL Connect with us and learn more about the resources available to LIVE with mental illness: Visit hope.wernertcenter.org Page 11 ׉ 7cassandra://eL72u_69F_GjZJWruos41dGiJXdgGlj-ZF-nrhfIg5I(`f`yme韁f`yme鞁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://-qYB2ImhmfOPKIvUopl2w4dWnSVpyBrsnJc4BxdLwfI`׉ 7cassandra://tVNdVs28MhZ-DJMRGXsE6XU04CxeDHm2QsIJGhL5ay0g`h׉ 7cassandra://Un1Dr5MiCxZDbzVXQ5ObeTUpr8ITE8IXrGhP8pnFk8s!`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://URvRgeawciit6G6Jbqz_rQt5G5NrwkJ2kqI2zE1ukR0M`׉ 7cassandra://t4Nwm3Yn9sUPFCAnrK5GBWxyrJzWxzfKkPUo4VsdfIÈ`h׉ 7cassandra://x9DM0RFYISPlEAbwB511Qhbn_Fe54ACb4cfe0BmumKw#`f`yme׉EPage 12 ׉ 7cassandra://Un1Dr5MiCxZDbzVXQ5ObeTUpr8ITE8IXrGhP8pnFk8s!`f`yme׉E#warmed my heart to see that my artwork could be a part of their day, a part of their community too. Young Artists At Work by: Ari Collins Not many adults can give their teenage self credit for good judgment. I, however, will forever be grateful to my 16-year-old self for the internet deepdive that turned into my best decision ever. I was scrolling through the internet, looking for events in Toledo to photograph, when my eye caught an advertisement for the Young Artists at Work (YAAW) program organized by the Arts Commission of Toledo. I knew instantly, when I curiously hovered my mouse over the small icon, that I wanted to apply for the job. Even as a shy kid, isolated by the pandemic and a rough year in high school, something forced me to branch out and send in my application. After an online interview and a month of waiting, I fi nally got that call and I surrendered my summer immediately. To start, I had no car or driver’s license, no idea what I had signed up for, and no friends or acquaintances in sight. By the end of the six-week program, almost everything about me had changed. My fi rst YAAW summer was spent learning, creating and connecting. I was assigned to the Dorr Street signal box group. This group’s goal was to create numerous paintings and drawings to be placed in the Junction neighborhood. During the six weeks, I spent a lot of time getting to know my teammates as we researched the rich history of Dorr Street, met with members of the community and designed numerous artworks that told their story. After my project was installed, I gave it a hug. I created the painting with so much love. And the love is still there, not just from me. Just a few weeks ago, nearly two years after I created it, I drove by my signal box. A group of three small children was sitting right around and on top of it, playing and riding bikes. The painting was a part of my every day for those six weeks. It The program name being Young Artists at Work is quite an understatement, in my humble opinion. While apprentices do create art at work, learning new artistic skills and techniques along the way, YAAW is not just about art — that’s just skimming the surface. I have gained so much more than just new ways to move my paintbrush or blend colors. Throughout the program, there are large-group lessons, guest speakers and mentor opportunities for the apprentices. I have gained countless skills that have benefi ted my mindset and my life in general. Although I am grateful for every single thing that YAAW has taught me, I think the most meaningful skill that I have gained is leadership. My second year in YAAW, I was given the role of a senior apprentice. In this role, I was an older, experienced mentor and role model for my fellow apprentices. I was given the opportunity to teach a workshop to my team, give a public speech and presentation to the community, and build deeper connections with the apprentices. On the fi nal day of my second YAAW summer, many of the apprentices on my team ran to give me hugs before I drove away. I loved my experience of being a leader, but I could never be sure if I had done enough — the hugs and tears at the end of the summer revealed it to me exactly. Being a young artist at work the past two years has made me fall in love with being a leader. It has made me become a more active member in the community while giving me a specifi c purpose. The program has taught me life skills that I use every single day. It has helped me make more friends and connections than I have ever had and it provides resources, opportunities and spreads genuine joy to the city of Toledo. YAAW is an amazing opportunity for any person of age to join. It is not just a job for teens. It provides a service to Toledo youth by giving them a chance to serve their community and themselves. Inside the System: Perspectives from a Mother and Daughter By Angela Jennings To get a long-term perspective on the experience of fostering and adopting, Angela Jennings spoke with a mother and one of her adopted daughters - who is now an adult. Tell me about your background with the foster care system/children services. Mother: We fostered two little girls who were in the system, then adopted them. How can parents familiarize themselves with the needs of children in the foster care system? Mother: Education is very important. In order to become foster/adoptive parents, you have to go through so many hours of training. Daughter: I think trying to learn from other foster parents or parents who have adopted already would be a great way to learn. Each kid has had different experiences, and they need different things. You can learn from the kid you’re adopting/fostering, but you have to actually be willing to pay attention and try to understand the kid. Every kid has trauma regardless of if they’ve been through the system. It’s just important to know how that might affect them. How can parents advocate for their foster/adoptive children in the education system? Mother: A lot of the children in the system are on an IEP (individualized educational program), so that’s a huge help. You have to be a team with the teachers. If the teachers are not on board, then all hell breaks loose. Daughter: Parents have to be willing to speak up. If something is wrong, say