| Author |
Message |
    
Jan Fields
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
583
Registered: 09-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 08:25 am: |   |
Laurel,
I know you are part of the author mentor program so you must have Tracy's email. Would you please ask her if she needs some extra authors to fill in for those who seem to be bailing on her? I can probably scare up several published children's writers who will take up the job.
And if any of those "bailers" are reading this -- SHAME ON YOU! Whether you think Tracy's intense loyalty to Marcus is misplaced or not, SHAME ON YOU for punishing eager young people with a heart to be writers. I am horrified to learn that ANYONE would make a child suffer because you've got a mad on about the person running the program. If you're all mad at Tracy then kick your Tracy doll a while but don't kick the kids who want to grow up to be writers and want to connect with a writer and learn from that person.
Tracy's behavior now is how Tracy's behavior has always been. She sees Marcus's antisocial antics and views him like she would one of her "kids." Naturally she's going to defend him to the death. Loyalty is important to her. If you didn't know that when you signed up to be "mentors," then TOUGH....you still made a commitment to a child and I am disgusted to hear that anyone would back out on that.
Jan |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2688
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 08:43 am: | |
Thanks Jan.
I was not aware that anyone bailed out on the mentoring program. It has been an emotional experience for me, working with Tracy's kids. They have filled me with laughter, joy, and occasionally broken my heart.
I passed your thoughts along to her via email.
Laurel |
priceless1 (Unregistered Guest)
Work-in-progress guest
Posted From: 68.96.86.244
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 08:58 am: | |
Jan, I would second that opinion very much. Tracy may want to see me underneath the wheels of a Mac truck for all I know, but she was very nice to me at the convention. Her responses have always been very measured and kind. I think it's terrible for any good deed to have to bear the brunt of childish fallout. She's doing something very worthwhile. To those who have left, I sincerely hope they reconsider their decision.
Lynn |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2689
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 09:38 am: | |
Jan -
I had a reply from Tracy and will copy and paste it below.
"Tell Jan that I appreciate her offer of support. I'll re evaluate what I need to do here and let her know.
Tracy"
|
Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1520
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 11:01 am: | |
Laurel,
Not a children's author, but I know some through my newpaper review feature. In fact, I know a YA author who writes for the American Girl series. (Girls of Many Lands) She is an award-winning author and a real sweetie. If I can help in any way by contacting her (not sure exactly what the program is) tell Tracy I would be glad to help.
Nancy |
Jan Fields
Wisdom Member
Post Number:
584
Registered: 09-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:00 pm: | |
Nancy,
I don't think Tracy specifically wants children's authors -- in fact, I think she does not. I only mentioned children's authors because those are the only folks I know well enough to strong-arm for a good cause :-)
Jan |
Nancy Mehl
Mindsight Moderator
Post Number:
1525
Registered: 08-2001
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:05 pm: | |
Oh, okay. Thanks, Jan.
Well, I still know a lot of authors. I'd be glad to refer some.
Nancy |
Kathy Bosworth
Wandering Member
Post Number:
263
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:17 pm: | |
I have been one of Tracy's mentors for hmmmmmmm, maybe two years. I have lost track. Tracy teaches at an alternative high school. She had a brainstorm. She thought that if she could hook up her students with authors, the union would motivate the students to write. It worked! The authors are emailed the students work and can critique it or make any comments they want. I have found it to be one of the most rewarding, "feel good" things I do.
I never know if I am really helping or not. But you never know when a small compliment from a mentor will make a life altering moment for a student with
a lack of self esteem.
Tracy is a kind and caring teacher and her students are lucky to have her. I had the pleasure of meeting Tracy in SD last year and she is a great person and a lot of fun. It saddens me greatly to hear that anyone would let the fireworks that are going on between the boards interfere with the good they can do for Tracy's students. I agree with Jan 100%. Shame on anyone that bailed!
Kathy |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2695
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:41 pm: | |
What drew me to the mentoring program is that most - but maybe not all - are young people who are floundering in school and in real life. Failing school. Scrapes with the law. Abusive home situations. Reservation indians who hope, pray, and cannot quite believe that they will escape their poverty.
They write from their souls, their poetry and prose reflects what they live. I brace myself every time Tracy sends me new creations from my students because I never know what they will say. Several of the creations were so well written I sent them to my publisher for critique or commentary.
Tracy's program is not reimbursed. She does not get paid for the time spent sending out emails to the mentors and then sharing the replies with the students. The school allowed the program thinking that through expression and literary enlightenment, struggling children might find the hope and confidence to improve their lot.
Until the program is shut down, or I go completely senile, I will be a mentor. |
Laurel Johnson
Unity Member
Post Number:
2696
Registered: 01-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:47 pm: | |
Nancy -
I forgot to say that when the smoke ever clears I will tell Tracy what you said. Right now she is reeling from hate mail and other things so I'll give her your message later. Thanks. |
Violet Towe
Wandering Member
Post Number:
279
Registered: 03-2002
Rating: N/A
Votes: 0 (Vote!) | | Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2004 - 12:55 pm: | |
I just read this part of the new messages, had company then had to get supper cooking, and just got back in here.
I remember when Tracy first started the mentoring program thinking it would be a good way to help her students and give them something positive to look forward to in their lives. It was a good thing back then and even moreso now. I never joined in the program because I just didn't think I would be good enough to help any of the students, there are so many other writers that is so much better than I am.
Taking anything that is said on either of these boards and use that as an excuse NOT to help Tracy in the wonderful thing she is doing is simply wrong. I would love to help out one or more of her students even if its just allowing them to talk to this grandma, and yes, read and help them with whatever they want to write.
This old world is already to full of bitterness. Don't these children have enough of that in their lives now? I hope Tracy has another successful year with this program. God bless her. |
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