Locals call for student involvement at teas

In an effort to improve town-gown relations, the Dwight Hall Leadership Institute began holding "Neighborhood Teas" this week. According to coordinator Chad Berkowitz, TD '00, the series of teas, which debuted last year, is designed to unite students and community leaders "in an informal discussion about the needs of New Haven neighborhoods and how those needs are being addressed."

JULIA TIERNAN/YH Local residents and Yalies discuss needs of area neighborhoods.

Dwight Hall publicized these gatherings for students who work or volunteer in area neighborhoods. Ber-kowitz said that Yalies "[need] a better appreciation for the complexities of [New Haven] communities and the obstacles and successes experienced by community organizations trying to [affect] change." He explained that the dialogues should bring to light key issues concerning residents.

On Mon., Sept. 28, one of the area teas in the Hill neighborhood attracted members of various student organizations, including the Juvenile Justice League, Estudiantes Unidos, and the Tutoring in Elementary Schools (TIES) programs. Community leaders included Principal Leroy Williams of Roberto Clemente Middle School and representatives from Columbus House.

The Hill tea initially focused on the issues most pressing to area residents. In the ensuing discussion, Williams maintained that "education is the key" for children and parents in facing a myriad of problems, including drug use and lack of role models.

Town representatives urged Yale student volunteers to add to the children's lives by increasing their commitment to service and challenging the status quo. Williams asserted that Yalies need to give back to their community, since Yale is housed within these neighborhoods and is a major employer. Luis Ricalde, a teacher at Vincent Mauro Elementary School, said of the school's tutors, "They come and go... The kids need some of the experience that [the tutors] carry...but there's no continuity, so the kids are very disappointed."

Courtland Wilson, of the Hill Development Corporation, stated, "It's Yale College we're concerned about." He saw undergraduates as an integral part of neighborhood development.

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