Marin Community Foundation Grant
Funds Speaker's Bureau

Our Five 4 Five students have all chosen courses of study and work that advance the causes of ethics and social justice in their communities. They are always eager to get the word out to younger students to help them choose honorable and valuable life paths. So, with the help of a grant from Marin Community Foundation (MCF) Five 4 Fivers are once again doing just that. Under a model originally designed and begun by Alberto Martinez and Ricardo Islas, we have expanded the Bureau to reach middle schools as well as local high schools. In 90 days we saw over 300 students at Venetia Valley Elementary School and San Rafael High. Our speakers this season were Nidia Islas graduate of Cal Poly at San Luis Obispo and Josue Tyub recent graduate of Sonoma State.

Using visioning games and story telling, we were able to get young people thinking, talking, writing about their dreams for meaningful, ethical work in the world. Josue's talks in Spanish and in English revolved around his struggle and success in getting out of a gang and onto a path toward becoming a Spanish teacher. Nidia's conversations with students showed how hard work and a vision toward a more just society helped her overcome difficulties that at first seemed insurmountable. Both Josue and Nidia made it very clear: students can work toward their own goals and also seek to uplift their community.

The students in both schools were very appreciative and many wrote thank you notes. They have invited us back for further presentations. Teacher Adam Singer wrote as well: "The exercises you did with the kids really left them feeling valued and uplifted. I can't thank you enough for all the gifts of amazing energy and love you've brought our school community."

Thank you to MCF and all our donors for everything you have done and continue to do for Five 4 Five! We hope to hear from you soon!

Please take a moment to make your donation here. Or, if you like, send us a check: Five 4 Five, PO Box 870, Fairfax, CA 94978

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Five 4 Five is an educational non-profit organization, (501) (c)(3), designed to help ambitious young people from the North Bay and Los Angeles educate themselves and prosper in meaningful work lives. We call our organization Five 4 Five because we work in teams of five young people for five years.

We believe in capturing student interest in high school, aiding them through college and then guiding them into worthwhile jobs in their community once they have completed their degree.