Changing the Roots On-Site Visit

I arrived to about 15 Mission high seniors scattered in classroom 211. They were writing and creating creative and unique thank you cards to their other grant donors. It was a comfortable classroom and friendly relationship between the teacher and students.  Youth leader, Aracely, gave me a tour of the locations throughout the school where they work.

Mural sketch in progress

First, we went to a large open courtyard with sectioned gardening. There were lots of kale and other leafy greens. On the two white walls of the courtyard, the Changing the Roots mural was partially sketched out with graphite. The muralist, who was also an assistant teacher, further explained the sketching process to the small group of attentive youth. I looked at the amazing blue print of the mural and scanned the drawings in color pencils. The layout varied from SF Giants pride to people holding signs of “99%.” The students input references to recent events that student feel impact them. Then, Aracely showed me the game room, which is currently transitioning into their permanent lunchtime cooking and hang out area. There are utensils, pans, a stove, and other cooking tools stored in the room. Every other week, they would cook the veggies they grew from two courtyard gardens.

Mission Courtyard Garden

Changing the Roots are now busily preparing for their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) event, in which they provide an opportunity for low-income families to receive a box fresh organic fruits and vegetables that the youth leaders are growing in Pie Ranch. On May 12^th, portfolio day, they will have their CSA event: Veggie Fiesta and present their work and educating families and students. 
Please come out that day to see how youth can make a difference within school and local community!

Veggie Fiesta
Where: Mission High School @ 3750 18th St., San Francisco
When: May 12th @ 11:00 am- 3:00pm
Free parking on Dolores between 17th and 18th