Name: Jaida Swanson
TAC Project Name: Latin America: Art and Politics
Number Impacted: 105
Tell us about your Take Action Challenge. Why did you start this project, what impact did you want to make?
My TAC was a joint group of 4 girls at my school and we created a presentation with an Interactive Element to spread awareness about the issues in Latin America and how art plays a role in helping alleviate the burden on the citizens there, while also allowing them to express themselves freely.
What did you accomplish?
My focus in particular was Political Art in Latin American countries and its effects in Modern and Post Modern societies. I created a presentation which explained how the factors of culture, media, and the art itself help shape revolutions in places like Guatemala and Mexico. I had many informational videos and photos to help aid with the presentation and it lasted around 15 minutes. After my presentation, I was able to engage the audience by using an interactive element. My element involved providing everyone with “tiles” and allowing them to create a cultural or political message that held significant importance to them to be displayed at a later date, similar to the Brazilian Escadaria Selaron in Rio de Janiero. I then concluded with the three other girls by summarizing the presentations and urging others to stay aware in order to be better citizens and to become more understanding.
How did you overcome obstacles?
My biggest challenges were trying to get approval from the adults that had to give up a room, or provide a key, or even give us permission to use certain items. It was hard to run around back and forth to do these things. Another challenge at times was technical difficulties. One really big thing as well was making sure to make good time and try to condense the information so that it was concise and understandable. Also set up is extremely stressful when it comes to events. For people doing presentations for the TAC, I highly recommend a “dress rehearsal” to make sure everything runs smoothly and to just really plan out every detail. But make sure you remain flexible and have back up plans cause everything that can go wrong happens last minute so you have to be quick on your feet.
If you could advice to a future YWLC participant about her Take Action Challenge, what would it be?
You have to remain optimistic and passionate in order to do your best. Also, remain confident in yourself and always have hope.