something. If something the system is doing is hurting the kid, they need to be willing to teach the kid that whatever is hurting them is wrong, so the kid understands. Also, parents need to be able to say whatever is harming the kid is wrong, in order to stick up for their child as well. How can parents prepare their biological children for the arrival of a new foster/adoptive sibling?” Mother: Lots of talks and lots of books. Let your biological children be a part of the process. When we picked my daughter’s name, my biological son helped. Regardless, nothing you do will fully prepare you or your biological children. What are the key qualities of a good foster or adoptive parent? Mother: A family who is on the same page. If not, the environment is not conducive to the child, and may worsen an already unstable situation. Faith has also helped us tremendously. What are some ways to create a sense of belonging and trust for adoptive/foster kids? Mother: You just can’t give up even when it’s hard, because it will be very hard. At the beginning, these kids don’t love you, and in some cases, they don’t even like you. You might even seem like the bad guy to them. Don’t give up. Love them always. Don’t treat them differently than you treat your biological children, as they are also your children. So many people can’t handle the hard times, and these children get bounced from one home to another, and that causes so many more issues for the kids. What are some considerations for foster/adoptive families, such as methods of support? Mother: If you need help, I’m sure it’s available, but good luck fi nding it. Daughter: Good luck fi nding help. It’s extremely hard. As soon as the kid is adopted, you’re basically on your own. The most common ways to fi nd support are through other people that share the same or similar experiences to yours. Any other thoughts? Mother: This was the best decision we ever made. It was a hard path. We cried a lot. We were scared we made a horrible choice during the hard times. Taking in a baby with drug withdrawal and a toddler with severe behavioral issues took us from having one kid, to three in less than two days. Now we are bonded and we are truly a family. The words “biological” and “adopted” mean nothing, and they are just my babies, my pride and joy, and my best friends. It was tough at the beginning, with earning the love and trust they have bestowed upon me. I’m just so blessed to have them in my life. Everyone says the adopted kids were blessed to have us, but in reality, it’s the other way around. It simply goes both ways. Page 13 ׉ 7cassandra://x9DM0RFYISPlEAbwB511Qhbn_Fe54ACb4cfe0BmumKw#`f`yme顁f`yme頁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://FKO8ptp6cvmHrGSyudam20E9gW-sFHylFMsnKfIiR3Q5>`׉ 7cassandra://e9v-ECAvOwirRIM0M2Kd7tAlDk1_WEUU8ujn4MohyuIͅ`h׉ 7cassandra://77wb-nOFkpFKJJm4NYmWHMD54S8TOJv4c5eqpYXlxvI$P`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://AwKLlrtml5SNtoPoW4nCVMLjv7qfORcFTgSmXMQG2IUD_`׉ 7cassandra://7o84xnDg1Exjjd6ee1sJZBD3zIFbAg1jvxisleF9KvA|`h׉ 7cassandra://eX2Xv9AwFOSysQ-41gf8Sry-xyI6jp_cVbwgenlDzFY#``f`ymeВנf`ymeց +dD9ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Јנf`ymeӁkF9ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Ј׉E!Photo courtesy of Big Issue Australia “Quinni is everything I wanted to be at 16,” says Hayden, “and, honestly, everything I want to be as a 26-year-old, too. She is so intelligent, creative and sure of herself.” Like her Hartley High classmates, Quinni navigates the turbulent waters of friendship, dating and sex, to mixed results. “She has those Who am I? moments, but getting to experience that through her eyes is really important. We see a multifaceted autistic girl,” says Hayden, one of the fi rst (known) autistic actors to play an autistic character on screen. And while Hayden and Quinni are, in some ways, Heartbreak High star Chloé Hayden on autism and stardom The fan-favorite star of the wildly successful Heartbreak High reboot, Chloé Hayden, talks autistic joy, public scrutiny and the power of saying no. By Aimee Knight, The Big Issue Australia My emotions are like zero to 100,” says Chloé Hayden. “When I experience sadness or disappointment, it’s as if I could never and will never experience any other emotion.” The sensation is so all-encompassing, the actor says, that it becomes physically painful, which is not unusual for neurodivergent folks. And the fl ipside is equally intense. “When I feel happy, nothing else matters. It takes over my entire mind, body and soul. I think autistic joy is such a beautiful thing to experience,” she says, “and also to be able to witness.” In her fl oral dungarees, her hair dotted with fl owers to match, Hayden is a picture of Gen Z femininity – fun, funny and wholesome, but never to be underestimated. On social media, her online activism has attracted more than a million followers (her bio reads, “Crocodile Dundee but autistic+ADHD”). But she’s best known for her breakout role as Quinni in Netfl ix’s Heartbreak High – the little Aussie series that racked up over 40 million minutes streamed, and garnered global attention, in its fi rst few weeks on the platform. Page 14 quite similar, there’s one crucial difference between the two: Hayden didn’t go to high school. In her memoir Different, Not Less: A Neurodivergent’s Guide to Embracing Your True Self and Finding Your Happily Ever After (2022), Hayden describes the systemic fl aws built into the traditional education system, along with the chronic bullying she faced – from peers and teachers alike – when she didn’t perform as desired. After discovering she was autistic at age 13, Hayden left mainstream schooling midway through Year 8, fi nishing her secondary education at home. So when it came to the prospect of starring in a high school-set series – one shot on location at a real school in Sydney, during operating hours, with actual students milling around – did Hayden feel any trepidation? “Not initially,” she says. “I wasn’t aware of