INvitation to EXpress

Ethics for Teen Leaders 

invites youth to write up a storm for the inaugural

"Compassionate Pen" Writing Prompt!

THEME of the SEASON: "BLACK LIVES MATTER matters...to ME..."

Entries may be written or graphic:

1. Poem

2. Short Personal Essay

3. Short Story

4. Graphic
5. Letter

Dear Teens and those who love them,

          "Black Lives Matter MATTERS...to ME!" is the inaugural writing prompt for Compassionate Pen's call to ethically-driven teen leaders.  

           "Black Lives Matter" are the words of our day.  This phrase holds a straight forward meaning, and beckons response.  What does it mean to a teenager in America IS the very quest of the Compassionate Pen writing prompt, hosted by NYSEC's teen scene:  Ethics For Teen Leaders.  The assertion that the phrase Black Lives Matter "does matter"  is stated in the writing prompt title, to compel earnest and compassionate inquiry instead of cynicism.  Adding "...to ME" was the suggestion of a wise teen-consultant who hopes to emphasize how important the PERSONAL is, within this reflective and creative process.

          "Black Lives Matter"  is a modern civil rights call of a kind, half a century after Dr. King's "I Have a Dream" speech.  This call at this time yearns to alert America that we might need to be ever more attentive of unmet needs, caring of continued inequalities and vigilant about outstanding harms vibrant within the very "American Dream" we've been creating since King.  

         This idea of The Compassionate Pen writing prompt was born of a dialogue with a middle-school-aged young man who wanted to do a research paper about Black Lives Matter and was told by his teacher that perhaps the topic was not "age-appropriate." Meanwhile news stories of children's deaths jump to mind, breaking our hearts.

         It is time to give this dear young man, and every other young person in America a chance to grapple with the justice issues of the day.  Indeed, youth have been the buds of society's necessary changes toward justice throughout the world throughout time.  We must make space for their voices, and listen and nurture them.  Ethics for Teen Leaders aims to do this with the Compassionate Pen prompts.  

          You may link to the EthicsForTeenLeaders.blogspot.com for more information and resources about the Black Lives Matter movement, if that serves you in your process. 

Submit entries to EthicsForTeens@NYSEC.org 
labeled COMPASSIONATE PEN ENTRY

Suggested goal time (loose deadline extended): July 31st, 2016
Please include a 2-3 sentence bio-statement 

Excellent Entries will be:
 *** published on Ethical Blog ***
*** invited to read at ETHICAL NYSEC ***
*** and offered support in a "justice deed" they wish to organize ***

Ideas must be ethically considered and contemplated, both in language and in content.
Teens of all ages are welcome to participate.  
A little younger, a little older?  
Don't be discouraged from participating.  
Just WRITE!
For more information, and for links to resources, 

visit EthicsForTeenLeaders.blogspot.com.
If you wish to OFFER references and  resources to the youth writing community about the topic, as fuel for process and food for thought, you may send it to  EthicsForTeens@NYSEC.org marked COMPASSIONATE PEN SUGGESTION.  Input is welcome.