Reckoning’s strategy is to go into a community, identify the most pressing need, and design initiatives for it. Accordingly, Reckoning hosted two art process workshops in C/V last fall and winter. Known as a “migrant workers camp,” this 100% Hispanic neighborhood of 166 homes is characterized by:

• Parents who work at least one agricultural job,

• Poverty

• Gangs that are growing

• Bullets that fly at night

• Substance abuse

• Fear so big it leads to apathy

Kids climb over this levy to do drugs, drink, and plan gang activity. Fear keeps kids inside; the empty soccer field that could be used to promote team work and good citizenship, lies unused.

Reckoning prototype initiatives with kids there this year led us to refine our  work this Fall. We will begin a Reckoning Everyday Leadership Academy for children, youth and parents at Cabrillo Village. CPC has funded a grant for the Academy’s first three art workshops. In Ventura we are working with the top educators in the city to develop this Academy. Excitement among educators for this project is growing! This is a large project that will many people and large funds.

On September 13 we begin a beading class for Jr. High girls and their mothers. While the girls/women have fun beading, they will also be learning the fundamental elements of making good ethical decisions. Mothers and daughters will be learning together! We’ll be putting our flyer for this on the Website in August. Additionally, we are spending the neighborhood, seeking to make friends with youth, ages 9-12, and discover what art process workshops would get the best participation from this age group!