What's the Story? – The Young Filmmakers' Social Action Team | Geoff Gevalt | Activity https://whatsthestoryvt.com/members/ggevalt/activity/ Activity feed for Geoff Gevalt. Wed, 25 Feb 2026 03:27:26 -0500 https://buddypress.org/?v= en 30 hourly 2 75cede52287c031851bdbd8e4fc3b151 Geoff Gevalt wrote a new post http://whatsthestoryvt.com/?p=6643 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:48:05 -0400 There are several moments in this weekend when I realized this group, this year’s What’s the Story, is going to work. Here they are:

A surprising solution: During our […]

]]> 49a63c2b746f792ea8c245133a577f80 Geoff Gevalt wrote a new post http://whatsthestoryvt.com/?p=6641 Sun, 28 Oct 2018 18:15:50 -0400 My name is Geoffrey Gevalt. I am a writer, editor, photographer and storyteller. For 33 years I was a professional journalist, mostly with newspapers, first as a reporter, then as an editor and then as a newsroom […]

]]> 0cbe3a2549d0160b0a4aea926f452c47 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #4 Proficiencies and What They Mean http://whatsthestoryvt.com/4-proficiencies-and-what-they-mean/#comment-9818 Thu, 25 Oct 2018 12:56:35 -0400 Adelle, this is an interesting topic and you’ve outlined the student perspective well. My questions are these: how does the new method of assessment differ from grading of the past? What’s the point? And will […]

]]> 7034a69640bc1b26e6f031623d4f8cbc Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #4 What are we going to do? (Alzheimer's Mind Map) http://whatsthestoryvt.com/4-what-are-we-going-to-do-alzheimers-mind-map/#comment-9792 Mon, 22 Oct 2018 12:46:08 -0400 Unfortunately, the link doesn’t work for me; I get an error message saying the diagram doesn’t exist.

But I appreciate Erik’s comments to illuminate what is on the map. My big question is this, what of a cure? […]

]]> fff26abaf2476c0cd07ea1644557f668 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #2 evanesce http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-evanesce/#comment-9791 Mon, 22 Oct 2018 12:41:19 -0400 Well researched and put together. Clear writing. The questions are these: what is the change you seek to achieve? What can be changed?

geoff

]]> eb812c7b5fafe372834c21ab55f44ad0 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog Post #3 - Import People in my Life's Ideas http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-3-import-people-in-my-lifes-ideas/#comment-9701 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 16:04:56 -0400 Hi Rae,

Thanks for this and thanks for sharing the progression of your thinking and exploration from your previous post.

This is a difficult topic. As the founder of Young Writers Project, I experienced […]

]]> 3051184526b83632a188b2a93ee3408b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3 - Discovering Power in Society http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-discovering-power-in-society/#comment-9700 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:53:38 -0400 Aleana,

First, it was good to see you Sunday and congratulations for being selected to appear in the Young Writers Project Anthology 9!

I agree with the commenters who preceded me — a fascinating, though […]

]]> 759695a4ce641b7c2afbf9c70597514c Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3 Thoughts on Women's Healthcare Access http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-thoughts-on-womens-healthcare-access/#comment-9699 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:41:35 -0400 Liv,

I appreciate the work you have done and the clarity of this post.

I don’t want to repeat what others have said here, though I agree with most of it. My thoughts would be these:

What about people who […]

]]> 878ca1a39aa2631472a9ce0501bc109b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, A World Full of Opportunities- #3 http://whatsthestoryvt.com/a-world-full-of-opportunities-3/#comment-9698 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:27:15 -0400 Meredith,

Thanks so much for your work and for this post. Your writing shows me that you are a thoughtful person and someone who is able to express their thoughts and the progression of their thoughts […]

]]> 373cfd5de48e777327b54dbdc8fcea7b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog Post 3: Opinions on Foster Care http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-3-opinions-on-foster-care/#comment-9697 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:16:00 -0400 Great post. I appreciate the complexity of your thinking and of the responses.

