Mission Statement
We are the Change Agents of Compton Early College High School. We are a student organization aimed at inspiring girls to develop into change agents while engaging in community service and active leadership. Our goal is to empower girls, our peers, and our community, in order to effect positive change.
The Change Agents are focused on addressing and promoting civic engagement and leadership amongst the youth of Compton. Our vision is to transform Compton Early College High School youth into active citizens who participate and share their strong voices within the city. Ultimately, the objective is to begin the dialogue which will value the voice of city's youth.
Project Need
The results of the 2018 midterm elections will prove to be a pivotal moment for the American political landscape. The events and movements leading up to the midterms have been largely organized by students. However, many of our peers still feel a disconnect between their lives and politics, especially due to the fact that our community is under represented. We hope to inspire our peers to become civically engaged individuals and realize the power that they have.
According the U.S. Census Bureau less than half of Compton's 96,418 residents are registered to vote. Voter apathy and a lack of citizen participation are two issues that need to be addressed in our city. Our goal is to change that! Our goal is to combat teenage apathy by encouraging our peers to become agents of change within our community. Ultimately, inspiring the youth and changing the portrayal of the city, in order for everyone to value its beauty.
Process
The 51 member GBLA Change Agents met every other Friday after school, once a week during Advisory, and on weekends when needed. Every meeting consisted of a brief check-in, a shared meal or snack, collaboration, and planning. The most effective use of our time and size was to delegate tasks and responsibilities, therefore, four committees were formed: Community Partnership Committee, This is America/Compton Project Committee, Youth Leadership Summit Committee, and the GBLA Featured Events Committee.
The Community Partnership Committee (CPC) consisted of 13 members who focused on collaborating with local non-profit and community organizations. The team conducted research, sent emails, attended events, reached out via social media, etc. The goal of the CPC was to promote service and activism in our community.
This is America/The Compton Project Committee (TIA) consisted of 26 members. The vision of (TIA) was to develop a video series that would highlight the often unknown or neglected issues that plague America. In addition, the Compton component would focus on highlighting the amazing stories of our city that are often neglected by the media. The TIA required research, writing, speaking, video production, and editing.
The Compton Youth Leadership Summit Committee (CYLS) consisted of ten members. The committee decided that the 2nd CYLS should be organized like a town hall/community forum. The committee was responsible for composing a letter invitation, emailing elected officials, and coordinating with their offices.
The GBLA Featured Events Committee consisted of 20 members. This team was responsible for hosting events on our campus that promoted the mission of the Change Agents and of the Girls Build organization.
During GBLA meetings, each committee worked on their specific tasks and goals. These tasks and goals included , but were not limited to, creating flyers, contacting politicians, recruiting community organizations, setting up meetings, creating surveys, and promoting events via morning announcements, flyer, and social media. Every team member checked the GBLA Change Agents Google Classroom site in order to find updates, recruitment and/or donation scripts, as well as, access to ideas and requests from fellow Change Agents.
Ultimately, through their efforts and organization, the Voice of Compton Project consisted of the following events:
Event:Back to School Night Voter Registration Drive
Date: September 19, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 0
Event: National Voter Registration Day-Pre-registration Drive
Date:September 25, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 35 CEC Students
Event: Did-You-Know Challenge: Voter Edition
Date:October 2-November: 6, 2018
Location: IG: @change.agents
Participants: +/-30 likes per post
Event: #TurnoutTuesday
Date: October 2-November 6, 2018
Location: IG: @change.agents; CEC Campus
Participants: +/-40 likes per post
Event: Pink Fridays
Date: October 5-26, 2018:
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: +/- 30 CEC members per Friday
Event: Student Mock Elections
Date: October 9, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 367 CEC students
Event: Voter Registration Drive
Date:October 15, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 14 community members
Event: Voter Party
Date: November 5, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 15 CEC Community Members (middle school students, parents, and staff)
Event: Student Poll Worker Program
Date: November 6, 2018
Location: City of Compton Polling Locations
Participants: 35 CEC students
Event: Women’s March LA
Date: January 19, 2019
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Participants: 20 CEC students
Event:Ring Your Rep
Date: February 6, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 20 CEC students
Event:National Women & Girls in Sports Day
Date: February 6, 2019
Location: Compton Early College High School
Participants: N/A
Event: Compton 125 Historical Society Partnership Meeting
Date: February 7, 2019
Location: Lueders Park Community Center
