An earlier generation of Basques developed events and institutions to express & maintain their "Basqueness."  How will young Basques today define themselves?  They will decide as they take the initiative and NABO continues to support them. 

Related link: Youth Appreciation Forum at the Reno Convention

CONTEXT.  Our Basque community here in the Diaspora is at a crossroads: what will we choose to define as being Basque in the 21st century?  What aspects of Basque culture will be chosen to emphasize and perpetuate?  These and other issues are becoming more paramount as a new generation of Basques is stepping up to--or in some cases declining to--embrace their Basque identity.

Contacts:
Jaime Brown Jaime.noel.brown32@gmail.com &
Lisa Etchepare lisaetchepare@gmail.com

Review of Phone Meeting (June 22, 2009)

Aims
Plan things that are spread out – more than just one club/state
Get the smaller clubs involved as a way to make more connections
NABO sponsored
Events that span age groups
Plan events that revolve around a picnic / pre-existing event

Wish List:
Not educationally focused
Want to be able to just be ourselves; less structured
Music, dance, mus, are opportunities to do things, but not be forced

Issues of Gaztealde
Had a bad reputation--change name
Question raised of how we can get a good grassroots movement
Our program is going to live or die based on word of mouth

Timing
Discussed that to start with a weekend would probably be enough to plan      Ideal time would be the night before a picnic, possibility of multiple days before
Chino?  Disneyland?   -- If it were a multi-day thing it would probably have to be planned around an event – might be easier to start with just a weekend/night
Possibility of something during winter break?
Break up the September to June time where we don’t see each other
Would parents mind?

If a culture does not possess effective means of transmission from one generation to the next, then that culture is doomed to perish. Somehow, someway, against the odds, our ancestors found a way to preserve “Basqueness” across thousands of years.  Now it is our turn. We—those of us age 30 and above—cannot be the generation that breaks this long chain of continuity of one of the world’s oldest cultures. OLD & YOUNG WILL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAINTAIN THE LINK!

How to Organize
Central board with people chiming in from areas that would be feasible to participate
Helps with Grassroots idea
Start talking it up at music camp
Talk it up all year round both before and after
Get people excited to go
Word of mouth is everything
Who to hit: dance groups, e-mail, facebook, music camp, telephone calls

Potential Ideas
Camping trip
>Mixer à go someplace where we can hang out, play music, play cards, socialize    and SLEEP – the crashing part is key in that it makes it inexpensive
>Whatever we choose its just got to be something laid back and easy where people are able to do what they want to do – make it fun without trying

Co-Coordinators
> We discussed how we wanted to organize things and thought that it might be a good idea to have 2 coordinators of different ages that way when it comes to organizing and getting in touch with people, we have the capability to hit everyone.   Nominations were made by Anne Marie, and passed with the entire group.   Our coordinators are

> Jaime Brown (Jaime.noel.brown32@gmail.com) and Lisa Etchepare (lisaetchepare@gmail.com)

The picture above is worth a thousand words.  There are two key parts--a symbiotic relationship--between youth and the "not so young."  Not only do we have to continue to explore routes of getting Basque youth to become and stay involved in Basque things, we also have to address the other side of the equation of how older Basques approach this whole transition.  Older Basques have to understand--"appreciate"--where young people are today if they hope to effectively connect with them.  It is not an easy task, especially since youth today quickly undergo a profound shift (i.e, there have always been changes from one generation to the next, but in recent times those changes have become greater and faster).

Potential Plans

Summer 2010
Gardnerville – Thursday night before the picnic starts (Thurs @ circa6pm (potluck dinner?) – Fri @circa4pm); rent a cabin in Tahoe – have dinner, music, dancing, cards – people have the opportunity to crash there; can advertise that we can all meet at JT’s for dinner after, but our liability ends when everyone leaves Tahoe.  Nice thing about Gville is that a lot of people (SF, Reno, Elko, LB for example) already attend

Camping Trip in SF – potential weekend thing.  Marin Headlands is a possibility – lots of inexpensive camping sites.  Centrally located between Reno and Chino (kind of); could do it the Thursday/Friday before Autumn Fest depending on what’s going on that year.