how much school trauma I still had pent up.” On the very fi rst shoot day, Hayden arrived at 7am, backpack on. “The sky was that orange colour it is when you’re getting to school. I heard the bell ring and I was immediately transported back. I was like, Oh, this is unsafe,” she recalls with a nervous laugh. “But then I got to set and into the make-up truck, and did very not school things, and I was like, Okay, this is safe. I think it actually healed a lot of trauma that I had.” When Heartbreak High hit screens in late 2022, the Zoomer reboot of the 90s touchstone was lauded for its realistic “Quinni in season one was… safe,” she says. “We see her meltdowns and personal struggles, but [she’s] a fairly sweet, unproblematic character. We see a few more sides of Quinni in season two, which I think some people are going to be surprised at.” Hayden wonders whether audiences will feel discomfort watching an autistic 16-yearold pushing the same boundaries as her neurotypical peers. Really, it’s a treat to see Quinni using her autistic gifts (hyperfocus, pattern recognition) for espionage, not to mention her choice to “unmask” – meaning, to reveal her full, true, autistic self, who’d rather go look for geckos than pretend to be invested in someone else’s half-baked drama. Given Quinni’s relatability on screen, how much is Hayden involved in shaping the character on the page? “As soon as I got the job, I had a meeting with the directors and the creator and the writers,” she explains. “I was able to tell them exactly what they were doing right and wrong, and I knew I wasn’t going to get fi red. We had some amazing autistic consultants for both seasons as well, which defi nitely helps.” For any actor, working on set can be a slog. For an autistic actor, the long hours, harsh lights and stop-start takes can trigger sensory overload. As Hayden notes, “it is a lot,” but the team readily accommodates her needs. She wears noise-cancelling headphones on set; a sensory-safe room is always available for downtime between takes; and her partner, Dylan, visits on days that require a lot from Hayden. “My sensory needs were never considered a burden or too much or too diffi cult,” she says. “It was just simply, This is what she needs, so of course we’re going to give it to her.” What’s more, it inspired her castmates – none of whom are exactly veterans of the industry – to ask for appropriate considerations, too. “It wasn’t just, you know, What does the autistic one need?” says Hayden. “It was, What does everyone need for this to be the best experience?” As a teen, Hayden started blogging about her life as an autistic kid living in regional Victoria – one who loves anNot long ago, she was living what she calls her “Hannah Montana life” – doing red carpets and cover shoots in the big smoke before returning to her family homebase outside Geelong. “It’s actually so nice,” she says. “I get to go home, there’s nothing around and noone cares who I am. I just get to hang out with my animals.” That anonymity, however, is proving tricky to maintain. Back in February, when US megastar Taylor Swift played the MCG, the other star of the night was Hayden. In her purple spangled bodysuit and matching cowgirl hat, she traded friendship bracelets with kindred Swifties, stopping for photo ops with her own enamoured fans (a very similar assembly to Tay’s girls, gays and theys) whom, on social media, Hayden affectionately dubs her “butterfl ies”. “The thing is, I grew up a fan girl,” she explains. “I was a One Direction girlie, a Little Mix girlie. I had Tumblr fan pages, wrote fan fi ction, all that sort of shit. So it’s not lost on me how impactful a celebrity can be to a young person – and makes it all the more exciting and surreal that I get to be that person for someone else,” she says. “I don’t think it will ever be lost on me just how privileged I am to be in this position.” Of course, other eyes are noticing, too. “Due to recent events, moving forward, my team will be managing and monitoring all my social accounts,” Hayden announced online last November. For months she’d been inundated with ableism, hate speech, even suicide prompts. “I posted a video last year and got more death threats for being happy than I ever have for any of the political content I’ve made,” she says. In said video, Hayden stands on a cliff at sunset, delighted by a pod of whales passing by. She captioned the video, “Autistic joy is the most unadulterated joy in the world”. “To have an autistic person let you into what they enjoy is such a privilege,” depiction of contemporary teen life, in all its sweaty, angsty splendour. Hayden in particular was praised for her performance, earning a Logie nomination for Most Popular New Talent and the Audience Choice Award for Best Actress at the 2022 AACTAs. With the show’s second season freshly launched on Netfl ix – where it debuted at #1 for local audiences – Hayden is keen for viewers to see new facets of the character. imals, fairytales, social justice and the Disney songbook. In 2016, she moved to YouTube, where her viral vlogs – such as her critique of the fi lm Music (2021), which cast an allistic actor to portray an autistic character – caught the attention of support groups like Amaze and Yellow Ladybugs. Hayden was soon invited to present seminars on her lived experience as an autistic girl: a perspective that was then, and still remains, undervalued in broader autism discourse. “I did schools all around Australia,” she recalls. “Now it’s gotten to a point where it’s a bit too hectic to do schools, so I host my own.” In fact, it’s getting harder for Hayden to go most places unnoticed. ׉ 7cassandra://77wb-nOFkpFKJJm4NYmWHMD54S8TOJv4c5eqpYXlxvI$P`f`yme׉Eshe says. “It’s a beautiful thing – and something that is still so stigmatised… I was fl apping my hands because I saw whales, [but] an autistic person excitedly fl apping their hands is still seen as taboo, which is ridiculous… People don’t like different. “I’ve known that for my entire life. I