Participants: 13 community members
Event: International Women’s Day
Date: March 8, 2019
Location: Compton Early College High School
Participants: 25 CEC students
Event: Compton 125 Historical Society Meeting
Date: March 22, 2019
Location: East Rancho Dominguez Community Center
Participants: 15 community members
Event:Compton Youth Leadership Summit
Date: March 30, 2019
Location:Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 45 CUSD students
Event: Denim Day
Date: April 24, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants:30 CEC students
Event: Compton Artists Alliance Partnership Meeting
Date: April 24, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: GBLA, Arts Matter members
Event: Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan Compton Town Hall
Date: April 25, 2019
Location:
Participants: 7 Change Agents volunteers
Event: WE Walk for Water
Date:May 4, 2019
Location: LA Expo Center
Participants:5 Change Agents
Event: Arts Matter/Compton Artists Alliance Student Art Exhibit
Date: TBD
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: TBD
Civic Engagement
One of the major components of our project this year, the Compton Project, was the Community Partnership vision. The Change Agents focused on researching, identifying, connecting with, and sharing with our peers, the organizations making a difference within our community. We were able to reach out and connect with eight local organizations: Children Striving Together, Compton 125 Historical Society, Compton Artists Alliance, Lets. Give, Moonwater Farm, Movement Runners, SBCC Thrive LA, Yetunde Price Resource Center.
We formed a partnership with the Compton 125 Historical Society and invited our peers to become active members in the documentation of the rich history of Compton. Through our partnership, the Compton 125 Historical Society will reach out to Compton high school students seeking an internship.
In addition, we had the opportunity to meet with Compton Artists Alliance board members who were eager to assist us in our vision of hosting a student art exhibit on campus. Through this meeting and various conversations throughout the year, we established a connection that will allow us to share with our peers the significance of the arts and the richness of art already found within our city.
Lastly, we continued to cultivate our preexisting relationship with Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan and the WE Movement. Congresswoman Barragan’s office served as guests during our Compton Youth Leadership Summit, proving that the youth voice matters. In addition, the Change Agents volunteered to assist during the Compton Town Hall she hosted in April. Our relationship with WE continued as we followed the WE curriculum and attended the WE Walk for Water event. The WE movement, like the Change Agents, hope to inspire change.
Outcomes
The Change Agents’ vision was to focus on Civic Engagement and Leadership. By promoting and advocating youth involvement, we hoped to empower the city of Compton. Ultimately, our goal was to inspire all who attended or participated in our events to become Change Agents.
Youth Advocacy: The Compton Youth Leadership Summit, gave 45 Compton youth the opportunity to hold elected officials accountable by engaging with them in round table discussions. Rather than being active listeners during a keynote address, they were transformed into active participants who asked questions and took ownership of their city. Aside from hosting the event, our greatest success was the fact that amongst our 45 attendees, all four high schools were represented at the event.
Political Awareness: Throughout the Fall of 2018, the GBLA team held a total of 3 voter registration events. In the end, we were able to pre-register 35 CEC students and 14 community members, representing 4 different cities. Our greatest accomplishment was the fact that by the end of our Fall campaign, all 65 senior members had registered to vote since the inception of our drives last Spring.
The Did-You-Know: Voter Edition social media challenge allowed us to engage our peers in academic dialogue and inquiry. The challenge posed a weekly question, which coincided with March for Our Lives #TurnoutTuesday. Topics of discussion included: student movements, candidates, women in office, and importance of midterm elections. On average, every post received 30 likes and ultimately, the challenge received a total of 15 responses from our peers. Though the figures may seem low, these are encouraging numbers to us, as we viewed them as a spark for political awareness amongst our peers.
Civic Engagement: This year our project focused largely on a new element: Community Partnership. Throughout the year, our research brought us to establish a connection with eight local organizations. All eight organizations were invited to table during the Compton Youth Leadership Summit, with three attending: Lets. Give, and SBCC Thrive LA, Yetunde Price Resource Center. In addition, we met and established a partnership with the Compton 125 Historical Society and the Compton Artists Alliance.
Short Term:
The various events and campaigns we hosted this year were a success in terms of spreading awareness. Regardless of the outcome, or the numbers, all those in attendance or who interacted with us personally or via social media was introduced to new information, a new organization, or a new friend even. Promoting youth advocacy, political awareness, and civic engagement was our goal, and while we would have loved to accomplish more, the 49 individuals who registered to vote, the 45 youth who attended our summit, and the 226 Instagram followers were all encouraged and challenged to affect change!
