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A Message from our Founder and Director, Dasha Kelly
 I'm not much with plant life. In fact, I've been campaigning to put silk flowers in my yard, much to the disapproval of my green-thumbed family and friends. To date, my record for keeping a house plant has been 18 months. When I learned that the poor, spindly thing should have been transferred to bigger pots and given new soil along the way, I decided to put the sad twist of vines out of its misery.
This summer, I became a lawn person. Don't get excited, I'm talking the basics. Meaning, I mowed grass for the first time in my life (hey, I had a father, then an apartment manager, then a husband and, later, an enterprising neighbor with cheap fees). I decided to take green matters into my own hands this year. Since May, I've cut grass, killed weeds, spread seeds and watered with a vengeance. Not only has my remedial lawn care efforts been meditative, I've enjoyed the quiet pride of progress, the overlooked glory of "right now."
My full attention has been on the lawn. No landscaping, no rose trellis or koi pond, just healthy green grass. I look forward to Sunday mornings with my coffee, the newspaper, and my neat patch of land, deepening its green every week. I feel a similar, zen-like focus for the upcoming school year. Still Waters has had the remarkable fortune of introducing several unique and dynamic events in recent years. Every fall, we focus on doing things better than the year before. My lawn mower meditations have inspired me to remember that "better" doesn't always mean "more."
I have a sharp focus and clear, refreshed vision for the upcoming year. It will, indeed, continue to be better, but it will be "more" in terms on quality, rather than quantity of new offerings and events. One day, every classroom in Milwaukee will contribute to a creative writing publication for youth. One day, poetry slam will be a lettered activity for high school students. One day our network of programs will extend to middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout southeastern Wisconsin. One day, we'll have a staff of 10, plus fellowships for graduate students. One day, I'll add an edger to my meager inventory of lawn tools, maybe even gloves. One day, there will be legions of flower beds in my yard. Today, I'm eager to continue nurturing our healthy foundation: healthy, green grass and programs that inspire young people to think, thrive and believe in their own brilliance.
??HUGE
Spotlight (and a Goodbye): Communications/Program Coordinator, Julie Schumann
Many of you, especially if you're a teacher, may know me as the girl that sends all of those persistent emails. I've been doing that, among many other communication/program related tasks at Still Waters for over two years now. While  I love this organization and my boss, the imcomparable Dasha Kelly, with all my heart, it has always been my dream to move to Chicago. I came from a tiny Wisconsin town to Milwaukee to attend Marquette University, and knew that it was only a matter of time before I moved on to an even bigger city. I was very lucky to be offered a full-time position with Still Waters after I graduated, but have recently been offered a position at Red Frog Events in Chicago. This new venture is bittersweet. I am of course happy to be able to live out one of my dreams so soon, but am also very saddened to not be able to see the next program year accomplished. It's going to be such an exciting year; I fully intend to visit some of next year's events to watch Still Waters continually grow. Thank you to all of the teachers, program partners and students who have made the past two years so unforgettable. Thank you especially to Dasha, who has helped me grow imensely through her guidance. I'll forever carry all of my Still Waters experiences with me.
Still Waters is Looking for a College Intern!!
Are you, or do you know anyone, studying marketing, public relations, or communications in an area college? Still Waters is offering an office internship! We will work with your school to get you credit, and you will gain tons of experience!
Job Overview: Still Waters Collective is looking for a Program/Marketing Coordinator Intern to manage The Scholastic Writing Awards of Milwaukee and general SWC marketing. The selected candidate will be in charge of all teacher and student outreach, media relations, event planning and social media. The SWC intern will gain valuable real-life experience and a well-rounded set of skills. A two-semester commitment is preferred but not required.
Qualifications: Candidate must possess excellent writing skills, knowledge in media relations, demonstrate strong interpersonal skills, and be able to work independently. Candidate must be either a Junior or Senior in college. This position is unpaid but eligible for college credit.
To Apply: Please send cover letter, resume and references to Dasha Kelly at dasha@stillwaterscollective.com.
Scholastic Writing Awards of Milwaukee Student Featured in M Magazine
Read this fantastic article on the very talented M Magazine Editor's Choice Award recipient, Amy Mrotek.
Upcoming SWC Events
August 7: Stitch
6 p.m. workshop
7-9 p.m. open mic
@ The Latino Community Center (807 S. 14th St.)
September 14: Voltage! Open Mic Kickoff
6-8:30 p.m.
@ Bucket Works
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