We started off by talking about layoffs and foreclosures and that each of us knew someone who was hurting. Each of shared stories and worries about economy and that these were definitely strange times. Then, I turned the conversation to the stimulus package and asked if they had any opinions on that. Most of us felt like it offered us hope and were a little worried that politicians might slow down the arrival of hope. Next, we decided to write our congressmen and let them know our stories and what’s going on in San Dimas. Some of us had signed petitions before but for most of us at the meeting it was the first time they wrote their congressman and really held them accountable to helping the people they serve. It felt great.
I’m a Crew Instructor with the Probation Department and my job is to help train kids how to do landscaping, build firebreaks, repair equipment and much more. I’ve seen kids turn their lives around once they see they CAN accomplish something. I’ve seen kids leave their gangs and start a new life when they change their behavior and have people in their lives that want them to succeed. I hope the stimulus package can help more afterschool programs stay funded so that more kids don’t end up in gangs.
Despite the rain, it was a good turnout and I think people felt a little better about the future or at least felt they like they did something about it.