Yes, indeed, those moments - the ones when I feel discouraged, incompetent, and ineffective. As I have mentioned a few times, trust is one of the most important components of self-directed learning. I firmly believe every kid intuitively knows what they need and will seek it out on their own terms, and I will always support them to do just that. Nevertheless, there are times I forget to trust myself and this process. I was having one of those moments last weekend. Wallowing - would sum up this particular funk nicely. Then, out of the blue, a text arrived from a young adult who had been a member of DRC in our very early years. Her main point was to wish me a Happy Birthday - but in the process, she explained that she would not be in the positive place she is now if it had not been for DRC and wanted to thank me. She is doing really well in a career that she loves. As we continued the text conversation, she said that because of her experience at DRC, she was confident in leaving college after a year and taking on an unconventional job that fit her skills, talents, and interests beautifully. Now that I recall, the most fascinating part of this story is that she came in sporadically because she had a full plate of responsibilities at home - helping to care for younger foster siblings. When she did come in, she socialized with a few other teens and did tons of art. She was not at all interested in academics or formal mentoring sessions. I never felt like I offered her much. Looking back, I can say she needed us for one thing - to be that safe space where she felt completely comfortable following her interests and exploring the different versions of herself without judgment until she discovered her authentic self. Next time I feel myself sliding into a 'moment' - I hope to recall that each of these kids needs something different from us and trust that they will find it - because we support them in this diverse, open, welcoming environment to do just that. DRC True Story This DRC-CANTON kiddo has refused to join any cooking or baking sessions. But she adores eating everything we bake - especially our made-from-scratch biscuits. I asked EH if she would help make biscuits for our traditional turkey meal because she loves them so much. I encouraged her by saying if she learned how she could make them whenever she wanted. She replied, "I don't know how to bake," and I said, "That is the point of the baking class." Then she mentioned that her Dad loves biscuits, too. I told her we could make some for him and put them aside. That is when she agreed to make them. They were pretty OK - for the first try. Later that day, she was shaping the salt play dough other kids had made and asked if she could make Christmas cookies someday. I think she will be joining our baking crew more frequently! DRC News
Both Centers celebrated Thanksgiving this past week. On Tuesday, DRC-Canton enjoyed a full traditional feast made by the cooking and baking crews. And on Wednesday the DRC-East Crew put together and ate very cool charcuterie boards, played games, and sang karaoke with Kris R. - their special guest. Just in time for the Holidays - DRC has two merch stores - Bonfire and Printify where you can get all your DRC Swag. What a fun way to support DRC and do your Holiday Shopping.
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It is once again the time of year that I hold onto my other ideas for Blog topics to update all of you on our progress over the previous 12 months and then humbly ask you to help us stick around for another year. Honestly, this annual appeal feels like it has higher stakes - mainly because the big grants we wrote didn’t get funded. Nevertheless, I have faith that our dedication to the mission and the stories from the kids themselves will inspire folks to join us in keeping it alive for all our current families and those who will reach out for our help in the coming months and years. The narratives we hear from parents daily keep us motivated - like the Mom of one of the kids who home schools on their own and consults with me, who called on Friday to say she wasn’t sure what to tell me to write in his quarterly report. Then she proceeded to say this 16-year-old kid (who had been nearly impossible to live with and was on track to be put on PINS by his social worker) has been volunteering to do things around the house, including decorating and organizing tasks for his extended family, is super pleasant to be around (according to her a major attitude adjustment), and he is working non-stop on an ATV to get it running. Additionally, his interest in RC cars has been renewed, and he is getting those operational again. All of this in the four weeks since he left school. Needless to say, I had plenty to write in his report. Even though this kiddo does not come to Deep Root Center - he has my full support to follow his interests and explore the possibilities. That, right there, is our why! Thank you for reading our Fall Funding Appeal, and supporting us in whatever way you can. Together we make a difference - one kid at a time! Wow, another year just sped by, and Deep Root Center (DRC) is set to celebrate our tenth anniversary in January. My annual message each of those years has not changed much - we are still here (now with two locations), and despite our austerity budget - the number of kids we serve continues to expand, the amount we provide in fee reductions has grown substantially (200K+ - this year), and DRC's reputation in the community for providing a safe, non-coercive environment where kids are trusted to freely follow their interests to be themselves has only solidified. Nonetheless, in the not-for-profit world, DRC doesn't quite fit the typical fund-able mold. We are committed to staying small and flexible, and we are passionately fierce in our dedication to our mission. We are focused solely on supporting the amazingly brave kids who refuse to fit into societal expectations and would otherwise fall through the cracks. Additionally, we don't speak "entrepreneurial" - the language of capitalism. We consider these traits our strengths. However, those who gate-keep the grants and funding for not-for-profits often see it differently. With that being said, we are deeply grateful for the local businesses and individuals who recognize our value to the community, donated items to our silent auction, contributed to annual appeals or monthly, and sponsored our kiddos this year. Our mission might not be sexy or provide overloads of cuteness, and the language we use doesn't bring to mind a business; however, as evidenced by these quotes from DRC families, we are changing lives every single day. And for us, that is the only thing that matters. Your financial contributions will go a long way in helping us continue our one mission. You can donate one-time or monthly or even purchase an item from our Amazon wishlist. If you know of someone who is excited about outside-the-box ideas and supporting kids, please spread the word: the Deep Root Center board is also seeking sponsorships from individuals, businesses, and organizations - stores committed to doing a roundup campaign or restaurants or bars willing to have a DRC Day and donate a percentage of a day’s sales. We are grateful for you sharing our message. Thank you!