Long Term:
Our emphasis on the Community Partnership component of our project gave us the opportunity to expose our peers to the amazing organizations located in our own community. Our goal to promote service and activism in our community began as we promoted each organization through social media and at the Compton Youth Leadership Summit. We are working towards building sustainable programs that can be emulated and flourish throughout our city.
The Compton Project allowed the Change Agents to continue our mission of validating the youth of Compton in order to effect real and positive change. By taking ownership of the narrative of Compton, our city will one day be allowed to shine.
Evidence:
In order to better assess our impact and guide our future GBLA projects, we conducted a formal school evaluation. We received 30 responses which demonstrated that GBLA events positively impacted our peers, were effective in promoting civic engagement and political awareness, and overall success in encouraging the youth of Compton to find its voice!
You may find a few of the responses below.
We are the Change Agents of Compton Early College High School. We are a student organization aimed at inspiring girls to develop into change agents while engaging in community service and active leadership. Our goal is to empower girls, our peers, and our community, in order to effect positive change.
The Change Agents are focused on addressing and promoting civic engagement and leadership amongst the youth of Compton. Our vision is to transform Compton Early College High School youth into active citizens who participate and share their strong voices within the city. Ultimately, the objective is to begin the dialogue which will value the voice of city's youth.
Project Need
The results of the 2018 midterm elections will prove to be a pivotal moment for the American political landscape. The events and movements leading up to the midterms have been largely organized by students. However, many of our peers still feel a disconnect between their lives and politics, especially due to the fact that our community is under represented. We hope to inspire our peers to become civically engaged individuals and realize the power that they have.
According the U.S. Census Bureau less than half of Compton's 96,418 residents are registered to vote. Voter apathy and a lack of citizen participation are two issues that need to be addressed in our city. Our goal is to change that! Our goal is to combat teenage apathy by encouraging our peers to become agents of change within our community. Ultimately, inspiring the youth and changing the portrayal of the city, in order for everyone to value its beauty.
Process
The 51 member GBLA Change Agents met every other Friday after school, once a week during Advisory, and on weekends when needed. Every meeting consisted of a brief check-in, a shared meal or snack, collaboration, and planning. The most effective use of our time and size was to delegate tasks and responsibilities, therefore, four committees were formed: Community Partnership Committee, This is America/Compton Project Committee, Youth Leadership Summit Committee, and the GBLA Featured Events Committee.
The Community Partnership Committee (CPC) consisted of 13 members who focused on collaborating with local non-profit and community organizations. The team conducted research, sent emails, attended events, reached out via social media, etc. The goal of the CPC was to promote service and activism in our community.
This is America/The Compton Project Committee (TIA) consisted of 26 members. The vision of (TIA) was to develop a video series that would highlight the often unknown or neglected issues that plague America. In addition, the Compton component would focus on highlighting the amazing stories of our city that are often neglected by the media. The TIA required research, writing, speaking, video production, and editing.
The Compton Youth Leadership Summit Committee (CYLS) consisted of ten members. The committee decided that the 2nd CYLS should be organized like a town hall/community forum. The committee was responsible for composing a letter invitation, emailing elected officials, and coordinating with their offices.
The GBLA Featured Events Committee consisted of 20 members. This team was responsible for hosting events on our campus that promoted the mission of the Change Agents and of the Girls Build organization.
During GBLA meetings, each committee worked on their specific tasks and goals. These tasks and goals included , but were not limited to, creating flyers, contacting politicians, recruiting community organizations, setting up meetings, creating surveys, and promoting events via morning announcements, flyer, and social media. Every team member checked the GBLA Change Agents Google Classroom site in order to find updates, recruitment and/or donation scripts, as well as, access to ideas and requests from fellow Change Agents.