Upcoming Meetings
Music Camp – Anne Marie, Esti, and Jaime are going to talk a bit while they’re in Chino – spitball with the kids in camp that are of age to participate and just keep shooting around ideas.

Convention – We discussed having lunch together during convention.  See if we can’t get representatives from other areas/groups to participate.  Run some ideas by them and note feedback. 

Grassroots – start hyping the idea that something is going to be planned for summer of 2010 and try and start to get people excited about what’s going on. 

Present for Phone Meeting:
Valerie Arrechea (San Francisco, 38)
Danielle Espinal (San Francisco, 18)
Anne Marie Chiramberro (San Francisco, 18)
Jaime Brown (Los Banos, 16)
Esti Camino (Reno, 14)
Lisa Etchepare (San Francisco, 22)
John Ysursa (Chino, 46)

Different generations of Basques have defined "Basqueness" in various ways.  Earlier generations of Basque-Americans developed various events (e.g., Basque festivals, mus tournaments, etc.) and institutions (e.g., Basque clubs) to express and maintain their Basqueness.  Those things worked well enough for the older crowd.  Are they going to be enough to keep young adults interested?

In the short-term most of these events and institutions will be maintained, but what else could be developed to attract/retain more young adults to connect with Basqueness?  Here's an invitation--a cal--to young Basque adults to consider taking part in an organizing forum for various initiatives.  The 30+ crowd have their ideas about what you might like, but what about you deciding?  Join with others and participate in building something you'd like!

Some young adults have said that "older people don't allow them to do what they want to do with Basque things."   In some cases, that is true.  This invitation comes with two provisos.  Whatever initiatives are developed, they will have to keep a lid on two things:  sex and drugs/alcohol.  The reason should be self-evident: if these get out of control then the program is over because parents will not allow their kids to attend.  Fair enough?  Apart from that, you can build what you'd like.

After talking to some young adults, we've heard different ideas of what they'd like.  Some said they wanted something like Udaleku but for older folks, so NABO tried putting that together (called "Gaztealde") in Boise in 2008 and Seattle in 2009 but no one applied.  So that didn't do the trick. 

Some young adults have complained that "older people don't allow them to do what they want to do with Basque things."  Some believe they are not being offered a chance to do something because older people will not vacate the stage sort of speak; they don't leave room for young adults to find their own way in Basque things.  In some cases, that is true.  This invitation comes with two provisos.  Whatever initiatives are developed, they will have to keep a lid on two things:  sex and drugs/alcohol.  The reason should be self-evident: if these get out of control then the program is over because parents will not allow their kids to attend.  Fair enough?  Apart from that, you can build what you'd like. 

So what is it you want?  Do you really want something like Udaleku for older kids? Do you want cyber chat-groups?  Do you want a weekend gathering of some sort?  Do you want to start a hybrid-dance group where dancers from all over come together to perform together?  Do you want a movie night? 

Minus the two provisos above, adults are not going to stand in the way of what you want to build.  This will be yours where you can try--perhaps fail--and try again.  Some of you will have to step up and take the initiative to start something.  What do you say?

If a culture does not possess effective means of transmission from one generation to the next, then that culture is doomed to perish. Somehow, someway, against the odds, our ancestors found a way to preserve “Basqueness” across thousands of years.  Now it is our turn.  OLD & YOUNG WILL HAVE TO WORK TOGETHER TO MAINTAIN THE LINK!