Deep Root Center Mission:
At Deep Root Center (DRC), we believe that all young people deserve a safe, educational environment where they feel like they are part of a community - and where they are free to explore all the possibilities. Staff: Maria Corse - Executive Director. & Founder, Christopher Raymo - DRC-Canton Staff, Karen Gagne - DRC-East Lead Staff & Mentor Board of Directors: Virginia Galligan, Tiffanie Jacob, Susan Foster, & Candace Cowser One of the things I hear most frequently is "I am not (do not know how to be) self-directed" (or "my kid is not self-directed"). I am finally learning to stop brushing this concern off with a breezy "not yet" or something similarly nonchalant. Another DRC teen told me, "I can't do this - I am not self-directed," a few weeks ago and followed up with the statement - "I am going back to school." This sentence never fails to surprise me, stops me dead in my tracks, and then breaks my heart into tiny pieces - every damn time. And only once I am safely alone, can I cry and scream with frustration into the void. You see, I know how thoroughly miserable they were in school - which is why they sought us out in the first place. However, at the moment, I was taken aback, ineffectual (wishy-washy) at best - expressing concern for them but not addressing the underlying reason fueling their desire to leave. We live in a competitive culture that coaxes (coaches) productivity and the ability to fit in ("be normal"). We get there by training (coercing) people to perform to our exacting expectations (curriculum) - with no exemptions or excuses. Sticks and carrots are our chief motivators. This is infused into every aspect of our lives. Most of us have come to expect external motivation and honestly don't know what our personal intrinsic drive looks or feels like. When someone comes along and says, "You are now in charge of making decisions for yourself - you get to follow your heart and your interests. I trust you and will not tell you what to do." After a short period of "detox," there are guaranteed to be moments of complete and utter panic. "What!" "Hold on!" "I can't do this!" "I am not doing enough!" "No one told me it would be this hard!" And that, right there, is the exact instant we could lose them. If I could somehow wave a magic wand and go back to every conversation that started with someone telling me, "I don't know how to be self-directed." I would take them deadly seriously and say something akin to this: Yes, self-direction is scary and challenging, especially when you have never had the opportunity to let your natural learning instincts have free range. But once you get past the pressure to be productive and do school-like stuff - that truly holds no interest or necessity - you will discover a desire and comfort within that newly found freedom to seek out the information pertinent to you as an individual. That moment, right there, is where self-direction (motivation) is reborn. It takes time and patience within those frustrated, anxiety-ridden moments - but eventually, if you give yourself the gift of space (and grace), you will find your way to allow your curiosity to lead you to freely explore thoughts and ideas, get creative and messy, make mistakes, and discover the authentic you. Yes, that, right there, is exactly what I will say next time someone confides that they are scared that they aren't doing enough and that they will somehow fail life. That - and I will probably (most definitely) offer them a hug, too. I'll leave you with something to consider - this just occurred to me - I have never heard a 4, 5, or 6-year-old say they don't know how to be self-directed. No, indeed - they are fiercely themselves and unafraid to imagine all the possibilities and jump right in. Hell! They can even travel to the moon - in a painted cardboard box if they want to (true story). DRC News Just in time for the Holidays - DRC has two merch stores - Bonfire and Printify where you can get all your DRC Swag. What a fun way to support DRC and do your Holiday Shopping.
Our short week - in photos...
Free play (without adult direction or influence) in a multi-age environment is the one clue that will always give away a self-directed learning space. There are plenty of progressive schools that tout "multi-age" classrooms that include two to three, generally elementary, grade levels. (Here is a reminder of the difference between progressive and self-directed education from Peter Gray.) Yes, they are technically, but without an age span of at least 4 - 6 years - they, on the whole, miss the developmental and educational benefits of a multi-age environment. Our fiercely independent young children learn important concepts from the tweens & teens, and then, on the flip side - the older kids learn patience, kindness, responsibility, curiosity, and how to be silly - with abandon and joy. The life lessons within those shared experiences and respectful relationships will likely last a lifetime. And when you introduce the modality of free play - it is beautiful to behold. We intentionally replace the word "work" with "play" in every context. We model playing with words, food, numbers, paint, social concepts, science experiments, music and instruments, problem-solving, and all our creative pursuits. We engage every single one of our senses, ask questions, experiment, get messy, and make mistakes that we then learn how to fix. In this way, we reintroduce learning as something fun and exciting to kids who previously considered it a drudgery and something to dread. Self-directed learning is indeed a paradigm shift of gigantic proportions - where a passerby may see (and hear) loud, boisterous, untethered, chaotic, and noneducational activity - I experience the unfiltered and joyful essence of happy kids taking on free exploration and natural learning opportunities while gaining massive amounts of knowledge that is pertinent to them in an environment where each individual is celebrated for who they are. DRC News We've had a week to decompress from our Halloween Jamboree adventures. Thanks again to everyone who made it a huge success. And thank you to everyone who participated in our October 50/50 Raffle. The winning ticket was drawn by VG, our birthday kiddo, on Halloween. The winner came to the Center on Thursday to pick up the check for 727.50! She very graciously donated a portion of it back to us. This was our second 50/50 Raffle this year and both had considerable winnings. keep an eye out for our next raffle. Our fundraising efforts are just beginning - stay-tuned for our annual funding appeal letter and other opportunities to support Deep Root Center. As always, you can donate one-time or monthly, or sponsor a DRC Kid.
