Voice: Melanie Bavaria
![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/galaei-alternative-prom-2-624x315.jpg)
Dancing For Those Who Can’t
Two weeks after the Orlando shooting, activist group GALAEI celebrates an especially poignant alternative prom for LGBTQ Latinos
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/spells-writing-lab-generocity-791x400.jpg)
The Citizen Updates: Spells Writing Lab
The youth writing program fights illiteracy in schools and beyond. A new crowdfunding campaign seeks to double the number of students it reaches
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/el-centro-de-estudiantes-791x400.jpg)
One Student at a Time
At El Centro de Estudiantes, intense adult interaction helps high school dropouts graduate—and sets them up for success in their lives
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/southwark-elementary-dual-language-immersion-791x400.jpg)
Bienvenidos a la escuela
Are bilingual immersion programs, like at South Philly’s Southwark, a way to save city schools?
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/girls-on-the-run-philly-1-791x400.jpg)
Girls Run the World
Girls On The Run uses running to teach girls confidence, leadership and good health
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/PRMHC-791x400.jpg)
“Finding People More People”
A South Philly refugee center in danger of closing offers skills and community to those who have left it all behind
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/philadelphia-immigration-hub-1-791x400.jpg)
Help Them Build and They Will Come
As politicians debate America’s immigration policy, a new collaborative workspace in Mt. Airy helps newcomers start businesses and grow the economy
By Melanie Bavaria![](https://thephiladelphiacitizen.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/spells-writing-lab-video-791x400.jpg)
This is My Philly
Children from all over the city write their blocks at a Spells Writing Lab workshop
By Melanie Bavaria