don’t know why ‘different’…is such a scary concept for people. Maybe it’s because they can’t experience that happiness themselves. Maybe they’re jealous of it? I don’t know. If you don’t get excited about seeing a pod of 12 whales, that’s on you. Go see a therapist,” she laughs, then gets refl ective. “I think all of us have a box we’re supposed to fi t into. A lot of autistic people have decided, Fuck it, that box isn’t mine. I’m not going to force myself into it. It really is a very small population that does comfortably fi t. So the majority of people have to contort themselves, and they can fi t into it, but it’s uncomfortable. I think [some people] see autistic people simply refusing to even acknowledge the box, and that makes them uncomfortable: Well, I have to fi t into this. Why don’t you? You don’t have to fi t into it. The box doesn’t exist.” Along with whales, lots of things spark joy for Chloé Hayden. She loves photography, surfi ng, the RMS Titanic, her two dogs, three cats, six horses, two axolotls and frogs. And her relationship with God. And the television series House. “I’m not even a medical girlie!” she insists. It’s just that, when her own life feels too unhinged, it’s fun to “tune into someone else’s drama”. Having said that, her biggest current commitments are her creative projects – she’s directing a couple of fi lms and TV shows, and working on more books – and looking after her animals. Hayden admits she’s still fi guring out “how to be famous” while retaining her “normal life” – how to balance her mental health and her career while learning when to say, ‘No.’ “I used to just say, ‘Yes’ to everything, because I was like, One day people won’t want me anymore. You know, make hay while the sun shines. I’ve learned that I’m going to burn out a whole lot faster if I just keep saying ‘Yes’ to things I’m not even enjoying. “My whole thing is preaching self-love and kindness and looking after yourself, but I wasn’t giving it to myself,” she explains. “Now I only say, ‘Yes’ to things that genuinely make me happy.” Courtesy of The Big Issue Australia / INSP.ngo Martha Wainwright on “Love Will Be Reborn” and “Stories I Might Regret Telling You” Lauded singer-songwriter Martha Wainwright exorcises family demons on her new album and in her memoir – but only the book has been used against her in court. By Heidi Maier Martha Wainwright has forged her musical career with urbane folk rock that revels in – and reveals – the unsaid and the uncomfortable. She has often traced the scars left from a tumultuous childhood in a family of music luminaries, including a biting critique of her famous father’s self-absorption. The Wainwright-McGarrigle clan has an illustrious history of wry, bracingly honest music about the ups and downs of love and life. There’s Martha’s mother, the folk artist Kate McGarrigle; her father, the esteemed songwriter Loudon Wainwright III; and her brother, singer-composer Rufus Wainwright. Rufus famously addresses their father in ‘Dinner at Eight’, and Martha sings coruscatingly about him in ‘Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole’. A veritable lifetime’s worth of changes have happened for 48-year-old Wainwright in recent years. She divorced Brad Albetta, her longtime bassist and husband of 10 years, and is still heavily grieving the death of her mother. She has bought and is running Ursa, a live music venue and coffee shop in Montreal, and raising her sons, Arcangelo and Francis. Out of these ruptures emerged her 2021 album Love Will Be Reborn, which she’s touring across the country this month. It’s her fi rst trip here in seven years. Written entirely by Wainwright and produced by the renowned French-Canadian Pierre Marchand, Love Will Be Reborn puts her divorce under a microscope, through excoriating lyrics and Herculean, harrowing vocal delivery. “I was separated in the fall of 2016, which was the year of the American election that Trump won,” says Wainwright over the phone from her home in Quebec. “I defi nitely felt like Hillary Clinton. In that song [‘Body and Soul’], I really own up to the truth and reality in the context of going through those intense moments in a really hellish divorce. I have defi nitely been subjected to a certain amount of conservatism by the court system, pegged as some lounge act singer because I work at night and it’s not conducive in a conservative world to what a ‘good mother’ is supposed to be.” In 2022, Wainwright published Stories I Might Regret Telling You – a candid, beautifully written memoir that is as vivacious and unselfconscious as its creator. While it’s one thing to allude to situations in song, it’s another entirely to write them all down for posterity. “An early draft of this book was used against me in court during my divorce proceedings,” she laughs heartily. “I worked on it in fi ts and spurts over seven years. Writing it was really, really hard. I didn’t have the same things to lean on as I do when I am writing music. The book ended up being a lot about family dynamics – my own, obviously – but I think there’s probably a lot that people recognise in there about their own families too.” In the book, Wainwright tackles the breakdown of her marriage and her journey to motherhood, as well as her own against-all-odds entry into the world. When she was a teenager, Wainwright’s father revealed that he hadn’t wanted a second child and had heavily pressured her mother to have an abortion – which very nearly happened. The moment was echoed later, when the singer found herself in a similar position to her mother 30 years on. For Wainwright, looking back on the incident provided a chance to break a taboo by sharing her own experience of abortion. “Women don’t talk about abortion stories,” she says. “There’s so much shadow and stigma around it. They don’t talk about it because it’s painful and it’s disturbing. But it’s also important to make sure that it’s available, because it’s necessary. The guilt around it can be very strong, but it’s