chaynge.org

Mission Statement

ofilispeaks — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:37:05 +0000

The mission of CHAYNGE.ORG is to foster literary talent and achievement, to advance creative expression as essential part of a good education and encourage students to harness the power of collective expression solve current world issues. We will accomplish this by cultivating critical thinking and reasoning skills among today’s youth by encouraging them to explore their creative talents and find their voice.

Board of Directors

ofilispeaks — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:36:44 +0000

The Board of Directors is the policy-making body and may exercise all the powers and authority granted to Chaynge.Org by law. The board is responsible for overall policy and direction of the organization, and delegates responsibility of day-to-day operations to the staff and committees.

Okechukwu Ofili (Founder)

Jacinta Anigbo

Debra Oluwo

Macolm Gladwell

ofilispeaks — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:16:33 +0000

Sarah Jones

ofilispeaks — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 08:14:47 +0000

Ken Robinson

ofilispeaks — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 05:33:47 +0000

1st Place Winner

ofilispeaks — Fri, 15 Apr 2011 00:12:20 +0000

Over 25 applications were received for the 2nd annual chaynge.org contest and the $1000 winning entry below was written by Temitope Oguntana.

At first glance, the diversity vs. reality sketch seems all too familiar. The diversity portion of the sketch showcases the reality of how most people would view the American society, an intermingling of cultures and a melting pot of colors. However, the reality portion of the sketch portrays our everyday reality, what most of us are familiar with, and what we choose to live.

An important issue to tackle in the problem of improving diversity in today’s society, would be defining what exactly diversity means today. How does the diversity that needs improving today differ from the diversity that was tirelessly worked towards in the 1960s? A more in depth second glance at the reality portion of the sketch shows differences within each group of “people”. It is glaringly obvious that once the subject of color is looked passed, that is where the similarities seemingly end. Each “person” has their own diversities within the
color group. Some are tall and others short; some have even “legs” and others uneven “legs”. The reason behind showcasing the differences within each respective color group is to show that even people of the same race have diversities. Ultimately, these diversities make them different from their fellow red or orange brother. The realization of this is another important step in improving the diversity of today. Once people find other things in common with a person
other than color, diversity can be more of a reality.

Affluence is also a factor in the issue of diversity. Two people of the same race but of different statuses share limited realities. We as human beings, though shaped by race, are also shaped by different life situations. For example, a black child raised in an affluent neighborhood may have more in common with a white child raised in that same neighborhood, compared to a black child raised in the “inner city”. Though both “Black”, their struggles in today’s ever progressing world differ. To improve diversity the “playing field” would need to be leveled. This way everyone is living around people of different races, and not in communities exclusive to one race. A leveled “playing field” would mean diversity is readily accessible to all. However, this can only be truly done by an individual. Outside forces can only do so much. It is up to individuals to level their own “playing fields” and to create diversity for themselves. Improvement of diversity in today’s society seems beyond society, and to be more of a personal issue. Society continuously implements actions to make diversity more of a reality for the sake of what is “right”. It is often times people who choose not to utilize these actions.

Bottom line is improvement of diversity in today’s society would take people making a conscious choice to accept diversity in their personal lives. When people realize the power they have together as well as the similarities they share irregardless of color, reality is sure to change for the better. Diversity will be improved and welcomed.

Temitope Oguntona is currently a senior at Sam Houston State University where she is majoring in Food Science and Nutrition. She aspires to eventually become a registered dietitian and work in the medical field as well as in public health. In her free time she enjoys photography, photo editing, reading, cooking, and listening to music.

2nd Place Winner

ofilispeaks — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 23:52:24 +0000

Over 25 applications were received for the 2nd annual chaynge.org contest and the $250 second place entry below was written by Royal Scales from the Woodlands College Park High School.

It is by neither coincidence nor chance that we differ. We are diverse by design. As individuals, we each posses traits unique to us. Most everyone can see the immediate truth- no two people are exactly alike. What is often out of view for most is the bigger picture; the fact that we are each only pieces of something much larger, a sort of puzzle. In a puzzle each piece has its own place, and the puzzle is made in such a way that if a single puzzle piece is missing or in the wrong spot the entire puzzle is ruined. The most obvious fact is hidden in plain sight. The pieces that are similar aren’t supposed to grouped together and isolated. This is my interpretation of what the picture says. Reality is separation, bold and tangible, while diversity looms in the horizon, a constant reminder that the puzzle isn’t finished. In the picture diversity is faint, but not invisible. We as global citizens need realize that our loyalties should not only be to those who look like us, but ultimately to those with which we share
this planet. When this is achieved, we will have managed to touch something dreamlike and make it real.

In order to improve diversity in, we must obliterate our out dated ways of thinking and venture
outside of our comfort zone to reconstruct our thoughts from scratch. We have been taught to tolerate one another when diversity demands that we love one another. We have been taught uniformity when the very definition of diversity is multiformity. We have been taught that we will not be accepted by those who don’t share our skin color when diversity has told us long ago that each piece fits and belongs in the puzzle. The first step is to forgive and forget. Progress is made by moving forward, but moving forward requires letting go of what holds us back- past discrepancies, wrongful deeds done against us, the wars of our fathers’ fathers, and so much more. Weaknesses must be exposed and healed by the strengths of others that we may all be strong. Opportunities are to be shared, not tucked away and hidden for individual advancement. It is when things are kept exclusively for a certain section of
the population that segregation thrives and we are made weak. If diversity is to improve, fear of unfamiliarity and the state of mind that you “don’t fit in” cannot be obstacles. Diversity will be gradual, one may feel like the only person making an effort at first, but in time the difference will be evident. Stereotypes for all races must be eliminated, a single preconceived opinion about a person’s ethnicity is enough to cause the misjudgment of billions of people. In order to be more diverse, we must conform to nonconformity.

We must never forget that all people, no matter their color, sleep under the same skies and we
must always remember that each act of courage brings us one step closer to finishing the puzzle.

Royal Scales attends The Woodlands College Park High School where she participates in Guitar Club and Interact (an organization that volunteers within the school as well as other schools and local businesses). Although all of her upper level classes are time consuming, she still makes time to be a Girl Scout and compete on the school’s swim team. Whenever she gets a hold of some spare time, she enjoy riding my bike, photography, listening to music, hiking, and just spending time with her family.