My quick question would be this: Why are you interested in this topic?

It’s an open question, really. But within your answer […]

]]> 65d0a93829dd982acb9db09999852e74 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog Post #3: Enabling Change Makers http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-3-enabling-change-makers/#comment-9696 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:12:25 -0400 Grace,

The comments ahead of mine offer you some good jumping off points. I’ll echo a couple here by simply saying that I so appreciate your opening lines in this blog. You thought about another topic, you did […]

]]> 2d85a804ee34b26f875b387984b1fb54 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3 Interviews http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-interviews-3/#comment-9695 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 15:03:25 -0400 Katelyn,

Well I have read your post four times. Each time I see something new in the complexity of your respondents’ answers. There is much, much there that shows just how complex people’s attitudes are about […]

]]> 43ccde1262f043a97ce17f3a6375327e Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog Post #3 The Future of Vermont Refugees http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-3-the-future-of-vermont-refugees/#comment-9694 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:51:26 -0400 Ella,

I was interested by this and you raise some excellent points and questions. You obviously have given this topic some thought.

My question is this: Why did you decide to jump from guns (blog #2) to […]

]]> b0e50d0786a9410189cec6544a443275 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #2. What Gets Under my Skin? http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-what-gets-under-my-skin-2/#comment-9693 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:40:35 -0400 Melaina,

First, I appreciate your writing — and for expanding/clarifying your original post. Powerful experiences can lead to powerful stories.
Second, I appreciated your questions, to:

-How can we make […]

]]> e11eff103b1234d6cd99f1126b99448f Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog #4 Racism Mind Poster http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-4-racism-mind-poster/#comment-9692 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:33:46 -0400 Hussein,

“When do I start” … love it. You already have!

I think the most difficult thing you will have to tackle first is how to corral your topic into a thread or story backbone that is achievable. This […]

]]> a0d198fe593afeba3c3f220e4071e51b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3 Discrimination through other eyes http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-discrimination-through-other-eyes/#comment-9691 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:30:20 -0400 Lucy,

I’d echo Lena’s point; I think it’s important to know who you interviewed, what the respondents’ races were and what the variations on the responses were. (An awkward sentence, to be sure, my apologies.) […]

]]> 3fccb9d9ae6bee75626f219990bd8b83 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog #3 Racism Interview http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-3-racism-interview/#comment-9690 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:21:49 -0400 Hussein,

Take a look at my comment on your post #2… it fits here, too.

I was interested by this quote that you highlighted, and I presume it is from Mr. Dorfman, in regards to the TedTalk video: “It’s j […]

]]> 16e3de52b8f2b4654f163bbbdb9429a8 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Blog Post #2 Racism http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-2-racism/#comment-9689 Wed, 17 Oct 2018 14:13:14 -0400 Hussein,

Thanks for writing this. Rather than echo the other comments, I’d simply ask this question: “How does race affect your life and the lives of your classmates?” Within that comes personal stories that […]

]]> bf9f6dc1e69225bcdd754771d3fbd02d Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #1: Why I Am Excited For What's The Story http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-here-because/#comment-9378 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:46:03 -0400 Hi Finn,

It was great to meet you on the first day. And this blog accurately shows your interest and enthusiasm. I look forward to working with you.

I also appreciate that you’ve already begun to think of […]

]]> 9a362e7365cad63e86bcca46f4be36bf Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #1 - I'm here because I want to make effective and meaningful change http://whatsthestoryvt.com/im-here-because-i-want-to-make-effective-and-meaningful-change/#comment-9376 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 19:39:07 -0400 Aleana,

So glad your principal reached out to you. And I think that this year’s experience will help you see how a group can come together and create a successful social action project and documentary.

Your […]

]]> 0a4ef2fffad36adf3e6e4b326bdb548f Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #2: Feminism http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-feminism/#comment-9373 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:53:41 -0400 Rex,

I probably should have read this before reading your first blog. I see where you are heading with your idea-storming.

