Children out to make others think, speak positively about Merced

A newly formed effort called Promise Merced, spearheaded by local children, is looking to change the way people think and talk about the city.

They plan a gathering, called Promise Merced Family Fest, near the outdoor stage at Applegate Park, 1045 W. 25th St., from 2 to 4 p.m. March 21, when they hope people will come and take a pledge to speak positively about the community.

The effort is the brainchild of students from a class taught by Building Young Leaders, a private organization that works to teach leadership skills to young people. The organization has 150 members from 3 to 16 years old, according to Director Wendy Spencer.

She said the students have been learning about making a difference in society, and they came up with the idea for a pledge. They all too often heard and saw people talk negatively about Merced, whether on the street or social media.

“The kids, they hear the negative talk too,” she said. “And, I don’t think it accurately reflects our community.”

Spencer said the event will feature music and performances on the park’s outdoor stage, as well as informational booths from nonprofits and public servants – but the highlight of the day is a pledge.

The young people want as many people as possible to recite a pledge to think and speak positively about Merced. They have stressed they only want people to repeat and sign the pledge who are serious about keeping it.

The pledge comes with a wristband to serve as a reminder.

One of the students involved in the class, Matthew Broadley, said he’s lived in New Jersey, Arizona and many other places. The 14-year-old said he’s never felt more welcomed than when he moved here two years ago.

“Not everything people say about Merced is true,” he said.

One thing he hears too often is that the city is boring, he said. “We actually have it better than a lot of places,” he said.

Also in the class is Jessica Spencer, 13, the daughter of the director. She said it’s important to remember that the things people say have an effect on those around them.

“If everybody’s negative, nobody’s going to want to be here,” she said.

The children got dozens of people to take the pledge last week during a Merced City Council meeting. They said it remains unclear how many to expect for the gathering in the park, but they’re keeping their fingers crossed.

The elder Spencer said the children aren’t looking to turn anyone into a Pollyanna, but they believe changing the dialogue about Merced can go a long way. “Our community can never be better than the way we talk about it,” she said.

For more, go to www.promisemerced.blogspot.com, a website maintained by the youth.

For questions, email Wendy Spencer at byl.director@gmail.com.

This story was originally published March 8, 2015 at 6:03 PM with the headline "Children out to make others think, speak positively about Merced."