THE KEY PROJECTS (2022-2024)
Harm Reduction - 2023-2024
“Harm Reduction” is a set of practical strategies that reduce the negative consequences of drug use. On October 19th, 2023 Youth Volunteers Victor Lara and Desiree Calloway presented our Garbology Study and Environmental Scan findings to five of the supervising members of City of Bakersfield’s Recreation and Parks Department. They were grateful and intrigued by our suggested policy change of adding sharps containers and infographic boards to MLK Park as part of a harm-reduction pilot program. Recreation and Parks representatives approved TYM4Change to continue developing this pilot program.
If this trial run shows success, there’s great potential for our harm-reduction sharps containers policy change to be implemented throughout more parks within Kern County.
MLK Park Adoption - 2023-Present
TYM4Change conducted its first ever Garbology Study on Earth Day in April 2023 at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park (93307) which prompted us to adopt the park for the duration of at least 12 months. Park adoption involves us holding monthly community park clean ups and keeping up to date with Park Officials. We chose to center TYM4Change in this area of Bakersfield since MLK Park is a cultural hotspot for both drug use and family use.
We feel that by adopting the park, holding continuous community events and clean ups, and generally staying involved, TYM4Change will help uplift the voices of this underserved area, and ultimately make the park a safer and more community-based place for families, residents and patrons.
Documenting Southeast Bakersfield
2022-Present
The KEY Documentary
As part of our grant, we are excited to produce a documentary film focusing on the correlation between youth substance use and issues related to equity, inclusion, and access in the Southeast Bakersfield communities. The geographical location of our film is Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park, the heart of Southeast Bakersfield. As our documentary develops, we have been building ties with Bakersfield Recreation and Parks, families, neighbors, other frequent park-goers, and discovering how we can best advocate for all patrons of the park.
Voices 4 Kern Youth-Led Podcast
2023-Present
Voices 4 Kern, a Youth-Led Podcast
At long last, TYM4Change is officially starting its own podcast! Trained by Jovon Dangerfield and hosted by volunteer Victor Lara, Voices 4 Kern gives our young people a platform and space to talk freely about societal issues, advocacy and their personal lives, current events, and more!
Now available streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and more, visit our webpage to find your service here: Voices 4 Kern: A Youth-Led Podcast
The KEY Newsletter
2022-Present
Starting in August, 2022, TYM4Change has put out a newsletter every single month. Along with recapping events, every volume spotlights one of our Youth Volunteers.
To join the mailing list for the KEY Newsletter, please click here: Newsletter Signup
To read previous editions, visit our Newsletter Archive!
MLK Park Partnership
2023-Present
TYM4Change has been volunteering at MLK Park since 2020, but in 2023, we made it official! Starting with our Garbology study, we have been working alongside the park to host park cleanups, volunteer at community events, and even hosting a summer program focused on Tobacco Use Prevention Education (TUPE). We have built relationships with the staff members, families, neighbors, and park patrons to stay an active, positive force in the community.
Local School Engagement
2023-Present
TYM4Change has been working hard to partner with several schools all across Bakersfield and Kern County. We host rallies, advocate for increased student attendance, read to young schoolchildren, walk with them to school, offer support, and much much more. Schools we have worked with in the past include: San Joaquin Valley College, Vista West High, Vista P High, Greenfield Middle, Longfellow Elementary, McKinley Elementary, and Theresa Burke Elementary.
To learn more about how TYM4Change can help your school, please visit our webpage here: Community and School Impact Initiative