important to understand that other people have gone through these things and it’s okay to say it out loud sometimes.” Still, for all the despairing junctures in Wainwright’s eventful life, there has always been a rebound. And while she has taken more than her fair share of hard knocks, she’s emerged on the other side with a memoir and songbook that offer a tale of survival, against the odds. “I kind of say what’s on my mind. I live it and I say it. I do that in my songs and I did it with the book,” she says. “I do feel like a different person since getting divorced, since losing my mum, since having kids. I feel like I’ve had a few rebirths, to be honest. I really do feel like a different person since the last time I was in Australia.” Courtesy of The Big Issue Australia / INSP.ngo Page 15 ׉ 7cassandra://eX2Xv9AwFOSysQ-41gf8Sry-xyI6jp_cVbwgenlDzFY#``f`yme飁f`yme颁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://CO-vHXWlPUMk2xrYxRwRPEZvwxjKLejLqmJh_tVyYF8`׉ 7cassandra://tT0h0ivamDq2l5FVGIhrNJDpDsYWyu64NA7ufiBLk_Ivz`h׉ 7cassandra://cnMLm66d37qYCWPTNj34_l47U4zTj-ewoS9CclYC_40!(`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://jyCVpLIVLpIRTH5RuGTSREtJzBBk9gY8jnjey6JXk_4=C`׉ 7cassandra://o7lJlkYmnf15xvCFrrelAB63nGQdQrnAr09jBXLw8-M̈́x`h׉ 7cassandra://NXVgDmYjFYPzqN-fDudTAYqWR-jeKd8PJ_eD5DY8ylQ$t`f`ymeԑנf`ymeׁn?99ׁHhttp://INSP.ngׁ ׁ Ј׉E#being enjoys killing. Unlike other creatures, it has no intraspecifi c inhibition of killing. The only thing that stops us from harming each other is morality, trained by our upbringing. Under the wrong conditions, this inhibition threshold can be lowered to such an extent that we are capable of all kinds of atrocities, from gang rape and cannibalism to the Holocaust. Propaganda plays a central role here. It ensures that we no longer perceive the other person as a human being, but as someone who does not belong to our species and therefore deserves to die. So, yes: we can all become perpetrators. In your research, you found that, on average, only around 20 to 30 per cent of people actively oppose harmful systems. Which factors play a role here? Solmaz Khorsand wants to make more people think about why they join certain groups. Photo credit: Luiza Puiu Solmaz Khorsand on rebellion amid conformity We are all followers. This is the unsettling thesis of author and journalist Solmaz Khorsand’s latest book, Untertan – Von Braven und Rebellischen Lemmingen (Subjugated – By Good and Rebellious Lemmings), in which she combines historical events, sociological fi ndings and philosophical consideration. She speaks to people from artists in exile to fetishists about why they rebel – or submit. She tells Apropos how sincerity towards oneself can become an exit strategy from conformity. By Sandra Bernhofer Apropos: Your opening line is, “There is only one way to begin this book. With disgust. With self-disgust.” When was the last time you felt disgusted with yourself? Solmaz Khorsand: To be honest, in the promotion of this book. My unintentional adaptation to the mechanisms of the book world can be interpreted as lemming-like. Of course I want my book to be read, and I am very happy about any interest from the media and the public. At the same time, part of me has to bend when it comes to promoting myself and constantly posting on Page 16 social media. All I want to do is write. How did you come to research group dynamics and followership? I belong to the group of people in Austria who came to terms early on with how much cruelty still exists under the surface in a society that consists almost exclusively of descendants of perpetrators and enablers of the Second World War, and how this cruelty manifests itself. I was lucky that I went to schools where we studied a lot of literature that dealt directly or indirectly with regimes, such as Animal Farm by George Orwell or The Rhinoceroses by Eugène Ionesco. I’ve never been interested in the leaders, but in those who run with them. In this respect, the topic has always bothered me and also scared me, because as a society, we don’t face up to it enough. Because the theme is not particularly topical right now, as many people who have read my book tell me, but always has been. By using examples such as Nazism or the genocide in Srebrenica, you demonstrate that people can turn to cruelty quite quickly. Can anyone become a perpetrator? I spoke to the German trauma researcher Thomas Elbert, among others, about this. He has discovered that the human A popular fi eld for research into the perpetrators of the Holocaust is the Hamburg Police Battalion 101. They were ordinary men, family men, ordinary dock workers who were torn from their regular jobs during the Nazi regime to murder tens of thousands of Jews between 1939 and 1943. They were not die-hard Nazis, not sadists, and yet only a dozen out of almost 500 refused to murder. Those who didn’t take part gave as a reason the fact that they were already established in their lives and didn’t have to put themselves forward to be promoted or achieve anything. This is relevant because we very often have to do things that are against our principles, especially in the workplace. We do it anyway, because otherwise we will be fi red or not promoted. These objections are justifi ed, but they are often just an excuse for not acting autonomously. The world of work is often not particularly democratic. Is it possible to change such a system? That depends on what the claim is. If it is part of the company culture that someone is humiliated by colleagues or a superior, you can very well stand up for them instead of remaining silent and thinking that it doesn’t affect you. Marginalised groups and women often believe that they can make a difference once they are at the top. Experts in organisational sociology and group dynamics have confi rmed to me that they are sitting on an illusion. In order to reach the top, they have to adapt so much to the company culture that they are usually unable to retain their autonomy in this process. Is