Both Centers will be closed this coming Thursday & Friday for Veteran's Day and a well deserved Staff Day of R&R. Enjoy these photos from the past week. Today's blog post is dedicated to thanking all the folks who put their time and energy into making the Halloween Jamboree a success. One of our DRC parents, Valerie Kirkpatrick, suggested the idea of an October jamboree. After conferring with her Dad, Ron Kirkpatrick, and her brother, Josh, they were ready to go. Ron got his band together for possibly the last time, and they played till the Canton-VFW was rocking! And then Josh played with his band. What a thrill to have these NoCo musical legends play to benefit Deep Root Center. Thank you, Ron, Valerie, & Josh Kirkpatrick, Carter Houk, George Dodds, Don Woodcock, Jay Seymour, and all the guys in Josh's band. We are deeply grateful for your music and your support. The musical talent was augmented by DRC's own Chris Raymo, his son Christian, and long-time DRC member Avery Latimer, and then my husband, Mike Corse, who finished the evening with a few original tunes. Thank you to all of them for sharing their gifts with us. I am deeply grateful to DRC parents and Board members for their many efforts – they heard the call and responded with purpose. Special thanks to Susan Foster and Tiffanie Jacob, two of our parents and board members, for contributing items to the Silent Auction, 'womanning' the entrance table, and generally helping everything flow smoothly throughout the day. And gratitude to parent Rachel Colton for running our concession. Thank you to our DRC Kiddos for baking items for the bake sale, their willingness to share their creative talents by putting their work out there for sale, for offering their face painting skill, and all of the lifting and carrying and general "grunt work" needed to put the entire gig together. This would not be complete without mentioning our dedicated staff, the heart and soul of DRC, who don't get paid nearly enough for all they do. Karen Gagne, our beloved lead staff person, and mentor at DRC-East in Massena, spent hours connecting and engaging with people and businesses to acquire items for the Silent Auction. Because of her efforts, we had over 35 items - many of which were hotly contested. She also took all of these photos! And Chris Raymo, our Canton Staff person who goes above and beyond every single day - quietly taking care of our kiddos - as well as the facility (broken doors, clogged drains, hanging a swing, and building a sandbox, among many other things). Thanks again to the businesses and individuals who donated items to the silent auction. We are grateful for your support. The winners of all the "loot," if not already, will be contacted later today. Thank you to the Canton VFW for allowing us to take over your space for the day. It was the perfect venue for our event. And finally, thank you to everyone who came out, played in the kid zone, listened and danced, and contributed your hard-earned dollars to DRC. We rely on our community to stay alive, and you all came through beautifully. DRC News The DRC October 50/50 Raffle will be drawn on Halloween. Tickets are still available - please get in touch if you would like to purchase one.
Our fundraising efforts will continue through the year - stay tuned for our next event. In the meantime, you can contribute through our Omella donation page, sponsor a DRC kid, or send a check to DRC, 48 Riverside Dr., Canton, NY 13617. Thank you! The adult role in a self-directed learning environment (as mentioned two weeks ago) is totally different from traditional or even progressive school settings. This is one of the main reasons I don't own (accept) the title "teacher." On the other hand, I know other colleagues in the Liberated Learner Network who happily embrace it - therefore, this is definitely a personal preference. Just plain Maria is fine - but sometimes, they call me mom or, more recently, "grandma!" (What??? I mean - I am old enough to be their grandparent - but OUCH!) By spending my days listening closely to their stories and (sometimes) non-verbal cues, I provide the resources they need to pursue their interests and aspirations. Together, we create a safe, often loud and chaotic, richly diverse environment filled with funny, serious, creative, curious, fiercely independent, playful, shy, and colorful personalities - all excited about learning. I am a facilitator - a direct support person - the one adult they know for a fact will always have their back. They know I trust them unequivocally to make the choices best for them, and they trust me - to be their sounding board, guide, and champion. For example, this year, we have one teen - who suffers from severe anxiety to the point that they are (mostly) mute and spend their days in the office away from the other kids - reading and petting Digby. In the beginning, this situation made me feel really uncomfortable. I felt ineffectual in my inability to help. Then, a few weeks ago, I received a note from their mom thanking me for providing that safe space for her child, and she didn't know what they would do if it wasn't for DRC. Now, I engage with them while I work on projects and admin tasks by chatting occasionally without anticipating a response - simply letting them be without judgment or external expectations. It is what they need - at this moment. On Friday, I asked this teen if they would like to draw Halloween scenes on some of the treat bags we are handing out at the Jamboree next week. At the end of the day, they handed me two bags with drawings worthy of framing and hanging in a gallery. Holy Moly! This kid is talented! They beamed when I told them just that. On my way home, I stopped at the SLU Brewer Bookstore to purchase a sketchpad, a good quality drawing pencil, and a kneadable eraser - that I will present to them on Monday. I can't wait to see the beauty they produce with those simple