So, acknowledging that I come at this from the standpoint/perspective of a balding, […]

]]> acbdfe081514f9a1f4c5a515839e133b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, I Am The One http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-the-one/#comment-9372 Wed, 26 Sep 2018 18:40:03 -0400 Rex,

It was a delight to meet you and I so appreciated your openness and willingness to share your personal story with me. I look forward to working with you and don’t hesitate to contact me if you can see how […]

]]> 8f5b90d7eaf90b71dfedbcf0f2377e18 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why am I here? http://whatsthestoryvt.com/why-am-i-here/#comment-9343 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 20:03:03 -0400 Melaina,

I love the metaphor you used throughout your post and, as best I can, I was able to read between the lines, or get past the armour, as it were, and have some inkling as to what you are referring […]

]]> 2f4d4eaa001e80b8e7ef8fafb05f5c75 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, I am here because... http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-here-because-4/#comment-9342 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:58:13 -0400 Lucy,

Like Melaina, I am looking forward to seeing where your energy is focused. Change is good, but what do you want to change? What really cranks you up? Begin to explore the possibilities.

Let me know […]

]]> 63f6d9a492c3c9a4d9c53caae78cd945 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why I Am Here http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-here-because-5/#comment-9341 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:56:01 -0400 Adelle,

I can’t wait to see how you develop your focus this year. Having watched you write and grow over these last few years, I am looking forward to how you tackle WtS.

As always, let me know how I can help.

gg

]]> 38834f5ba424e9b319a9bf66e0bd7a43 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why I'm Here http://whatsthestoryvt.com/why-im-here-4/#comment-9340 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:34:42 -0400 Liv,

I’ll second what Moira says. I’m looking forward to seeing what ideas turn your crank or, perhaps more accurately, turn you cranky. 🙂

Like Meredith, I think your comment about not having voice in your […]

]]> f1cc6e79d70fc1880f87d6345e09fc9f Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, I Am The One Who... http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-the-one-who-2/#comment-9339 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:30:23 -0400 Grace,

It was a pleasure to meet you at our first session and I was appreciative of what you shared. I think you bring to this year’s WtS group the experience and wisdom of having done it before. The challenge […]

]]> 438d4a6175c1eee1b3901d9a5ac1272b Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why I'm Here http://whatsthestoryvt.com/why-im-here-5/#comment-9338 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:27:56 -0400 Ella, thanks for sharing this. It’s succinct and to the point. I particularly liked this sentence: “It is important to be educated about different topics, and be educated in unfamiliar areas.”

A couple of […]

]]> cda705b2fea06f8c8650b72aa79d7371 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, I am here because http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-here-because-3/#comment-9337 Tue, 25 Sep 2018 19:20:53 -0400 Hussein,

My experience with you is that you are anything but a “scaredy-cat.” You take risks and are willing to stretch yourself and I look forward to your leadership and work with What’s the Story. Thanks for […]

]]> 62fab20915c58f3bf4c4be4be0dd08be Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #1- Why I'm Doing What's The Story http://whatsthestoryvt.com/blog-post-1/#comment-9264 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:33:00 -0400 Gabe, I appreciate you sharing this. And you are right; this project will let you go deep and, in the process, you will learn much about group structure, about research, about developing a compelling story — all […]

]]> 863f6a60c57717e7c63527baf20033a3 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, I am here because... http://whatsthestoryvt.com/i-am-here-because-2/#comment-9263 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:30:55 -0400 Katelyn,

This line says it all: “I want to stand with all of those who are fighting the patriarchy. I am here because I know that my stance on stomping out hate is for the betterment of everyone around me. ” […]