this kind of adaptation always damaging? Customisation per se is neither bad nor good. It was important to me to show this with my rebellious lemmings, the so-called “passers-by”. The history of mankind is a story full of passers-by: people who break out of their social identity because they can pass as members of a better-off group and thus lead a self-determined life: Black people with lighter skin who passed as white in the 19th century and were thus able to escape slavery and enjoy the advantages of whiteness; members of minority religions who claim to be atheists or to belong to the majority religion. French writer Edouard Louis came from the lower classes and became a star of the French elite. To do so, he had to shed his name and dialect, learn to laugh more quietly, sneeze more quietly and have his teeth straightened. I don’t want to romanticise the idea that you have to deny yourself in order to create a better life for yourself. But you can read it as rebellion, because you are going against what was intended for you. You also quote Socrates: “It is better to be at odds with the whole world than, being one, to be at odds with myself.” How can we learn to be honest with ourselves? My book is not intended to give advice, but rather food for thought. Leaving a group is often associated with existential fears – those who leave are excluded. Totalitarian regimes in particular rely on isolating people. I am in favour of developing loneliness skills. That doesn’t mean that loneliness can’t be gruelling. It is specifi cally used to break people in the form of “white torture” – isolation and sensory deprivation. But for me, at least, it’s better to be able to stand alone than to become part of an “us” that harms others. What do you want your book to achieve? I want people to ask themselves more often why they take part in certain things, why they join groups and what consequences this can have. Because far too often, we blame it on circumstances or a system and claim that we have no choice but to adapt. My book is also an accusation against those who often position themselves as innocent and pass the buck by saying, “We have been seduced by demagogues and populists” when they vote for far-right parties, as they are doing now. We should be aware of the aims of a group and that we have a responsibility to society when we consider joining one. Courtesy of Apropos / INSP.ngo Translated from German via Translators Without Borders ׉ 7cassandra://cnMLm66d37qYCWPTNj34_l47U4zTj-ewoS9CclYC_40!(`f`yme׉E%know that Big Issue North has already closed, but are there any other street publications in trouble? Findlay-Agnew: Street papers are both social enterprises and non-profi t organisations, and they rely on direct sales on the street and income from trusts, foundations and government funding. There is no doubt that many of our members have faced enormous challenges during the pandemic. The future of street papers in a postpandemic world Over the past few decades, street papers have been quietly changing the lives of countless people around the world, not only by sharing interesting stories and insights, but also as a tool to help the disadvantaged in society to become self-reliant. In an interview with Mike Findlay-Agnew, CEO of the International Network of Street Newspapers (INSP), and through the example of one street paper’s digital transformation, The Big Issue Taiwan explores how street papers have persevered with their mission in the face of adversity and the profound impact they have had on people experiencing homelessness. By Dido Lin The history of street papers: Street News In 1989, rock musician Hutchinson Persons was walking through New York’s Grand Central Station when he noticed the huge number of people experiencing homelessness – and decided to organise a fundraiser concert in Times Square. In the run-up to the event, he created a newsletter to report progress to donors. Then the thought struck him: why not turn it into a newspaper that people experiencing homelessness could sell to become self-suffi cient without having to rely on charity? Street News was offi cially launched in October 1989. Magazines were sold for 75 cents, with the vendor keeping 45c and the remaining 30c going towards the paper’s operating costs. This made Street News the world’s fi rst social enterprise to allow people experiencing homelessness to sell street papers as a means of solving the issue of poverty. The Big Issue Taiwan: How did INSP come up with the idea to connect local street papers and allow them to share articles? Mike Findlay-Agnew: In 1990, British entrepreneur Gordon Roddick was travelling in New York when he saw someone selling Street News. The newspaper was launched in the late 1980s to help the huge number of people experiencing homelessness in New York City. When he returned from his trip, Gordon Roddick and his friend John Bird were inspired to start The Big Issue in the UK. By the mid-90s, street publications were popping up all over the world as an innovative way to tackle poverty. In the meantime, the international arm of The Big Issue had developed into an independent charitable organisation – the International Network of Street Papers (INSP). INSP has been operating as a registered NGO in Scotland for nearly 30 years, with the core philosophy of connecting street publications around the world. With 93 member newspapers in 35 countries, we are committed to providing a platform for people working for street papers to network, share knowledge and learn from each other. INSP also runs a news agency that provides members with high-quality reporting, as well as the opportunity to apply for translations into various languages to help keep street papers in print. We fi rmly believe that by learning together and sharing our experiences, street newspapers can continue to progress and work together to fulfi l their mission of tackling homelessness and poverty. Post-pandemic dilemmas and challenges Since the COVID-19 outbreak, social