tools. Oftentimes, we have absolutely no idea what impact we have on the young people we spend our days with. I can only hope they see (understand) their potential as clearly as I do. And I guess at the end of the day - that defines my role best - trusting, providing the spark of hope and optimism, and sitting back and watching the magic happen before my eyes. DRC News Halloween Jamboree - Oct. 28th - 12 - 6 at the Canton VFW - Gouverneur St. Join DRC Staff, Board, & Families for amazing music featuring local legends: Ron, Josh & Valerie Kirkpatrick, George Dodds, Carter Houk, Don Woodcock, and Jay Seymour, as well as many musical friends including DRC's Chris Raymo and his son. Listen to the music while your kids have a blast in the Halloween Fun Zone with arts & crafts, games, toys, face painting & treat bags for the first 75 kids to arrive. Costumes are welcome (for all ages)! This is a fundraising event for Deep Root Center with donation at the door, food concession, bake sale, silent auction, craft fair featuring the DRC Etsy Shop Creators, 50/50 Raffle, & DRC Swag. Contact maria@deeprootcenter for more info. There will be a jam session and opportunity for Karaoke between 6-9. Please share this event widely! Hope to see you there! Photos from a busy week at both Centers!
A non-coercive environment where people follow their interests is the hallmark of self-directed education. There is no prescribed curriculum or grand plan. Each child, with unique interests and aspirations, determines what they will explore each day. Curiosity, creativity, and the joy of discovery through play are celebrated. But if kids play all day, what are they learning? This question comes up often because play is considered frivolous while work is honored. If it isn’t hard you aren’t “doing” anything and it certainly isn’t worth your time. We know that being forced to learn something that holds no interest through rote exercises does not guarantee that it is retained. Studies indicate compulsory exercises in memorization of colors, shapes, letters, etc., at a young age (preschool) are detrimental and hinder later learning. But the same also goes for the rest of us. If something is not enjoyable, stressful, or painful – our brains have a mechanism that shuts it down. Learning is natural. Kids want to learn. The best way we (adults) can flat-line any learning experience is to butt in and make it a “teachable moment.” Back to the question - what are they learning if we don’t provide a structured compulsory curriculum?
These attributes will allow anyone to gather the essential information they need to thrive - in this world. And what one person considers necessary is not universal. At the core of this philosophy is that we celebrate each unique individual with their remarkable skills, talents, interests, and needs. Next week, I will discuss adults and their role in a self-directed learning environment. DRC News More good news on the fundraising front: Thank you to American Legion Post #79 in Massena for their $500 donation to support our kids. The Oct. 28th Jamboree is coming together! You will see "blurbs" about it in local papers and events pages. Besides amazing live music performed by local legends, we will have a Halloween fun zone for the kids with games, toys, face-painting, arts & crafts, and treats. Costumes are welcome! This is a fundraising event with donations accepted at the door. There will be a silent auction, food concession, 50/50 raffle, bake sale, and a craft fair featuring items from our Etsy Store creators. Please plan on joining us at the Canton VFW! A few photos from this week:
Over the next few weeks, I will focus on self-directed, free-range educational philosophy - unless I get distracted (pissed off) by something and go off-topic to rant about it (like that ever happens). Today, I start with trust. Every child is capable (period - full-stop). Trusting that they each know themselves thoroughly and understand what they need to thrive, with the ability to seek those things out and follow through, is the foundation on which self-directed learning philosophy is built. Our culture leads us to believe the opposite. It is ingrained in our practices and system. Kids are empty vessels meant to be filled up by adults who are keepers of knowledge. They are lazy and will do the very least they can get away with and will only do something for a reward or to avoid punishment. Without that inherent trust in children - education becomes teacher-led, not self-directed. Though many are Progressive Educational programs, they are not the same. ( Peter Gray, a developmental psychologist, explains this concept beautifully here in this article from Psychology Today.) This is about the point I hear all the "buts."
Weekly Creative Meditation
DRC News This week we had a few pieces of good news in terms of our fundraising efforts. Thank you to the Potsdam Walmart for funding our Community Grant Request with a $500.00 check. We are grateful for their continued support of our programs.
Jamboree News Save the date: Oct. 28th from 12-6 (or until we are done) - DRC families will be holding a Jamboree at the Canton VFW to benefit DRC. Featuring: Ron Kirkpatrick & George Dodds - with Josh & Valerie Kirkpatrick, Carter Houk, Fiddle champion, Don Woodcock, Jay Seymour, and several other NoCo musicial legends, including DRC's very own Chris Raymo and his son Christian. The event will include a food concession, DRC kids and their Etsy store creations, a silent auction, and a Halloween Party for the younger set including a "Trunk or Treat" opportunity, face painting, an arts and crafts table and the opportunity to play with Lego, wooden blocks, and assorted toys. If you have something you would be willing to donate for our silent auction - please let us know. We are looking forward to partying with our NoCo friends and raising some serious dollars for DRC! And finally some photos from the week.