]]> 6a4e72bf527b701d7dd0afc3cda424f4 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why I am Here at What's the Story http://whatsthestoryvt.com/why-i-am-here-at-whats-the-story/#comment-9262 Fri, 21 Sep 2018 03:26:16 -0400 Rae, thanks for sharing this. You are right: It should be an exciting year. It will be challenging, too, as you brainstorm ideas on your own and with others and eventually set upon something that you think is […]

]]> 3419bf5fddd895255313979ad2a5979c Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Growth to be made along the way. http://whatsthestoryvt.com/im-here-because/#comment-9240 Sat, 15 Sep 2018 11:24:37 -0400 Sasha,

Nice to meet you yesterday and I so appreciate what you’ve shared here, particularly that you are unsure of what you will end up doing. Being unsure is both scary and an opportunity. Try to avoid […]

]]> 2e9cdb15da533bef74524337394a56f2 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #7 Final Blog Post: What have I learned and taken away from WtS? http://whatsthestoryvt.com/final-blog-post-what-have-i-learned-and-taken-away-from-wts/#comment-9057 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 19:48:06 -0400 Sydney,

I find this a fascinating reflection. I noticed that you, Caroline and Mariana all assumed roles in the project in intuitive ways, ways that showed mutual respect and empathy and, at the same time, a […]

]]> 20df3f4e4eec4322377e4123e9aa6663 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Final Reflections http://whatsthestoryvt.com/final-reflections/#comment-9056 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 19:41:32 -0400 Caroline, I concur with Dixie — and you. I think Bobby Riley’s quote about Wheeler versus IAA and his discussion that there are virtually zero behavior issues when kids are actually doing “art” are the most […]

]]> 68c4b0fd33d9f2059bbc2a070a3ca855 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #7: What's my year story? Reflection http://whatsthestoryvt.com/7-whats-my-year-story-reflection/#comment-9055 Mon, 11 Jun 2018 19:34:32 -0400 Aidan, I love this reflection because it carries, too, some of the images that you put in your project which, after all, was about shedding labels, taking flight as individuals, being seen as individuals. You were […]

]]> d8ad5e1a842346d226fa436ef6fac266 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #4: An Effort in Mapping My Thoughts http://whatsthestoryvt.com/4-an-effort-in-mapping-my-thoughts/#comment-8580 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 22:02:23 -0500 A few random thoughts in reply. Sorry for not getting a reply in sooner. A couple of additional thoughts… there are more small farms — but fewer dairy farms. There are a lot more farms that are niche farms — […]

]]> 7f4eb92bf444185e86efcc27d1c7e1cc Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #5 inspiring change http://whatsthestoryvt.com/5-inspiring-change/#comment-8579 Fri, 10 Nov 2017 21:52:13 -0500 Hi Alex,

If this comment appears again, sorry. I posted it once but it got eaten (I think).

I wanted to tell you that I saw (and like) your project idea re global warming and I wanted to tell you that back […]

]]> c2ee73da7503e4ba5a73b54c187a9492 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #4 my mind is a map http://whatsthestoryvt.com/4-my-mind-is-a-map/#comment-8290 Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:36:55 -0400 Shannon,

I wish I could upload a pic here with the rotated version of your mind map… But at least I have it on my desktop!

So I look forward to your #5 and I’m sorry I didn’t get to comment on this sooner, […]

]]> a6a2e5ca2d734df051684e17c09a2d51 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #5: Eating Our Way to a Sustainable Future? http://whatsthestoryvt.com/5-eating-our-way-to-a-sustainable-future/#comment-8289 Wed, 18 Oct 2017 16:22:07 -0400 Hi Aidan,

I want to echo Shel’s comment about the thoroughness of your research. I wish more people looked at who commissioned a study in order to understand why the conclusions were reached.