Ultimately, through their efforts and organization, the Voice of Compton Project consisted of the following events:
Event:Back to School Night Voter Registration Drive
Date: September 19, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 0
Event: National Voter Registration Day-Pre-registration Drive
Date:September 25, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 35 CEC Students
Event: Did-You-Know Challenge: Voter Edition
Date:October 2-November: 6, 2018
Location: IG: @change.agents
Participants: +/-30 likes per post
Event: #TurnoutTuesday
Date: October 2-November 6, 2018
Location: IG: @change.agents; CEC Campus
Participants: +/-40 likes per post
Event: Pink Fridays
Date: October 5-26, 2018:
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: +/- 30 CEC members per Friday
Event: Student Mock Elections
Date: October 9, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 367 CEC students
Event: Voter Registration Drive
Date:October 15, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 14 community members
Event: Voter Party
Date: November 5, 2018
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 15 CEC Community Members (middle school students, parents, and staff)
Event: Student Poll Worker Program
Date: November 6, 2018
Location: City of Compton Polling Locations
Participants: 35 CEC students
Event: Women’s March LA
Date: January 19, 2019
Location: Downtown Los Angeles
Participants: 20 CEC students
Event:Ring Your Rep
Date: February 6, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 20 CEC students
Event:National Women & Girls in Sports Day
Date: February 6, 2019
Location: Compton Early College High School
Participants: N/A
Event: Compton 125 Historical Society Partnership Meeting
Date: February 7, 2019
Location: Lueders Park Community Center
Participants: 13 community members
Event: International Women’s Day
Date: March 8, 2019
Location: Compton Early College High School
Participants: 25 CEC students
Event: Compton 125 Historical Society Meeting
Date: March 22, 2019
Location: East Rancho Dominguez Community Center
Participants: 15 community members
Event:Compton Youth Leadership Summit
Date: March 30, 2019
Location:Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: 45 CUSD students
Event: Denim Day
Date: April 24, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants:30 CEC students
Event: Compton Artists Alliance Partnership Meeting
Date: April 24, 2019
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: GBLA, Arts Matter members
Event: Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan Compton Town Hall
Date: April 25, 2019
Location:
Participants: 7 Change Agents volunteers
Event: WE Walk for Water
Date:May 4, 2019
Location: LA Expo Center
Participants:5 Change Agents
Event: Arts Matter/Compton Artists Alliance Student Art Exhibit
Date: TBD
Location: Compton Early College H.S.
Participants: TBD
Civic Engagement
One of the major components of our project this year, the Compton Project, was the Community Partnership vision. The Change Agents focused on researching, identifying, connecting with, and sharing with our peers, the organizations making a difference within our community. We were able to reach out and connect with eight local organizations: Children Striving Together, Compton 125 Historical Society, Compton Artists Alliance, Lets. Give, Moonwater Farm, Movement Runners, SBCC Thrive LA, Yetunde Price Resource Center.
We formed a partnership with the Compton 125 Historical Society and invited our peers to become active members in the documentation of the rich history of Compton. Through our partnership, the Compton 125 Historical Society will reach out to Compton high school students seeking an internship.
In addition, we had the opportunity to meet with Compton Artists Alliance board members who were eager to assist us in our vision of hosting a student art exhibit on campus. Through this meeting and various conversations throughout the year, we established a connection that will allow us to share with our peers the significance of the arts and the richness of art already found within our city.
Lastly, we continued to cultivate our preexisting relationship with Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragan and the WE Movement. Congresswoman Barragan’s office served as guests during our Compton Youth Leadership Summit, proving that the youth voice matters. In addition, the Change Agents volunteered to assist during the Compton Town Hall she hosted in April. Our relationship with WE continued as we followed the WE curriculum and attended the WE Walk for Water event. The WE movement, like the Change Agents, hope to inspire change.
Outcomes
The Change Agents’ vision was to focus on Civic Engagement and Leadership. By promoting and advocating youth involvement, we hoped to empower the city of Compton. Ultimately, our goal was to inspire all who attended or participated in our events to become Change Agents.
Youth Advocacy: The Compton Youth Leadership Summit, gave 45 Compton youth the opportunity to hold elected officials accountable by engaging with them in round table discussions. Rather than being active listeners during a keynote address, they were transformed into active participants who asked questions and took ownership of their city. Aside from hosting the event, our greatest success was the fact that amongst our 45 attendees, all four high schools were represented at the event.
Political Awareness: Throughout the Fall of 2018, the GBLA team held a total of 3 voter registration events. In the end, we were able to pre-register 35 CEC students and 14 community members, representing 4 different cities. Our greatest accomplishment was the fact that by the end of our Fall campaign, all 65 senior members had registered to vote since the inception of our drives last Spring.
The Did-You-Know: Voter Edition social media challenge allowed us to engage our peers in academic dialogue and inquiry. The challenge posed a weekly question, which coincided with March for Our Lives #TurnoutTuesday. Topics of discussion included: student movements, candidates, women in office, and importance of midterm elections. On average, every post received 30 likes and ultimately, the challenge received a total of 15 responses from our peers. Though the figures may seem low, these are encouraging numbers to us, as we viewed them as a spark for political awareness amongst our peers.
