Opening Ceremony with Changeist

What’s happenin’, y’all?

Today was Opening Ceremony for Changeist, which meant that friends and families of the youth, as well as anyone who supports the organization, were invited to discover what Changeist really is.

Changeist is an organization founded by Mario Fedelin in Los Angeles almost ten years ago. The mission of the organization is to get youth involved with social issues. The foundation graphic of the organization can be found below. The youth involved, or the Changeists, end up completing over 100 hours of community service through the program. They are encouraged to make their city a better place. Last year, a friend of mine from Stockton who went to UCLA, gave Mr. Fedelin the idea to move the organization to Stockton- a diverse city with severe wealth inequality.

During the ceremony today, youth and team leaders were able to give dedications of the next seven months with Changeist. Most of the youth ended up dedicating their time with Changeist to the Stockton community and their families. Mayor Tubbs also came to our wonderful event, and spoke about the Birmingham Children’s March, calling the young people who marched in 1963 Changeists of their times in order to motivate our young people of today.

Some of the youth presented their “Story of Self” which was pretty powerful. A lot of these young people have been through a lot and have a lot to give back into the city that the love. It’s inspiring to see people have faith in Stockton, knowing they can make a difference.

Anyways, I will be spending the next seven months with Changeist, so I will most likely post about my experience with the program and my team more on this blog. You’re never too young, or too old to promote change. All you have to do is put yourself out there and encourage others to do the same. There is a lot to work to be done in Stockton, so please join us in the effort.

Here’s to Mudville,

Liz Malone

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