Maplewood Youths Are Looking For People To Share Their Skills

MAPLEWOOD, NJ — The Maplewood South Orange Youth Coalition (MYC) hopes to bring a system of skill sharing to Maplewood and South Orange. People with various skills could lead sessions in accessible places like local parks and community centers.

The new program will be known as the MAPSO Skill and Knowledge Share (MASKS). MASKS will be launched as a two-week pilot program in May or June offered to all members of the MAPSO community, said the SYC.

MYC needs community members (anyone who interacts in MAPSO) to fill out this survey about what they'd like to learn, or what they could offer. The survey asks if people have skills in, for example:

• Practical education (such as car maintenance, budgeting)
• Political education
• Professional skills (resume building, job interview tips)
• Music/art skills
• Book clubs/media discussion
• Health and well-being (ex. exercise courses, meditation)
• Cooking/food
• Local history (for instance, history of MAPSO)
• Nature activities ( hiking, birdwatching, gardening)
• Recreational activities (dance)
• Other

The coalition intends to build a "multigenerational, non-hierarchical environment for the sharing of skills, knowledge, and recreational experiences," according to the MYC. "Skill sharing allows for practical skills to be dispersed throughout a community in an organic way. It strengthens community autonomy, giving people tools to survive and grow on their own, and creates bonds that can be used to build networks of aid and care throughout the community."

To uphold these values, MYC needs input from community members to ensure this program is accessible and responsive to community desires. The coalition could also really use help organizing the program.

To express interest in participating or helping with the organization of MASKS, please fill out the survey.

To find out more about the group, visit their Instagram or Facebook @mapsoyouthco or their website www.mapsoyouthcoalition.com and feel free to email mapsoyouthcoalition@gmail.com with any questions, comments, or concerns or to get involved.

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