I want to step […]

]]> 8ba7bf2968965b0a7ecc172fb1b48940 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3 semi stuck http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-semi-stuck/#comment-8107 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:06:45 -0400 Hi Shannon,

You present a lot of topics and potential stories. While you do your mind-mapping, think about what that you see around you that really gets to you. Think smaller, more specific. Thinking too […]

]]> 3f8d7412ea16b21af54e31239977b8c8 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #4: An Effort in Mapping My Thoughts http://whatsthestoryvt.com/4-an-effort-in-mapping-my-thoughts/#comment-8106 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 23:03:03 -0400 Good map and good framing questions. A couple of thoughts: If you look at the statistics in dairy, VT has had a sharp drop in farms — yet milk production has remained about the same. Why? Breeding, efficiency, […]

]]> d24a6b46e4f9895f9fad758b9804e427 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3: "What Should I Eat for Dinner?" Two Sides to the Story http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-what-should-i-eat-for-dinner-two-sides-to-the-story/#comment-8105 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:59:07 -0400 Aidan,

Shel’s comments are well taken and I won’t repeat.

I would just add that Vermont is small scale. We don’t have the large meat factories that are often the subject of documentaries. I would also argue […]

]]> ffff5d0754520a97017ea30bc41f6329 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #2: Finding Direction http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-finding-direction/#comment-8104 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:55:45 -0400 Aidan,

A year ago or so I ran into a farmer in Rochester (may be a bit of a haul) who would, I think, be perfect. The short story: He and his wife raised Holsteins. To get the grain he needed, he had to use GMO […]

]]> 7a433226ef075ec84ee567deb91faec9 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #1 Brief Thoughts on the Power of a Story http://whatsthestoryvt.com/1-brief-thoughts-on-the-power-of-a-story/#comment-8103 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:50:34 -0400 Aiden,

It always warms my heart to hear someone of your age refer to newspapers (where I spent 33 years of my life as a journalist.)

The power of story is two-fold, for the teller and the listener.

I […]

]]> ed15f7d9f733f3a449d2606fc7f75737 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Male Supremacy or White Supremacy ? - Blog Post #3 http://whatsthestoryvt.com/male-supremacy-or-white-supremacy-blog-post-3/#comment-8102 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:48:42 -0400 Zymora,

I think my response just was eaten by the Ethernet. Drat.

I wanted to say that I found both ideas compelling — but challenging. I’ll try to recreate what I said in the earlier message:

UVM: […]

]]> 00f651feaeba9fb92b5d631aaf571444 Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Male Supremacy or White Supremacy ? - Blog Post #3 http://whatsthestoryvt.com/male-supremacy-or-white-supremacy-blog-post-3/#comment-8101 Mon, 09 Oct 2017 22:41:02 -0400 Zymora, both powerful topics. Statistics can be illuminating and confusing. Illuminating: that UVM has such a high rate of reported rapes; what about the culture of the university leads to these? Confusing: If […]

]]> 1d3dfb4d58132183ab5dd24ef18f296c Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #3: Exploring Different Issues http://whatsthestoryvt.com/3-exploring-different-issues/#comment-8019 Thu, 05 Oct 2017 19:35:50 -0400 Hi Riley,

I empathize.

I want to give you some thoughts that I hope will help. I can relate to your sense of being stuck. And you seem to be pushing yourself towards two ideas in which you have interest but, […]

]]> 669ead939504b8b825765d16de3c095d Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, #2 Acknowledgement, Willingness but no Change http://whatsthestoryvt.com/2-acknowledgement-willingness-but-no-change/#comment-7868 Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:21:48 -0400 I appreciate the depth of your thinking and work so far in identifying this as an issue to work on. There is no question that there is enormous food waste here and everywhere in the U.S.

I think the question […]

]]> b6f706cdad10f6034a6249cd924e635e Geoff Gevalt commented on the post, Why Are There Confederate Flags in Franklin County? http://whatsthestoryvt.com/why-are-there-confederate-flags-in-franklin-county/#comment-7867 Thu, 28 Sep 2017 13:12:00 -0400 Sophie,

I think this would be a fascinating — and tricky — project. But I agree with Shannon and with some of the people you interviews — it would be worthwhile.

The difficulty, of course, is that for […]

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