If I Ran the City.
Obstacles into advocacy.
If I Ran the City is a partnership between Chaos Theory and Pittsfield teenagers who have been impacted by community violence. Students reflect upon social issues in Pittsfield, and use their experiences to advocate for change in the city. We explore underlying root causes of community violence, street affiliation, and/or justice-involvement—and brainstorm new ways forward.
In preparation for Pittsfield’s mayoral race in Fall, 2023, teenagers will explore social issues that impact Pittsfield residents. We’ll discuss the underlying root causes of community violence, and the health disparities that make Pittsfield residents more susceptible to harm. Students will be invited to reflect upon how these issues have impacted their lives, and what they would like to see change in the city.
Teenagers explore public health disparities through a series of one-on-one and group discussions and arts workshops. Mediums may include film, music, creative writing, storytelling and visual art.
Students will also have the opportunity to be interviewed on camera (with guardian consent). Interviews will be edited into a short film: If I Ran the City. The film will be comprised entirely of student voices, music, and artwork.
If I Ran the City will be screened for mayoral candidates and city stakeholders in Fall, 2023, followed by a talk-back.
This program invites Pittsfield teenagers to lead the way forward in civic engagement; to reflect on their own experiences and transform obstacles into advocacy.
Dialogue with mayoral candidates.
If I Ran the City will be presented to Pittsfield’s mayoral candidates and city stakeholders in Fall, 2023. Screenings will be followed by a talk-back led by the students, facilitating vital public dialogue—with the voices of young people leading the conversation.
The screening and talk-back will provide an opportunity for dialogue between Pittsfield teenagers who have been impacted by community violence, and mayoral candidates who have the power to do something about it.
Talk-backs will provide an opportunity for mayoral candidates to address the issues presented in the film; speak directly to young people; answer questions, and ask questions of their own.
We aim to tell a more complete story of the obstacles facing our community, to address mayoral candidates and city stakeholders directly, and to work with young people to find a way forward.
If I Ran the City aims to facilitate dialogue between two demographics that don’t often speak to one another: Pittsfield teenagers, and those who run the city.
Thanks to Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Arts Build Community Initiative for making this project possible!