Competition is the backbone of society. Upon close observation, every aspect of capitalistic ideology is founded on contest. Bigger, faster, stronger, smarter, and the most compliant wins - the game, the reward, resources, wealth, and, possibly more importantly, the social status -closely intertwined with wealth, power, privilege, and entitlement. Life (itself) becomes a contest of who you know and, along with it, the prestige of influence. This ultimately leads to inequities (on all levels). And is, what I believe, the most blatantly obvious - but under-identified/acknowledged symptom of society. Why this thought process (rant) - now? Frankly, it is always simmering just below the surface, emitting a low-pitched hum of annoyance. However, it was brought to the forefront (and became a frustrated scream) when I learned last Friday that another grant I had spent hours writing was not funded. Because, by promising to serve whoever needs us no matter the amount they can pay, we need the dollars for everything (including basic operations, not a "special" program or project), which means we cannot be sustainable without an influx of money. Yes, it was another punch in the gut - disappointing and discouraging - on many levels. Not the least of which is the realization that I am out there (in good faith) battling for "our" kids (student members) every single day. And because they (and their families), for the most part, are the ones who don't have wealth, privilege, entitlement, influence, or power and do not comply, they are the traumatized pawns of a system that does not work for them. DRC means the world to these kids, quite literally. It is the only place where they have been accepted as themselves within a diverse community and where they may even begin to imagine a positive future while exploring their interests within our safe, supportive environment. With the failure of this latest grant - the most frustrating feeling is understanding that, to the detriment of these kids (currently 48), we have not found a way to be financially stable - even after nearly ten years and full rosters - with a solid reputation in the community - simply because we are forced to participate in an inequitable competition for dollars. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News For the above reason - we are in full-on fundraising mode. If you believe that DRC is an asset in the community and provides a valuable service - you can help keep us alive in the following ways: Make a one-time or monthly donation. Sponsorship - share this opportunity with any person, business, or organization in the NoCo who is dedicated to supporting their local community. Volunteer your time - we are always looking for folks to share their interests and passions with our kiddos, or if you have fundraising skills - we would appreciate your hands-on help. Purchase items from our Amazon Wishlist and they will get sent directly to us. Order DRC swag from our Printify shop. If you frequent a restaurant and believe they would be willing to have a DRC day where a percentage of the "take" would come to us - please consider asking them if they would be open to it. Plan on attending our upcoming Jamboree, on Oct. 28th at the VFW - presented by one of our families - more info to follow next week. This past week we had limited attendance at both Centers due to sickness - but the kiddos who were there were fully engaged in conversation, activities, and projects that fed their (and our) spirit. Note of Days of Operation Change at DRC-East: Now open Tuesday - Friday, from 9-3, each week.
Yes, indeed - my thoughts once again came out as a creative piece. I am getting better at going with the flow... DRC News Our second week was chock full of kids at both Centers engaged and connected with each other while exploring their individual interests. The days passed in the blink of an eye, and I was not paying close enough attention to hear any particular quote of note for this week's DRC Story.
However, BL wanted me to use my utterance upon hearing from a parent that another Yeti water bottle was missing - "We are being invaded by Yetis this year." He found it especially amusing and chuckled about it for a good portion of Monday morning. I often refer to DRC as an all-inclusive community. Everyone who wants to join us is welcome. Becoming part of a community comes with innumerable and clear perks - arguably, the most important is the innate sense of belonging. However, as a society, we don't often talk about the responsibilities each person carries along with the benefits. Everyone gets to be themselves and do what they need to feel safe - but their needs and desires are no more important than anyone else. Respect is our one rule, and the very best definition we have come up with is - we take care of each other, and you can't do that if you ignore, judge, or make demands of others. Therein lies the tension and where (sometimes) difficult, uncomfortable (that we want to avoid), and open conversation, amongst all ages, is the key to a thriving, diverse, and dynamic community - where individual growth within the group is the ultimate goal. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News Wow, it was a busy first week at both Centers of kiddos getting reacquainted and welcoming new faces to the crews. I seem to be having trouble articulating (wrestling and wrangling) my thoughts into their typical Sunday morning format. Once again, I am allowing the process to guide me to free-form them into something a bit more creative. Enjoy! DRC News Our first day at both Centers is tomorrow - September 11th. We are excited to be back to welcome our returning kiddos as well as those who have recently joined us. Currently the Canton Center is filled to the brim with 28 kids (expected to be 30 by the end of the week) and DRC-East in Massena has 17 (expected to be 18) before long.
