The American Civil Rights movement was a shaping event in my life. Growing up in the 60’s and becoming aware of how far we all had to go convinced me that I was duty-bound to act as well as speak.. That sense of duty; that obligation to stand against bullies, was a gift my welder father gave me. I have carried that sense of obligation with me all these years.
I have a large framed poster of Dr. King with the full text of his “I Have a Dream” speech underneath. I’ve had it for years. When the Maine Commission for Community Service appeared on my computer asking for service proposals, right away my thoughts went to what 8 -10 year olds could actually do. Those are the kids we work with. I knew that one thing they are good at is acting. They do it all the time. And we already had a working relationship with Laura Guite at Central Maine Community Television. What better use of our kids talents than in front of a TV camera, advocating for people to do a “Day of Service” on January 18.
I e-mailed Laura Guite at CATV the next day, suggesting that we script a Public Service Announcement. She readily accepted and we were off and running. Of course, there were still other steps to take. Find a site. Create the setting. Select kids and quotes. Talk to them and their parents, making sure everyone was on the same page. Schedule it all.
It all came together at the Alfond Youth Center on a Monday afternoon Dec.14. With Martin Luther King and club logos as a backdrop, each child quoted their quote for the television audience, with the whole group of eight ending: “Make It a Day On and Not Just Another Day Off! Make It a Day of Service!
While the PSA is a nice script, there were a number of pieces which needed greater attention. First, it should have been shot in complete silence; the microphone if very sensitive, even to noise in the next room. And there should have been more than one take for all the kids. The presentation could have been more polished. Most of them rushed at the end of their task, wanting to end successfully, but also to have it over with.
Still and all, this public service piece promoting Martin Luther King Day as a Day of Service was televised through community TV outlets from Hallowell to Solon since Central Maine CATV has cooperative arrangements with neighboring cable providers.
But what counts the most is that eight children we are charged with educating know a whole lot more about why there is a public holiday on January 18 and who Martin Luther King was.
Steve Aucoin is the Unit Director of the North End Boys and Girls Club in Waterville and a guest blogger.
