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You know those full-circle moments— when you see how the work you’ve put in has really paid off? Today is a full circle moment for me and for WAVE.
In a few hours, we’ll begin our 2025 Youth Summer Internship program. I’ll be meeting many of our new interns in person for the first time.
By now, I know from experience that the internship will deeply impact some of these young people, helping them define themselves and stoking their commitment to advocacy. I also know from experience that they will deeply impact and change me.
This moment arrives at a sobering time. Over the weekend, two Minnesota lawmakers and their spouses were shot—targeted in a politically motivated act of violence. We also learned that Wisconsin legislators were on the same target list. These are not abstract threats. This is the world our young people are inheriting. And it’s why programs like this internship are more critical than ever.
Through this internship, your support gives young people the tools, mentorship, and community they need to stand up for peace, equity, and safety. You can help them turn fear into resolve, and grief into leadership. [[link removed]]
The photo above shows Izzy—one of the interns I met for the first time one year ago today. Izzy is deeply passionate about two things: gun violence prevention and art. Over the past year, they’ve woven those passions together in powerful and unexpected ways.
In addition to supporting a variety of internship and Youth Advisory Board activities, Izzy founded Artists Against Gun Violence at their high school and led the creation of a gun violence prevention mural (also in the photo) titled “This is Not a Drill.” If you weren’t able to join us at the recent event, please check out the video below—it honestly brings me to tears.
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This year’s internship may not bring another mural—but I know it will bring growth, courage, and change. But I know, with your support, these young people will convert their passions into powerful and impactful actions. Even a small donation sends a message: You believe in them. You know they are the future. And you know they will make a difference. [[link removed]]
With gratitude,
Darrell Lofton
Program Manager and youth programs lead
P.S. Don’t forget to check out this incredible spoken word poem and photo collage from the mural unveiling! [[link removed]]
Photo and video credit: Joe Brusky/ Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association
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Wisconsin Anti-Violence Effort
P.O. Box 170393
Milwaukee, WI 53217
United States
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