We are looking forward to a year filled with unlimited opportunities for exploration and amazing individual growth. Stay tuned for photo dumps next week and more exciting news from each of the Centers. You can support our work to provide the facilities and environment our kids need to acquire these life skills by contributing financially (you can do that to honor someone as four families from around the country did to celebrate my mother-in-law's life), sponsor a DRC Kiddo, share this blog each week, volunteer at one of the Centers, join our Board or a fundraising committee, or purchase an item from our Amazon Wish-list. Thank you! When you are in the midst of something hard - like really, really hard, it feels like it will go on forever - with no end in sight. But then, one day, it does --- just stop - leaving a huge empty space for yet another difficult thing to reside. I am slowly learning through all the hard things - waiting till life gets easier to follow through on a dream or a quest - or to simply be happy - is a colossal waste of precious time. Here come the cliches - galloping in hard and fast... Live life to the fullest - authentically with gratitude. Intentionally choose joyfulness. Treat others with respect, generosity, and kindness, without judgement. Life is hard enough - why be an @$$ and make it harder for other folks? Because --- tomorrow is never guaranteed, and karma is a b*tch. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News Unbelievably, it is time to start another year. Both Centers will be open Monday Sept. 11th.
We look forward to another awesome year. More news to follow in the coming weeks as we get back into the swing of things. In the meantime, you can check out all of the swag in our Printify shop. Thank you for indulging me as this week's blog takes the form of a Creative Meditation as a tender goodbye to my husbands' beloved mom. Until next week, stay safe and be well.
This summer, I have learned a few things:
DRC News Summer Program begins next Monday the 21st. There are still a few spots left - register today.
Showing up for yourself and others is at the very center of what it means to be human. But yet, it is often the hardest thing to do. Whether you come from a background that didn't teach it as a core value or are neurodivergent and experience executive dysfunction, your inability to manifest showing up is often the consequence. I don't want to suggest that not showing up is acceptable or inevitable - simply because it is hard. Industry, determination, authenticity, creativity, acts of kindness, and dedication to your community and your personal tribe are all traits that you can learn and, in the end, be most proud of. But how do we teach the skill of showing up?
Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News The merch list has expanded with some new designs - take a peek. Every item you order supports DRC. https://deep-root-center.printify.me/products
Every one of us, at one time or another, has hit a brick wall. There are always a few options - come to a dead stop (give up the dream) or find a way - over, under, around, or through those bricks. But what are the key characteristics of those folks who persevere - no matter what? Some would probably claim that grit, willpower, and discipline are the most important. To a very small degree, I would agree - however, I believe the following four traits are even more imperative:
Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News DRC Swag Exciting news! The DRC merch shop is open! I am in the process of populating it with all-new designs for t-shirts, hoodies, and hats. Let us know if there is a particular item you would like with the DRC logo. Check it out here: https://deep-root-center.printify.me/products You get great-looking swag, and your purchases support DRC. DRC Board and Fundraising Committees DRC is looking for folks who are happiest when they are creating and exploring outside-the-box ideas to join our board or sit on our fundraising committees. We need help sustaining and growing our unique presence in the NoCo. Our flexibility and commitment to diversity generate an ideal environment for folks who value collaboration over competition in our community. Please get in touch if you would like to help. Summer Program - Register here
I have been contemplating the concept of legacies since the Supreme Court ruled against affirmative action, and during my children's visit home for the first time in a very long time and while I was writing a grant with the potential to be a game changer for DRC. I thought about it on the macro level - how birthrights are the root of gross societal inequity and injustice (as evidenced by the judges of the high court who gutted the precedent of the past 60+ years); and, more importantly, on the individual level - how each of us leaves a legacy that is often the direct opposite of entitlement. In terms of the latter, for the past five months, as one of her caretakers, I have been a direct witness to a matriarch who, despite her (terribly unfair) illness (which has literally taken her voice and much of her mobility), still retains her enduring spark of life as evidenced by her contagious humor (and giggles), generosity, gratitude, intelligence, positivity, and familial devotion. Her children, grandchildren, and friends are abundantly aware of how fortunate they are to receive these beautiful gifts as their living legacy. While writing the grant, I had to explain DRC's value to our wider community and why we consider ourselves successful. I realized in the midst of laboring over the concise 150-word answers that these could be defined as our legacy - and it is embedded in our commitment to being the only non-coercive, safe, flexible educational environment in the NoCo that works with any child who needs us, no matter their family's financial situation, which has created a diverse community to be proud of. Our success is defined by our ability to take their interests and aspirations and use them as the basis for their learning plans - which ultimately leads to happy kids excited about learning and exploring new possibilities. It sounds cheesy and unrealistic when faced with our current reality; nevertheless, we all have the opportunity to consciously and purposely, with gratitude and humility, find (be) the good in every situation and work toward making the world a better place. How would you define your legacy if you had to explain it in 150 words or less? Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News Register today!
