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tabling at Wheeling HS April 11, 2017

Tuesday, 11 April 2017 21:18 Libby Frank

It was Hawaiian shirt day today. I didn't get the memo, but I was not alone. I asked someone why April 11 but their answer really didn't make sense.

One of the security guards who served in the military during the 80's, was very interested in the current "pie chart" flyer from the War Resisters League. They produce a flyer that analyzes where our income tax money really goes. I've had it on the table during April in conjunction with tax day. We talked a bit about military recruitment and the likelihood that our current administration will be able to increase the Armed Forces by as many bodies as they hope. He commented that many of the students at Wheeling that might be candidates would be disqualified because of arrest record or gang affiliation.

A little bit later I noticed another security guard came over and picked up one of the pie chart flyers.

Several interesting conversations with young folks who stopped and asked who we were and what we were doing. Sometimes it's hard to determine if they're really interested or just want a button. But I assume they're interested.

The current issue of "The Spokesman" was available (the school newspaper). Several things that caught my eye:

The baseball team is using yoga in their spring training
The Gay Straight Alliance is sponsoring a "Day of Silence" April 21 to recognize those that have been bullied or victims of sexual assault.

The picture is of a tshirt I saw an African-American student wearing -- tshirt

tabling at BGHS April 10, 2017

Tuesday, 11 April 2017 21:12 Libby Frank

Rather slow today. (That seems to be a recurring theme).

Had a long talk with a young man who wants to be a dermatologist. I asked him what he thought about the air strike on Syria. He expressed a lot of concern about where it would lead us. If only we would listen to the youth!

He came back later to show me a YouTube video of Alex Jones, some far-right radio show host. The guy's antics are certainly wasted on radio - you need to see him to believe it. I asked how he found out about this guy. He said his mother found out about the show from another program she watches. I guess I'm just not up on my far-right radio shows.

tabling at Rolling Meadows HS 4/4/2017

Tuesday, 04 April 2017 20:15 Libby Frank

It's a quiet day at Rolling Meadows High School. I haven't heard anybody comment on the fact that one of their security dudes is running for mayor today. He's usually the one who checks me in at the door. But it was somebody else today.

They're on a strange schedule today. As you know, they are normally on a block schedule, and they alternate their eight class periods such that 4 class periods take place each day. Today all 8 periods are meeting, and they'll only have school in the morning tomorrow for testing of some sort. I assume this will be standardized testing. This means my day started 10 minutes later than usual, and will end around 45 minutes earlier than usual.

Folks haven't been particularly interested in talking to me. Our prolific writer dropped by, and was sweet as always. He seems to understand our zine's limitations, and still wants to write for us.

Students seem more interested in peace buttons and candy than conversation today.

Lynne

tabling at Prospect HS March 21, 2017

Wednesday, 22 March 2017 01:36 Libby Frank

Since yesterday was the anniversary of the U.S. invasion of Iraq, I decided to put together a small display highlighting some of the costs of the war.

The cost is staggering and it's still going up. A number of students noticed the poster. The reactions were interesting. Most looked very thoughtful; some shook their head in disbelief. I failed to find one student who thought we had any business in Iraq.

I also recall how different the students' attitudes are now than years ago. We started going into the schools in 2003 and at that time we encountered quite a bit of hostility. 9/11 was still fresh in everyone's minds and many people felt we were unpatriotic or worse.

Talked to several groups of students about starting a peace club. There's interest. Wish we could turn that interest into something concrete.

Libby

tabling at Buffalo Grove HS March 13, 2017

Monday, 20 March 2017 18:11 Libby Frank

Although I wasn't able to interest anyone in our survey (Human Rights Day), I did have several productive conversations. In particular, I talked to two Sophomore students, both female, about their plans after high school. Although it's several years away for them they are already starting to think about it. We talked about other options besides college. One young woman mentioned that her brother had taken a year off, like a gap year. He started college but just wasn't doing well and didn't like it. He went back after the year off and did very well. They think it's a great option if you don't really know what you want to do. I applaud the parents for allowing their child to do that.