"What is Your Agenda?"

Eleven years ago, I was startled to have a man approach my information table at the Canton Farmers Market, without any preliminary conversation, and ask, "What is your agenda?" At that point, I was so utterly out of my element and new to talking about DRC, yet so passionate about what I was creating that I blurted out, "I don't have an agenda." He scoffed, "Yeah, right," and walked away.

All these years later, I realize he was right, despite his rudeness and condescension. I do have an agenda, although it probably isn't the one he was thinking about.

I want all young people:

• To feel seen and heard.
• To have a nurturing, non-coercive learning environment where they feel safe to be themselves and explore all of their possibilities. And if it pertains to them, to understand their neurodivergence and learning disabilities and get the support they want and need.
• To play, be inventive, and create with abandon—without worrying about being "productive" or "too old."
• To have enough of all the basics — food, clothing, shelter, health care (including dental & mental health care), and a loving family.
• To feel like they are connected to a community of folx who care deeply about them.
• To never experience racism, homophobia, transphobia, body-shaming, the stigmatizing effects of poverty, or any other insidiously traumatizing experience that involves bigotry, bullying, or gaslighting. But, if they do...
• To effectively stand up for themselves with clarity and compassion.
• To feel worthy and confident enough to seek out and campaign for everything they want for their future.

It doesn't seem like much to ask, but in today's world, it is everything!

DRC News

Another week passed in a blur, and the Canton Crew only has two left before we celebrate our graduates and all of our accomplishments, and say goodbye for the summer!

The Pop-Ups Peeps had a fantastic week at the Nicandri Nature Center and the Massena Library. They learned about Hissing Cockroaches, saw a Baltimore Oriole, made jewelry, purchased and taste-tested more weird soda flavors, and had in-depth conversations about a range of topics.

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Happy Mother’s Day to all of the Moms and to all of the folx who have lovingly taken on the Mom role in someone’s life.

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Fundraiser

DRC is planning our second annual Craft Fair in the Norwood Village Park. Save the date! If you know of any vendors, please pass along this information. The vendor registration is digital, but there are also paper copies if folx are not comfortable with online registration. Please get in touch if you would like the paper form. 

Vendor Registration

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Summer Program
Don't miss the early bird special ending May 31st

Summer Program Registration