Civic Engagement: This year our project focused largely on a new element: Community Partnership. Throughout the year, our research brought us to establish a connection with eight local organizations. All eight organizations were invited to table during the Compton Youth Leadership Summit, with three attending: Lets. Give, and SBCC Thrive LA, Yetunde Price Resource Center. In addition, we met and established a partnership with the Compton 125 Historical Society and the Compton Artists Alliance.
Short Term:
The various events and campaigns we hosted this year were a success in terms of spreading awareness. Regardless of the outcome, or the numbers, all those in attendance or who interacted with us personally or via social media was introduced to new information, a new organization, or a new friend even. Promoting youth advocacy, political awareness, and civic engagement was our goal, and while we would have loved to accomplish more, the 49 individuals who registered to vote, the 45 youth who attended our summit, and the 226 Instagram followers were all encouraged and challenged to affect change!
Long Term:
Our emphasis on the Community Partnership component of our project gave us the opportunity to expose our peers to the amazing organizations located in our own community. Our goal to promote service and activism in our community began as we promoted each organization through social media and at the Compton Youth Leadership Summit. We are working towards building sustainable programs that can be emulated and flourish throughout our city.
The Compton Project allowed the Change Agents to continue our mission of validating the youth of Compton in order to effect real and positive change. By taking ownership of the narrative of Compton, our city will one day be allowed to shine.
Evidence:
In order to better assess our impact and guide our future GBLA projects, we conducted a formal school evaluation. We received 30 responses which demonstrated that GBLA events positively impacted our peers, were effective in promoting civic engagement and political awareness, and overall success in encouraging the youth of Compton to find its voice!
You may find a few of the responses below.
Reflection
Think back on the direction your project took over the course of the year. What was surprising, or what would you have done differently if you had to do it all over again? Is there anything else that you want to share with judges?
The Compton Project taught us to set realistic goals but to always dream big. For example, through the Community Partnership aspect of our project we envisioned ourselves hosting monthly events with community organizations. Though we were able to establish lines of communication and discuss possible events, we found that we must remain committed because relationships take time. We were not discouraged and view the attendance of three organizations at the CYLS and our meeting with board members from two other organizations, was actually a success!
The Compton Project taught us a valuable lesson:resiliency. We learned through this project that we are resilient. Days before the CYLS, two of our honored invited guests shared that they would not be able to attend. Though discouraged, we decided not to panic and the idea of cancelling the event never crossed our mind. Rather, we strategized and reached out to each members’ office and invited staff members to attend in their place. As a result of our steadfastness, the event was a success.
This year we learned to measure success not only by our community impact but by our personal growth, as well. This year there were many lessons learned and growth as an organization.
Every year we wish we would have accomplished more, however, we have also learned that our work is important and it takes time and dedication. The Change Agents are committed and the Compton Project will continue.
Think back on the direction your project took over the course of the year. What was surprising, or what would you have done differently if you had to do it all over again? Is there anything else that you want to share with judges?
The Compton Project taught us to set realistic goals but to always dream big. For example, through the Community Partnership aspect of our project we envisioned ourselves hosting monthly events with community organizations. Though we were able to establish lines of communication and discuss possible events, we found that we must remain committed because relationships take time. We were not discouraged and view the attendance of three organizations at the CYLS and our meeting with board members from two other organizations, was actually a success!
The Compton Project taught us a valuable lesson:resiliency. We learned through this project that we are resilient. Days before the CYLS, two of our honored invited guests shared that they would not be able to attend. Though discouraged, we decided not to panic and the idea of cancelling the event never crossed our mind. Rather, we strategized and reached out to each members’ office and invited staff members to attend in their place. As a result of our steadfastness, the event was a success.
This year we learned to measure success not only by our community impact but by our personal growth, as well. This year there were many lessons learned and growth as an organization.
Every year we wish we would have accomplished more, however, we have also learned that our work is important and it takes time and dedication. The Change Agents are committed and the Compton Project will continue.
Project Planners and Final Budget:
Community Partnership Project Planner.pdf | |
File Size: | 56 kb |
File Type: |
The Compton Project Budget.pdf | |
File Size: | 59 kb |
File Type: |
the_compton_project_final_budget__gbla_2019_.pdf | |
File Size: | 40 kb |
File Type: |