The Celebrate Israel Parade, Facebook and Engergizing Our Teens to "Do Something"

My children love the Celebrate Israel Parade. Each year, they excitedly dress in their blue and white and we make our way into the city. I actually must thank my parents for this 2^nd generation enthusiasm for the parade, as this excitement was palpable from the moment I can recall the first march in the parade. (Although I do not believe that my elementary or high schools marched at the time). I also recall the disappointment when the parade started enforcing the “no strollers rule” and I therefore could not march along with my students. I also have noticed the less than enthusiastic marching of some of the high school students and I wondered, “When does that excitement turn into apathy?” Granted, some students do not have full understanding of the importance of the Celebrate Israel Parade. And, true- it is the Sunday before finals and they could use the day for studying. However, this apathy concerns me since teenagers can be passionate when a cause strikes their fancy. If only we could harness this passion and help them direct it towards more meaningful causes.

Last week Mr. David Bratslavsky, Associate for Policy and Planning at the Conference of Presidents, met with our 7^th graders as part of their Advisory program. This year, as you recall, our focus with the seventh graders has been “Prepare Yourself to Change the World” as we reinforced their responsibility to “do something” when they see injustice in the world. “Do Not Stand Idly By” was the theme of this most recent unit, as the students came to understand why they cannot be apathetic bystanders when those around them-whether in another country or in their own classroom- are suffering. Mr. Bratslavsky came to do address them regarding the important role that they can play in preventing a nuclear armed Iran, as our last unit culminated in a political action project on that topic.

Mr. Bratslavsky took a different angle as he quizzed them to see how much they knew about the issues. He than asked them how many students were on Facebook. Most raised their hands. He asked them how many “friends” they had. He then challenged them with a responsibility. He asked that they each post an article or a link to a website that speaks to the issues around Iran. This can be one way that they can make a difference in an almost instantaneous way. I am going to send an e-mail to all the 7^th graders with a link they can use as I remind them of their pledge to Mr. Bratslavsky.

Interestingly enough, a research study recently came out at Harvard which explained the attraction of Facebook and Twitter. Researchers had scanned the brains of subjects when they talked about their lives and opinions and noted that the same area of the brain that lit up when they eat or earn money lit up. The more people with whom they shared their personal thoughts, the greater the activity was in that part of the brain. This explains why people feel pulled towards the social media sites as 80% of postings are people writing about themselves and/or their own opinions. In essence, Mr. Bratslavksy was asking of our young people to utilize generally “self-centered” or “narcissistic” (words the study uses) media to accomplish a “self-less” feat.

When creating the curriculum for the seventh grade Advisory program this year, I came across an organization called “DoSomething.org.” This organization is devoted to helping teens make a difference in the world. “DoSomething.org believes you have the power to make a difference. It is our aim to inspire, support and celebrate a generation of doers: people who see the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take actions. At DoSomething.org we provide the tools and resources for you to convert your ideas and energy into positive action.” The website itself is a great tool for teens. They can have an issue of interest and they are given possible ideas of projects they upon which they can embark. The website even has a list of topics and issues from which they can choose. This organization offers two $500 grants a month for community service ideas/projects. And, the website provides a way for teens to share inspiring stories of those who attempt to change the world around them.

How can we harness some of that excitement towards our Yeshiva students? Aria Finger, the COO of DoSomething.org speaks of the importance of letting the teens know they truly can have an impact and believing in them. She then stresses that their passions may not be exactly what you would have chosen, (i.e. more pudding in the lunch program!), but go with it. Finger praises the power of peer pressure. That positive pressure to do what's right sometimes is just what they need to do what they really feel is right in their hearts. There is no greater peer pressure than arriving at the parade and seeing thousands of Jews marching right alongside you. It is worth schlepping into the City each year for our students to feel that positive “peer pressure” of telling the world that we are proud of and stand by Israel.