Another Way is not a program; it is a new way of thinking. There is no need to raise existing taxes in order to expand present social programs; we need to improve the delivery system for existing resources. We need to more effectively gather, coordinate and communicate current and better information.
The Harry Singer Foundation is convinced that high school students can successfully perform many tasks that would save local governments and businesses hundreds of thousands of dollars and unite communities. Many of these tasks demand research and coordination; skills which can be successfully developed in the classroom. We believe business, government and other organizations that would benefit from the efforts of youth would be more than happy to trade for these services. The only stipulation is that the trades not be denominated in dollars. The Foundation is determined to stress values other than money.
Our initial surveys show that your peers would donate additional after-school hours to strengthen their communities if their friends were involved, they knew where to go, what to do and the projects were truly worthwhile, challenging and fun. We want to know what you would like in exchange. Once we know your wishes and what you are willing to do to get them, we will take your proposals to businesses, community leaders and organizations and ask for similar trade proposals. With your help we will match these trade proposals, remove obstacles, add incentives and get started.
The following survey is your personal Trade Proposal. Please be specific. The first section asks you to determine your unique wishes. Please do not read ahead. We don't want you to be influenced by the three sections which ask you to rank suggested wishes. Later you are asked to determine a fair exchange - your trade- and consider what you would need to meet your commitment (transportation, someone to show you how and work with you until you develop the skill etc.)
We hope you will take these questions seriously. We suspect that many adults underestimate your intelligence, goodwill and abilities. We will do what we can, but only you can set the record straight. You matter! Thanks for participating.
The Harry Singer Foundation thinks young people are capable of solving social problems--do you think so? If so, help us let you prove what we know you can do. Contact us!
The Harry Singer Foundation
P.O. Box 223159 Carmel, CA 93922
408-625-4223 fax 408-624-7994 email:
hsf@singerfoundation.org