Hello Spark Facilitators (March 2011)

Hello Spark Facilitators,

I am really excited and looking forward to working with all of you and the Spark program.   I also wanted to take the time to thank you, for all the hard work you have done and continue to do as facilitators.  If any of you have any thoughts and concerns regarding the program please don’t hesitate to shoot me an email or give me a call.  I would like to at some point meet with all the facilitators personally and just chat with you about your experience with Spark.

We are looking at an exciting year, that will be filled with transition and growth.  We are seeking to add more Spark facilitators, so if you know of anyone that would be interested please pass along my information.

We will also be re-evaluating the high school Spark program and be working towards a pilot program launch in the Spring of 2012.

I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year and the coming academic year (2011-2012), I think it will be challenging, thought provoking, and conscious raising.  But, I will be here to assist with any issues, concerns, or opportunities that you may have.  I will really need everyone’s cooperation and feedback in order, for us to be able to better serve the students and community.

I have been doing social justice/advocacy work for a long time.  In 1992, a group of friends and I founded the Lambda Youth Project sponsored by Eden Project -- Horizon Services in Hayward, CA.  Lambda is committed to serving the needs of  Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, & Questioning youth as well as their friends and families.  With a one-time grant from the United Way we hosted the first Annual National Gay Prom, which is still held today.  I was born in the Philippines and my family immigrated to the United States when I was 3 years old.  I am the youngest of 4 children, and was raised in Hayward, CA, located close to the Bay Area.  I recently, moved here from Oakland, CA in the winter of 2009 with my partner of 6 years.  I received my BA in Political Science from California State University, East Bay.

I am passionate about the mission and vision of the Diversity Council and am humbled and honored to be serving the Rochester community in this position and capacity.

Thank you, again, for your service and participation with the Diversity Council and Spark program.

Warmest regards,

Vangie Castro
Youth Education Program Manager