distancing and lockdown measures introduced around the world in an effort to curb the spread of the disease turned cities into ghost towns, which had a direct impact on the core sales channels of street papers. This led publications such as The Big Issue in the UK to turn to supermarkets and online sales to combat the effects of lockdowns on sales. In addition, economic pressures and rising operating costs caused by the pandemic have forced many street papers to close. One such paper is Big Issue North, which was distributed in cities in the north of England, including Manchester, where one vendor said in an interview with The Guardian, “Although I can still sell the London edition, I feel a little less connected not being able to sell the local issues. I used to be able to have a chat about the local news stories in the magazine with readers I met on the street, but now I feel detached from the magazine in my hands.” The Big Issue Taiwan: What are the diffi - culties faced by street papers around the world in the midst of the pandemic? We The closure of shops, pubs and restaurants has resulted in fewer sales opportunities for street papers. Many of our member papers have also adapted their services to cope with these diffi cult times. For example, they are providing additional practical support to vendors and shelters that are struggling. Despite the challenges, we believe that street publications will live on. Digital transformation: Stread In the face of the pandemic and the rising cost of raw materials brought about by infl ation and confl ict, street papers around the world have begun to experiment with a variety of innovative digital transformations. For example, in the UK, Big Issue vendors now carry card machines to make it easier for consumers to make cashless payments. In Taiwan, The Big Issue turned to the Zeczec crowdfunding platform during the pandemic to offer a subscription to the print edition of the magazine. Customers can even nominate a vendor when subscribing so that they can still make money despite the lack of in-person contact. In response to the challenge of rising printing costs, the world’s fi rst digital street publication platform, Stread, was launched at the end of 2023 in Berlin, Germany. The platform not only provides street vendors with personal QR codes so that consumers can immediately receive magazine content on their smart phones after scanning the codes, but also designs personalised content recommendations for readers. For instance, Stread can prioritise the reports related to reader’s area through the geolocation technology, improving the user experience, and vendors receive corresponding earnings through the digital payment system. In addition to greatly reducing the printing costs, the digital transformation lifts the limitation on magazine circulation. On a radio show for promotion, Stread founder Nina Chuba said: “Previously, street vendors could only purchase 10 magazines, but now, they can skip this step and sell digital content directly to readers.” The Big Issue Taiwan: Will this digital transformation deviate from the original motive of allowing vendors to reach out to people and reintegrate into society through selling street papers? Findlay-Agnew: In my role with INSP, I am often asked how printed street papers can coexist with digital innovation. I think that both can coexist. The spirit of street papers lies in having a print available for sale on the streets, which has proven benefi ts for the mental health and well-being of salespeople, as they can enjoy the human interaction with the publication buyers. We hope that this continues. Obviously, we live in a digital era in which many innovations driven by the digital transformation have appeared among street papers on a global scale, such as cashless payments, online sales of publications, digital news, etc. In this transformation, we found that these digital innovations can raise the revenue of street papers, which can ultimately provide more opportunities for vendors to earn an income with dignity. The future of Street News: the story of columnist Lee Stringer In the over 30 years since the fi rst street paper went to print, its business- and care-driven model has helped many people experiencing homelessness to gain independence and to reintegrate into society. Lee Stringer, a columnist and author who has published many best-sellers, was once street homeless and struggled with addiction. The death of his brother brought a heavy blow to him, causing him to gradually sink into depression and substance use. In 1989, he became one of the fi rst street vendors of Street News, selling newspapers to pay for his living expenses. One day, he wrote a story about his dying friend and submitted it to the editors. Gradually, he turned from a vendor to a columnist, and joined an organisation that supports people with experience of homelessness to support those living on the streets. His advice? “Start from a certain starting point, and then grow into who you will be at the next stage.” The Big Issue Taiwan: Has INSP developed any new plans to support the development of street papers across the world? Findlay-Agnew: Running street papers tends to be challenging and isolating, so making connections is crucial for us. In 2023, we launched a new webinar programme, inviting members to gather online to discuss and support topics related to their operations, including communication with vendors, marketing, editorial quality, fundraising, and innovation. Over the past year, we have also established a new working relationship with Thomson Reuters Foundation, a corporate charity associated with Reuters News, which means that we will have even more new and professional reports to share with Street News members around the world to help them to improve their publication quality. Translated from Chinese via Translators Without Borders Courtesy of The Big Issue Taiwan / INSP. Page 17 ׉ 7cassandra://NXVgDmYjFYPzqN-fDudTAYqWR-jeKd8PJ_eD5DY8ylQ$t`f`yme饁f`yme餁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://DWhFL0_1RkEMYNonREQHt0WPTmXyo1kH4zgpBOUQ-30ŀ`׉ 7cassandra://6rKbtzXvANqFsGbH-jG8KQb3wcl6uGIpPrxahkE68rÀ`h׉ 7cassandra://VVXZxfEKZVKn2i32aeDLjNNb1fgpIhAxirkiuPZWn_c)`f`ymeטFFu׉׉ 7cassandra://FvIbrnLbYB0b8WcL0UWWvSB8Oti27IBmiSy0Mv6DgE0}`׉ 7cassandra://tScIDhjrCaYSo9HPqjLuN45PEIHB9uQfcf6oY-HxvD8́`h׉ 7cassandra://TeDdYZqAZx55KFdcUv7F_NqyfnWhuE8QYOe7wudsD_4+v`f`ymeّנf`ymeہ .