The gentrification of the Mission District brought a "gang list" that affected young people in a 60-block radius, limiting their freedom of movement and association. Vicente Garcia used his 2007 Young People For fellowship to organize the community to stop the gang list.
George Brunner
(gbrunner)
Westchester Community College
2008 Fellow
"contact us" & discuss ways to improve our communities: http://www.brunner4ny.com/
--
NEWSFLASH: I've been selected as a Washington Scholars Fellow
--
In 2007-8 George spearheaded a successful effort to unite a campus divided, while serving as president of Westchester Community College's Student Senate and the downstate regional representative of the State University of New York's (hereinafter SUNY) Student Assembly Executive Committee. Later that same year, Westchester Community College would be recognized by the SUNY SA for two of their highest distinctions: Best Student Government and Best Student Activities.
An active advocate for civic engagement, George orchestrated and emceed a civics program [entitled] "Youth Empowerment Voting Initiative" on campus and worked extensively on voter registration drives, bringing in a number of state and local elected officials to help empower the youth to vote.
[H]is ongoing involvement and dedication towards inter-religious dialogues and prayers for peace led to his appointment as a Collegiate Ambassador for Peace in Chappaqua, New York. Further highlights of his college career include initiatives addressing global warming (Focus The Nation), anti-gang violence, immigration and Native American rights, and veterans issues.
One responsibility George holds close to his heart is sharing his personal story of self redemption and empowerment. Over the past five years he has appeared as a guest speaker to numerous programs including Congregation Emmanue-el, White Plains City Court, and Fordham University.
An aspiring attorney, Mr. Brunner successfully completed an internship with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, and has recently matriculated to The George Washington University to complete a BA in political science. While in DC, George continued his relationship with the NYS Court system, and his blueprint which aims to enhance one of their programs was recently approved. Many share in his enthusiasm, and are optimistic that this program will contribute to the successful reduction of recidivism in drug related offenses.
What is different about this program is the focus on civil rights and civic responsibilities, self respect and empowerment, community service and networking, personal growth and ownership, fiscal responsibility, and the introduction of lifeskills necessary to sustain a civically responsible lifestyle.
GWU, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, May 2010
HONORS/AWARDS:
Washington Scholars Fellow 2010
Duke Rudman Award 2009
AFFILIATIONS:
AIPAC, Student Speakers Bureau
Collegiate Ambassador for Peace
GW Acting Politically for Israel
ORGANIZATIONS:
Class Council 2009-10, Elected Senior Class Rep.
GW Veterans 2008-10, Co-Founder & PR. Rep.
GW Colony of the Zeta Psi Fraternity 2008-10, Co-Founder & Past Alpha Phi (VP)
SUNY WCC, Associate in Applied Science in Paralegal Studies, May 2008
HONORS/AWARDS:
Honors Program Graduate 2008
Paralegal Studies Curriculum Award 2008
SUNY Chancellor's Award 2008
Alpha Beta Gamma, Distinguished Service Award 2008
Key Award 2008
Greta Cohen Personal Development Award 2008
IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Certified
Lady's Liberty's Light Cert.of Appreciation 2008
SUNY Student Assembly (SA), Certificate of Appreciation 2008
SUNY SA, Best Student Government 2008
SUNY SA, Best Student Activities 2008
Young People For Fellow, National Summit Participant 2008
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society 2008
Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor
Society 2007
Chi Alpha Epsilon National Honor Society 2007
Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology 2007
ORGANIZATIONS:
SUNY SA's Executive Committee 2007-08, Downstate
Regional Representative - Region 6
Student Government 2007-08, President
Faculty Student Association (FSA) 2007-08, Student Representative
Dean & FSA Director Search Committees 2007-08,
Student Representative
Youth Empowerment Strategies 2007-present,
Director of College Affairs
Budget Committee 2006-08, Active Member
Psychology Club 2006-07, Founder and President
USN
HONORS/AWARDS:
Battle "E" Ribbon
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal
George is a member of:
- Civic Engagement (members)
- Community Organizing (members)
- Education (members)
- Faith-Based Organizing (members)
- Hip-Hop Activism (members)
- International Human Rights (members)
- Native American Caucus (members)
- Progressive Student Organization/Alliance (members)
- Public Health (members)
- Student Government (members)
- The Courts (members)
- Veterans and Military Families (members)