Fifty-three weeks ago, I wrote an intensely personal blog post entitled A Love Letter. In that post, I documented my journey of discovering that I am neurodivergent - specifically autistic. (I now understand that ADHD is a large part of the mix too.) During this past year, I have spent a goodly amount of time coming to terms with what this delayed discovery meant to my past self and how it affected that person. And what it means now and to my future self. As mentioned in previous posts, I have always felt like an alien in this world - I have masked (or tried to) all my weirdness - all the eccentricities, all the sensitivities, and all the internal chaos. I can't say I was trying to be accepted or "normal" - cause that isn't the case. I simply didn't want to be noticed - ever. Invisibility was my life-long goal. Masking became my "normal" - I didn't know how to set boundaries or ask for what I needed - mainly because I didn't even know what those boundaries or needs were. My internal landscape was as much a mystery to me as it was to everyone else. What I know now is that binding yourself so tightly within a facade of OK-ness can only lead to overwhelming feelings of frustration and irritation that simmer and boil over to hurt the people you love most. With that knowledge, I am trying to be more conscious of being truly authentic - allowing myself to tell folks when I am feeling overwhelmed, asking for what I need, and removing myself from situations that make me what to crawl out of my skin - without apologizing. The funny thing is, the more I embrace all those wild eccentricities that inhabit this incredible neurodivergent brain, the more confident I am in being myself and showing all my wondrous weirdness to the world. Circling this concept back to my life's mission, every child deserves to feel like they can fully express themselves without masking, hiding, or feeling shame for simply experiencing the world differently. They should not have to wait fifty-seven and one-half years (or forever) before they, too, feel free to joyfully say, "What you see is what you get," without remorse or fear of ridicule or punishment. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News Fundraising & Grants We are always seeking innovative ways to raise funds for DRC. Our needs are many. We require funds to: hire and pay staff a living wage, pay off the mortgage and renovate and expand the Canton Center, find and purchase a new home for the Massena Center, and all of the other things on the list of any other not-for-profit.
If you have any ideas for grants or other fundraising endeavors, or are interested in joining the fundraising committee, please get in touch. We are also seeking dynamic, energetic, outside the box thinking folks to join our Board. Thank you! Did you just read the title in that whiny child voice that echoes through every parent's head and strikes fear in their hearts? It is such a dreadfully annoying utterance many cave and become the ringmaster of their very own three-ring circus for two months - simply because those cranky, fractious voices send them over the edge. And they are afraid bored kids lead to dull minds and laziness. (Or, maybe our Puritanical roots are to blame - we fear that "idle hands are the devil's workshop.") What if I told you there was a way to increase your child's creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills without managing an over-the-top, exhausting schedule that only serves as a stop-gap? It is really quite simple - try saying "good" as your only response to "I'm bored." And then walk away, turn up the volume on your earbuds, or bury yourself in your own creative activity. Here's the layman's explanation of the science behind that one-word reply: our brain needs downtime - it allows the gears in the background to begin turning and the accumulated experiences, thoughts, and stored knowledge, time to coalesce into really cool ideas or solutions to a problem it is working on. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as an "aha moment." Kids don't require "canned" (pre-chewed activities) or busyness to survive. In fact, they are better served by slowing down, being "bored," and allowing their extraordinary brains to run rampant - giving them time to experiment, explore, and play. That, for some, is a scary thought. Because all that untethered creativity is quite often unpredictable and really, really messy. We tend to forget that uncertainty, chaos, and disorder are where creativity and learning collide, leading to unbound innovation and discovery. Let them be bored and stand back to watch in amazement as their creativity, imagination, and problem-solving skills soar. It is well worth the mess and those few moments of cringy discomfort upon hearing that dreaded two-word declaration this summer. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News
,Stay tuned for Fundraising News - we are planning a Craft Fair in Massena in August. We will have details within the next week. In the meantime you can help keep DRC alive by contributing on our donation page or purchasing an item on our Amazon wishlist. It will be sent directly to us.
Thank you! Happy 4th of July! With hindsight being 20/20 - when you look back at all the things you didn't do because you were afraid --- which of those things would you do now? On the one hand, fearfulness keeps us safe from all(!) the stupidly dangerous stuff; on the other, it stops us from exploring and discovering all the experiences that may be positively life-changing. And within that statement lays the paradox. The goal is to find the balance. I think part of the problem can be found in the trendiness of using fear as a motivator - FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is one prime example. The refusal to embrace change or try something new - while they might seem on the opposite end of FOMO is motivated by fear as well. We, humans, are very good at making excuses for staying in situations or doing things (keeping up with the Joneses) that are not conducive to our well-being - physical, mental, or our future selves. And insisting that those around us remain stuck too - because - what if... fill in the blank with every negative outcome you can imagine. Or - what if you discovered that by simply opening your mind, you would begin generating fresh, original, and innovative ideas and, in the process, find deep joy and satisfaction and help others find theirs. Fear stops creativity in its tracks - whereas confidence cracks us wide open to imagine all the possibilities that life can be. I invite you to find your sweet spot within the paradox. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News We are still assessing the feasibility of offering an after school program at the Canton Center. If you need after school care or know of someone who is looking - please complete the afternoon program interest form found here.