̪9ׁHhttp://Toledostreets.comׁ ׁ Ј׉ENPuzzlePage THEME: OPPOSITES ACROSS 1. Clothing joint 5. *Opposite of good 8. *Pre12. Guesstimate (2 words) 13. Sudden impulse 14. Group dice game 15. Stead 16. Naive person 17. Fancy necktie 18. *Compass point opposites (2 words) 20. A pinch between the cheeks 21. Earth tremor 22. Before skip and a jump 23. Constantly worry about something 26. More infinitesimal 30. Catch a wink 31. One weber per square meter, pl. 34. *Pre-recorded 35. Deed hearings 37. Cribbage piece 38. Bread spreads 39. Plural of focus 40. Making the way, in a way 42. “I Like ___,” 1952 campaign slogan 43. Of somber color 45. *Like bride’s accessories (2 words) 47. 60 mins., pl. 48. Indiana ball player 50. One of Three Bears 52. *Day periods (2 words) 55. Vernacular 56. Part of church 57. Soap bubbles 59. Type of small salmon 60. Bound 61. Domingo, Pavarotti and Carreras, e.g. 62. Nicholas II of Russia, e.g. 63. Key next to spacebar 64. Where users review DOWN 1. Fa follower 2. Between Ohio and Ontario 3. *Opposite of on land 4. Fluffy dessert 5. Hillsides in Scotland 6. Anti-seniors sentiment 7. *Opposite of awakward and clumsy 8. *Door instruction (2 words) 9. Fairy tale opener 10. Flat-bottomed boat 11. Bambino 13. Not like #26 Down 14. Popular breakfast item 19. MCAT and LSAT, e.g. 22. *Hers 23. *Switch positions (2 words) 24. Louisiana swamp 25. Glasses, for short 26. Three biblical sages 27. A logical connection (2 words) 28. Extract a memory, e.g. 29. Stitch again 32. R&R spots 33. Tolstoy’s given name, in Russian 36. *Irwin Shaw’s title opposites (2 words) 38. Checked out 40. Pimple fluid 41. Marked 44. Speak like Pericles 46. *Not airtight 48. Teacher’s pet, e.g. 49. Balance sheet entry 50. *Cons 51. Muslim honorific 52. Facts 53. Donned 54. Nervous biter’s victim 55. College assessment test, acr. 58. Janitor’s tool Opposites Page 18 Solutions ׉ 7cassandra://VVXZxfEKZVKn2i32aeDLjNNb1fgpIhAxirkiuPZWn_c)`f`yme׉E TOLEDO STREETS NEW SP APER TOLEDO STREETS WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, CORP. Board of Directors Board Chair - Bryce Roberts Vice Chair - Mary Beth Alberti Treasurer - Laura Genalo Secretary - Arika Michaelis Vendor Representative - Wanda Boudrie Amy Saylor Candace Bishop Laura Shaffer Nora Riggs Toledo Streets is a monthly publication called a street paper. We are part of a worldwide movement of street papers that seeks to provide simple economic opportunities to homeless individuals and those experiencing poverty. Our vendors purchase each paper for $.25 and ask for a dollar donation. In exchange for their time and effort in selling the paper, they keep the difference. They are asking for a hand up, not a hand out. By purchasing the paper, you have helped someone struggling to make it. Not just in terms of money, but also in dignity of doing something for themselves. We thank you. Toledo Streets is a registered nonprofi t corporation in Ohio. While your gifts to the vendors, who are independent contractors, are not tax deductible, any donations you make directly to our organization are deductible. These monies go to supporting programming, which includes job training and skills development. Our Mission To inspire hope, foster community, and cultivate change in individuals and society. Our Team EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Valerie Vetter BOARD LIASONS FOR EDITORIAL TEAM Arika Michaelis, Mary Beth Alberti, Laura Shaffer VENDOR MANAGER Ben Stalets TSN CREATIVE DIRECTOR Ed Conn CONTRIBUTING EDITORS / PHOTOGRAPHERS Karen Gerhardinger Doug Hinebaugh Natalie Gray TSN INTERN Angela Jennings Trinity Episcopal Church Hope United Methodist Vendor Code of Conduct • • • • • • • • • • • • agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for agree to treat all others—customers, staff, or pressure customers. agree to stay off other private Toledo property and highway understand I am not a legal employee of for my own well-being and income. Streets Newspaper Toledo under the in luence As a vendor representing Toledo Streets Newspaper , I: Toledo vendors—respectfully, exit and ramps when selling Streets Newspaper agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling the paper. will not buy/sell of Toledo will always have in my possession the following when selling Toledo Streets badge, a Streets sign, and Toledo Streets understand my badge, vest, and sign are the property of them in any way. Toledo but drugs I Streets will Toledo a or Streets Newspaper. Toledo papers. Toledo understand that when you are wearing your vest you are representing any inappropriate behavior while representing by any not contracted alcohol. will respect the space of other vendors and will position myself at least two blocks away from a working vendor unless otherwise approved. agree to only use professional signs provided by Streets Newspaper agree that badges and signs are $5 to replace and vests are $10 to replace. Toledo Streets Newspaper may result Streets Newspaper : my Toledo will and Streets Newspaper, disciplinary in not alter thus action other means. “hard sell,” threaten Streets Newspaper. worker responsible Mail: 1216 Madison AvenueToledo, Ohio 43604 Website: Toledostreets.com ׉ 7cassandra://TeDdYZqAZx55KFdcUv7F_NqyfnWhuE8QYOe7wudsD_4+v`f`yme駁f`yme馁 בCטFu׉׉ 7cassandra://3qK-b6QHIo05kdbUVF-J-wI95S56fpN1clbvN-lzw4EP`׉ 7cassandra://14-3EK0UwbQJf83QZlvnDk1Y7eJONAZXQb6gEATi9iMl`h׉ 7cassandra://wMDaXZqQtojhkQS4IV3rG6-6iWKEWA0MmetS489ADtw(`f`yme׉E׉ 7cassandra://wMDaXZqQtojhkQS4IV3rG6-6iWKEWA0MmetS489ADtw(`f`yme׈Ef`yme驁f`yme騁 ,TSN Issue 146 Finalf`yx}\3