BRC Member Emi Kawamura in front of mural created by students at Wilson Vance Elementary.

Recipient of the $500 Community Engagement Grant for Youth, Borderless Relations Committee (BRC) based in Findlay, Ohio, had a year full of engagement in their community. BRC is made up of students Christina Horn, Maree Iboaya, and Emi Kawamura, who went above and beyond to make an impact on their community's youth. BRC’s mission was to help create a sense of belonging by empowering students by celebrating differences and providing education about diversity. The students the committee sought to empower were local third to fifth graders by providing Reading to end Racism: Discussing Racism to Youth.

The borderless relations committee used the grant to buy picture books, art supplies, and cultural snacks for their activities with the children. During the last year, BRC appeared in three podcasts, conducted public library events, and reached out to local elementary schools. The library events consisted of a meeting once a month for a duration of four months. These meetings were held on two cultural days to help spread and end misconceptions about Asia and Africa.

During their elementary visit, they created meaningful discussions with more children than ever before. BRC visited Wilson Vance Elementary in Findlay, Ohio. Wilson Vance was the chosen elementary school due to its high number of immigrant families and the school having an ESL program. The visit consisted of reading aloud a picture book, creating a discussion with the circle, and ending with a hands-on activity.

Although the school year has ended and some of the BRC members will be starting college, they wish for the group to continue after they leave and hope that they can recreate what BRC achieves in their new college communities. Before the summer ends, Borderless Relations Committee will be holding a “Summer World Camp” in July, which will consist of book read-aloud and hands-on activities for young children.

If you want to support youth groups in your community, you can apply for our Community Engagement Grants for Youth Groups.