APRIL - OUTREACH!

Say what? Get up and do something! FIND D7 may have all the information from a school year's worth of Filipino education, but it means nothing if it collects dust. It is time to put knowledge into practice! The time has come for FIND D7 to show what they have learned and what the Filipino community is all about!

FIND D7 closes the year by stressing the importance of service and collaboration. Participants will learn that in order to encourage others to learn about Filipino culture, participants are to learn about other cultures. By reaching out to the community and learning about other cultures, participants reexamine the purpose of Filipino education, cultural organizations, and the lessons taught throughout the year. In addition, FIND D7 promotes the many ways the lessons learned can be applied to the rest of a participant's life. The lessons taught by FIND D7 may not have written exams or tests, but prepare all participants for the obstacles encountered throughout a lifetime.

March - Activism and Advocacy

Do something about it! From newspapers to word-of-mouth, there are always reports of something stirring the Filipino community. The events and concerns of Filipinos in the United States and abroad have inspired and influenced many passionate Filipinos young and old to learn and consequently, act. Are Filipinos armed with the knowledge and leadership to spark change?

Social injustice, human rights, politics, and cultural awareness are brought to the table in March. Confronting the issues and concerns, both current and historical, of the Filipino community, is top priority for FIND D7 not only this month but throughout the year. With a reputation for having strong leadership, FIND D7 shares with all participants the many ways Filipinos everywhere are acting for the betterment of human life. By following the example of others and being an example for others to follow, FIND D7 works to empower all participants to find the passion to be proactive.

February - Expression and the Arts

Just like last month, schools are gearing up for their culture nights. Just take one moment to think about the different dances and skits your organization does whether it is for culture night or just an expression of culture and the arts!

January - The Purpose of Culture Nights

Lights, camera, action! With jazz hands ready, culture night preparation season is in full motion. Filipino and other cultural organizations across the country have made it their tradition to perform for their community annually. The purpose of cultural performances is sometimes lost in all the glitz and glamour. Through the stress and fun, do participants know why they are showcasing their culture in the first place?

From dances to skits, they all serve a purpose. During the month of January, FIND D7 organizations take the time to meet with all their show participants. Show participants learn why public cultural performances are important in the movement to educate and spread awareness about Filipino and Filipino American culture to the community. They are also introduced to understand the sensitivity that show organizers are conscious of in portraying a culture. In addition, educational programs for the month have participants learn the meaning of all performances and acts.


D7's Culture Nights this year:

Filipino American Student Association - The College of William and Mary: Friday, February 20, 2009

Filipino American Student Association - Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University: Saturday, March 21, 2009

Organization of Young Filipino Americans - The University of Virginia: Saturday, March 28, 2009

Filipino Americans Coming Together - Virginia Commonwealth University: Saturday, April 4, 2009

Filipino American Student Association - Old Dominion University - Saturday, April 18, 2009