DRC's afternoon program is completely flexible. We offer drop in options and we charge less than any other after school program in the area. ... stupid, dense, or thick-headed - not by a long shot! I am so very sorry if that is the internalized story you have been telling yourself when you consider doing something particularly challenging but stop because you are triggered by traumatic memories of failure or ridicule. The cultural standard of pathologizing, labeling, judging, and pointing out deficits and inadequacies has produced a large population of self-doubters who are deathly afraid of experimenting, getting creative, and trying something new - because they may be wrong or screw up or punished for simply stepping outside the box of tradition and conformity. Every single one of us holds deep inside a capacity for brilliance. None of us share the same talents, skills, challenges, or life experiences as anyone else in this whole wide world. As I see it, the only way forward is to embrace a new paradigm that highlights each individual's positive characteristics, celebrates their innate abilities, interests, and intense curiosity, honors their struggles, and guides them to discover their very own hacks for overcoming obstacles to do the things they want to do. Join me in creating a reality where authenticity, uniqueness, and originality are the new standard of excellence. And where every child (person) is excited to try something new and challenging because they believe wholeheartedly (and fiercely) in themselves and their abilities. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News
Several wisps of ideas have drifted into my consciousness at various moments this past week but only flitted through long enough for me to realize they were there - none of them landed long enough to settle in, get cozy, and inspire a post. Over these past ten years, I have learned not to struggle and fight - to write something only to get words on a page or force all the creative sparks into an uncomfortable pattern when they are making it abundantly clear they desire a brief vacation. This is my brain shouting, take a rest - and this time, I will listen. Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News
Doing the work that needs to be done - not for profit or the glory - simply because you see the need for your particular talent or skill set and want to help however you can. Sociologists would probably consider this utopia - a society where everyone works and plays together for the good of all - and where everyone is taken care of. There are places in the world where this concept exists, but I can only imagine it is most likely dying out. Native South Africans, as well as other African cultures, call it Ubuntu. And it is the antithesis of Capitalism. You see, you can't make excessive (stupid) amounts of money when folks are committed to sharing their skills and resources to help each other. This is why I am always super impressed and excited to work with people who see a problem or a niche to be filled and dive in to create a unique solution. These folks are incredibly passionate about doing the good work for the benefit of all. Not because they see a path to riches but because they genuinely care and want to help others who are also doing good work. I recently met someone accomplishing just that, and it is inspiring to know that the fundamental desire to help is still alive and well. Any of us can step up, fill a gap, create something, share our beautifully authentic gifts, and without a doubt, change the world - together! Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News
As an ongoing fundraiser, DRC will be holding monthly raffles - our last payout was $870. Stay-tuned to learn how you can buy a chance to win.
Today as we finish another academic year, this post is dedicated to all the folks who commit their time, dollars, and emotional support to me and Deep Root Center. If it wasn't for them, DRC would not exist. Friday, as Karen was leaving our final gathering of the 22/23 year, she said, "You are driven to do this." I, of course, protested. But she insisted that because DRC is "my baby," I am dedicated to its survival in a different way than others. And I understand what she means - to a point. Within the exhaustion, frustration, and, yes, deep anger, I am driven to help as many kids as I can - escape traumatic, unhealthy, or tedious educational situations - so they are free to discover the wonders and excitement of learning - as well as their own pure awesomeness. Because we all deserve that! But quite honestly, that drive is fueled by all the hordes of folks who have helped along the way these last 10(!) years. If not for them, I would have been defeated long ago. Although it may appear, from the sidelines, that this is a one-woman show, the reality could not be further from the truth. Deep gratitude to Christopher Raymo, who returned to DRC-Canton this year after a few, quite literally preserving my hide (and sanity). He is the kindest, most steadfast guy who can think on his feet, solve virtually any problem, and is adored by every kiddo at the Center. He does it all without fuss, humbly, and always with a smile. I will be forever indebted to Karen Gagne and her sidekick Trader for agreeing to return to St. Lawrence County to so very capably take on the leadership of DRC-East. She endured and shined through the move from the church in North Lawrence to the new location at the Massena Housing Authority, several kids transitioning in and out of the Center, and the multitude of everyday challenges that make up life at DRC - with kindness, unwavering dedication to the kids, and always with grace. I am grateful to the people and organizations who contribute to our bottom line - whether through seasonal donations, monthly contributions, sponsorships, grants, or support of one of our fundraisers. Quite plainly - without money, we could not do our work. Thanks to our board members - several of whom are brand new and a couple who have been here since the beginning - for taking on this enormous task of keeping DRC fiscally viable, jumping in to help with various projects, and always having my back. I greatly appreciate their support and am delighted to call them my friends. And finally, thank you to all the DRC kids and their families. If it wasn't for their willingness to "jump ship," try something completely different, and trust the process - there would be no reason for us to exist. Every kid is excited to be here, supporting each other as they learn, grow, and explore all the possibilities together. These kiddos make all of our days a little brighter. So, as we finish another year (that flew by) of amazing accomplishments - I can only say, Thank You All for sticking with me on this crazy ride! Weekly Creative Meditation DRC News Have a fantastic summer! We will be back in August for Canton Summer Program and then our Regular Programs will begin September 5th. If your family would like to join us - please get in touch. Look for our collaborative art piece at the Heritage Park Whimsical Art walk in Canton. It will open on June 10th - with a celebration and party and will remain up for two months during the summer. Thank you to Anneke L. of Grasse River Heritage for inviting DRC to participate. Thank you (so far) to Potsdam Agway, High Peaks Winery, and ABCD Hardware and Supply for hosting DRC donation buckets. Please support these community minded businesses and while you are there - drop a little love in our buckets. Thank you! |
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