Basque Youth meeting summary
(from the NABO Chino Convention; thanks to Valerie Arrechea for coordinating)

Attending: rough total of those attending 40
-Salt Lake City Dance Group  (roughly 12 people, ages: early 20s)
-Los Banos Dance Group (roughly 10 people, ages: 14 – 20)
-Chino Gauden Bat (roughly 12 people, ages: 13 – 20)
-Bakersfield Dance Group (roughly 4 people, ages: 18 – early 20s)
-San Francisco Dance Group (16 people, ages: 13 – 25)
-Christina Sangroniz, Salt Lake City group director
-Annie Erreca, Los Banos group director
-Valerie Arrechea, San Francisco group director

** Those dealing with NABO youth projects were notified of the meeting on Saturday, August 30^th, and the meeting was announced to the general public after the mass.  John Ysursa could not attend due to prior commitments with the running of the convention.

The question of how NABO can better serve the needs of Basque youth was opened for discussion.  Based on the lack of success of the past two Gaztealde, it is evident that NABO has not yet hit on the winning formula for this age category.  Here were their thoughts on the matter:

1. Regarding Classes and a structured program
> The two parents attending the meeting suggested a program that involved classes.  Specifically, Christina suggested intensive Basque language classes stating that language was key to Basque identity.  Perhaps people would be interested in a Barnetegi program?  NABO could help by organizing a small group to attend such a program, or at least get more information out to those interested.
> Those in the 20 years and younger age category seemed to prefer no classes.  They seem to prefer to celebrate being basque, not learn it.
> One compromise suggested:  that Gaztealde give a choice of 5 classes on the application.  The top 3 classes are chosen, and everyone participates, or you only do what you signed up for on the application.

2. Regarding cost and length of a program
> There was concern about cost and having to miss work to attend.  Most people start working at age 16, and taking a week off during the summer is difficult.  Once people start working, they are also expected to pay for programs like this themselves.
> Paying for housing is an issue.  Those at the meeting would like to have the programs where it is either really cheap or they can stay with friends.

3. Regarding the goal of a NABO program for youth:
> More interested in strictly social gatherings: weekend trips such as camping and skiing were suggested.
> Concerned with maintaining friendships, celebrating being Basque, and giving opportunities for other youth outside of traditional Basque circles a chance to get involved.

4. Regarding location of a program
> Central location for easier accessibility; airport access is important, with an eye towards cost.
> Projects could be done in conjunction with a Basque festival to support various Basque clubs.

5. Regarding enabling NABO youth with more responsibilities:  Youth NABO through a telephone meeting system:
> The group seemed very interested.
> They liked idea of having the responsibility of planning events.
> They liked the idea of being able to choose their representative as opposed to outside people picking who they think are leaders.  If the groups pick their own representatives they are more likely to stand behind that person (who answers to the group) and that way the system can stay in place even though individuals would change.  (Much like the delegate system NABO uses.)
> Leaders can’t be created, they just need opportunities to come forward.
> This group was wary of not having their ideas respected once they have made suggestions.  If the idea of a youth NABO is followed, it needs to be taken seriously and not brush off the suggestions of this youth committee.

6. Regarding getting all youth communities on board
> The group at the meeting was very aware that not all groups in NABO were present at the meeting.  Many dance groups were missing, and not all clubs have their youth organized in groups.
> Question on how to get some of those on board. (could be a topic at a future youth meeting.)
> Mention that although Gaztealde was held in Boise for past two years, no participants were from Boise.  (None at past 2 udaleku either for that matter)  This group saw the need for all the communities to come together for this idea to work. 

Valerie Arrechea’s general observations:  The youth present were very open and receptive to the idea of being involved in decisions that affect them.  They were happy that they had been asked.  They were wary that their suggestions would not be listened to.  They have some great ideas, and good heads on their shoulders.  Their parents should be proud to have such clear thinking young adults.  Just as we were given the space to create things at a young age, we need to do so for this current youth.  They need to be involved in projects, not have projects handed to them.

Respectfully submitted,
Valerie Arrechea, NABO Udaleku Chairman & Director, SF Zazpiak Bat

Valerie Arrechea is serving as the moderator, but the young adults will be ones developing the initiatives.  She can be reached at 415/859-1154 or by email at Etcharren@msn.com