Spotlight On...

 

Matt Kruse

After School Program Coordinator

 

Every Thursday after school, in a classroom at Willow Creek Middle School, Matt Kruse is immersed in the energy and rowdiness of 6th grade students.  Despite their occasional disinterest, Kruse continuously challenges them to “think outside the box” and break out of the parameters that limit them. 

 

Kruse facilitates the Diversity Council’s after school program in the United Way’s middle school initiative, which provides academic support to at-risk youth while creating opportunities for them to develop leadership skills and community connections.  Ultimately, Kruse hopes that participants are able to “step away from the program and think about their lives and their role in making the city accepting to all people…to think about their first impression of someone.” 

 

He promotes a respectful environment in which youth are encouraged to share their thoughts and listen to those of their peers.  Kruse recalls students sharing examples of how they sometimes let their “box” control them.  He explains, “each kid had an example of how their [parameters such as stereotypes or prejudice] caused them to miss an opportunity to meet someone new or engage in their goals, [and instead] live under oppression.”    

 

Why does Kruse care so much about others’ access to opportunities, or lack thereof?  “I have been given so much opportunity, support and reassurance,” Kruse says.  “I’ve never been so low that I didn’t have something to fall back on, and it is my charge to help people [without this background] realize their full potential.” 

 

This commitment peppers Kruse’s resume with meaningful jobs.  Currently, he works as a behavioral therapist for the Minnesota Autism Center.  Prior to moving to Rochester with his wife last September, Kruse was a program director for a YMCA in southern California.  “I was in charge of diversity training, and worked with 1st and 2nd generation Mexican-Americans.  There is a different attitude toward immigrants there and a more developed, better support system.” 

 

Before his move to California, Kruse worked as a chaplain in the Hennepin County juvenile detention center, working with 17- and 18-year-olds.  He recalls a gang leader with whom he worked closely.  “This kid talked about how frustrating it was to be him…how his life was not one he wanted to live but he had no choice,” Kruse explains. “For many inmates, being incarcerated is their one chance to be themselves.  On the outside they have to be adults, but they have the chance to hope, dream and free their minds inside the walls.”  

  

Kruse’s commitment to helping others and social justice was instilled at an early age.  “I was taught to never judge,” he explains.  “In school, I was interested in history and ethnic studies.  I saw learning about other ethnic groups as a way to help, to understand someone’s plight.  So many people are told ‘you can’t do this’, either spoken or unspoken, institutionally or individually.  I want to help people reach their full potential.” 

 

His role in the after-school program is a perfect fit for this goal.  “Most kids in the program are considered at-risk because of issues at home, with physical aggression or attendance, and this is a chance for them to see new opportunities and be engaged.  It provides a foundation for success.” 

 

Kruse was attracted to the work of the Diversity Council shortly after moving to Rochester.  “I found the Diversity Council on the internet,” he recalls.  “An organization like the Diversity Council, so progressive for a small city and met with such community support, is rare, but crucial.”  Kruse’s timing in finding the Diversity Council could not have been better, especially considering his experience working closely with at-risk youth. 

 

As with any teaching role, the benefits accrue not only to the students, but to the teacher as well.  Clearly, Kruse believes the Diversity Council and the middle school initiative enriches his life, stating, “If I didn’t do this type of work, I’d be missing an opportunity to meet people, explore ideas and enrich my own life.  I’ve never met an idea I wasn’t willing to listen to and [enjoy] exploring others’ perceptions.” 

 

Kruse models his commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming community weekly in a middle school classroom.  Where do you model your commitment?  As a New Year dawns, this is an important reminder to all of us to be the change we want to see in the world.