Optimists Attend Challenge Day / Bridging 8 Mile

I had the distinct pleasure and most enjoyable experience participating along with a few fellow Optimists in the Challenge Day / Bridging 8 Mile workshop on Saturday. The event, held at the , was attended by approximately 80 adults and teens and lasted from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 

A local group, AYE or the Association for Youth Empowerment, made up of dedicated volunteers, created the event and partnered with the national Challenge Day organization to present a most unique workshop. Our diverse group was made up of different ages, races, spiritual beliefs and sexual preferences. Through facilitated dialogue and activities we were made aware of the similarities that we all share as well as the way we can change our behavior toward our fellow human beings. If this seems a little vague, it is on purpose. To really “get” Challenge Day you need to experience it.

Through expert leaders Pam and Chris, we confronted some of our feelings and emotions while exploring the “ oppression “ most of us have experienced in one form or another. If this all sounds just so darn serious I can assure we had a lot of fun as well. Ask me about my air guitar demonstration some time. There was plenty of cheering, some singing ( the whole group gave a spirited voice to the Temptation’s  "My Girl" ) and a whole lot of clapping. And most of all we shared the LOVE.

Sally Owen from the B & G Club shared her thoughts. “ It was very enlightening and offered an opportunity to look at ourselves differently.”

Darius, a student at Ferndale High said, “This is the second Challenge Day I have attended. It was a positive reoccurence and I had a lot of fun.”

“What a great experience,” said Optimist Club President Shannon Jovic.

She added, “Challenge Day has taught me that each one of us has our struggles. Many of them are similar but we all have the same opportunity to open ourselves to being 100 percent real and if we do that, we can change lives.”

I could not say it any better myself.