Youth Builders try Nesting

The Portland Youth Builders is a non-profit with the mission to support young people who are committed to changing their lives to become self-sufficient, contributing members of the workforce and their community. Services for the youth include a unique and resilient academic environment, green construction and media arts training, as well as career development. To engage their commitment to serving community, the Youth Builders have several days of service and recently offered their skill and time to City Repair.

On Saturday, May 8th, over a dozen students and staff amassed to help build a movable archway that will be used for the 15th annual Village Building Convergence (VBC). The plan was to draw a a general design to show the VBC aesthetic, or dream, and then to have the builders playfully experiment and be empowered to mold the ultimate design.

The instructors were to think organic, think in flowing shapes, and to build like a bird. While this plan was initially met with raised eyebrows and questions like "Uhh, do you really think this will stand?"

The builders quickly took on the challenge and using amazing teamwork and staff facilitation an archway an eagle would admire was fashioned.  Many of the builders ended liking the free-form and collage-like construction opportunity, noting that straight or grid-like forms are typically how a good grade is obtained.

Much thanks to the Youth Builders for their community service! Many of non-profits would be less able without such support and care. Check out photos from the work day below...