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Spark Rural Worker Education Center in Hurleyville is located in Sullivan County, one of the most marginalized counties in New York. Spark, was given its name by members of the Youth Econcomic Group who wanted to have a center that would be the “spark for change” in the Catskills. Spark is home to the Youth Economic Group, Bags For Justice (youth screen printing Cooperative), Cociendo Culturas : Crafting Cultures (adult artisan cooperative), Youth Entrepreneurship Symposium. Spark serves as a gathering place for workers from the food processing plants that dot the landscape.
Team members
Ana Mendez-Vasquez
Ana Mendez-Vasquez
Coordinator of the College Prep Program & Western NY Administrator,
Programs
Cociendo Culturas
Cociendo Culturas
Cociendo Culturas is an emerging sewing cooperative that works hand in hand with the Bags For Justice Cooperative and also on other projects.
Bags For Justice
Bags For Justice
The Youth Economic Group (YEG) manages their own Cooperative business, 'Bags for Justice.' Members design images that they then silkscreen onto tote bags. Members learn essential life skills that include: public speaking, marketing, time management, communication, design, and silkscreen production.
The bags are being sold around the state at many events. Bags for Justice is also proud to be an affiliate of the New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Contact us to bring a 'Bags for Justice' table to your venue.
Artists in Residence
Artists in Residence
Each year we welcome artists in residence as we are intent in incorporating the arts into all of our programs and our centers.
Delegations & Retreats
Delegations & Retreats
RMM offers regular opportunities for ally groups to visit our Centers, meet with our people and explore our programs.
Youth Scholarships
Youth Scholarships
RMM works hard to support the dreams and opportunities of the members of the Youth Empowerment Program through two scholarship programs.
The Youth Economic Group
The Youth Economic Group
The Youth Economic Group (YEG) was founded by young people in the Catskill mountains in 2010 to help them develop economic security while also working for economic justice
Overnight Leadership Camp and Summer Day Programs
Overnight Leadership Camp and Summer Day Programs
For over thirty years RMM has welcomed children (ages 8-17) from across rural New York to a one week overnight camp. Along with our summer day programs, young leaders get to meet RMM, and we get to meet them.
The Rural Academy of the People
The Rural Academy of the People
Through the Rural Academy of the People,(RAP) RMM offers a variety of adult education programs through our Centers and on-line that are initiated and designed by rural grass-roots leaders. A key focus lies in supporting people as they create their own cooperatives.