The gentrification of the Mission District brought a "gang list" that affected young people in a 60-block radius, limiting their freedom of movement and association. Vicente Garcia used his 2007 Young People For fellowship to organize the community to stop the gang list.
George Brunner
(gbrunner)
Westchester Community College
2008 Fellow
In 2007-8 George spearheaded a successful effort to unite a campus divided, while serving as president of Westchester Community College's Student Senate and the downstate regional representative of the SUNY Student Assembly Executive Committee. Later that same year, Westchester Community College would be recognized by the SUNY SA for two of their highest distinctions: Best Student Government and Best Student Activities.
An active advocate for civic engagement, George orchestrated and emceed a civics program [entitled] "Youth Empowerment Voting Initiative" on campus and worked extensively on voter registration drives, bringing in a number of state and local elected officials to help empower the youth to vote.
One responsibility George holds close to his heart is sharing his personal story of self redemption and empowerment. Over the past four years he has appeared as a guest speaker to numerous programs including Congregation Emmanue-el, White Plains City Court, and Fordham University.
An aspiring attorney, Mr. Brunner successfully completed an internship with the Westchester County District Attorney's Office, and has recently matriculated to The George Washington University to complete a BA in political science. While in DC, George continued his relationship with the NYS Court system, and his blueprint which aims to enhance one of their programs was recently approved. Many share in his enthusiasm, and are optimistic that this program will contribute to the successful reduction of recidivism in drug related offenses. What is different about this program is the focus on civil rights and civic responsibilities, self respect and empowerment, community service and networking, personal growth and ownership, fiscal responsibility, and the introduction of lifeskills necessary to sustain a civically responsible lifestyle.
George Brunner's Accolades:
Collegiate Ambassador for Peace
Interfaith, Intercultural, International
Appointed 2008
Student Government Association
Valhalla, New York US
Co-Founder/Former Student Senate President
Westchester Community College
Psychology Club
Valhalla, New York US
Founder/ Former President
WCC 2006
ABG/PTK
International, Honors Societies US
Inductee
Alpha Iota Omicron Chapter/WCC
2007/8
Psi Beta/Chi Alpha Epsilon
National, Honors Societies US
Inductee
Psychology/Beta Rho
May 4th, 2007
Youth Empowerment Strategies
Yonkers, New York US
Director of College Affairs
NY/DC
Since 2007
People For the American Way
Washington, D.C. US
Fellow Class of 2008
Young People For
2008
SUNY Student Assembly
New York, US
Executive Committee Downstate Representative
Region 6
2007-08
GW Veterans
Co-Founder/P.R. Representative
The George Washington University
2008
George Brunner's Awards:
Chancellor's Award
Paralegal Studies Curriculum Award
Key Award
Greta Cohen Personal Development Award
Best Student Government—SUNY 2008
Best Student Activities—SUNY 2008
George is a member of:
- Civic Engagement (members)
- Community Organizing (members)
- Education (members)
- International Human Rights (members)
- Native American Issues (members)
- Progressive Student Organization/Alliance (members)
- Progressive Trainings (members)
- Progressive Website/Blog (members)
- Public Health (members)
- Student Government (members)
- The Courts (members)
- Veterans and Military Families (members)