Mentioned in some previous
posts, my organization has undergone an organizational change and yesterday
marked the official beginning of our new vision.
A little background…
Founded in 2006, In
Movement: Art for Social Change is an arts-based education program that works
with underserved youth.
We operate on the
foundation of creating positive social change in young people in through the
arts and imaginative education. The
program utilizes music, dance, drama, visual arts, creative writing, and circus
in combination with motivational and experiential learning to create a safe and
supportive environment for the youth to develop self-esteem, take creative
risks, explore ones identity, and build a community.
We believe that these
areas of personal growth are essential for individual empowerment, community
growth, and social change.
Previously, our
beneficiaries experienced unique and transformative empowerment camps,
workshops, field trips, and performances. The life skills they have acquired at
In Movement have helped them discover their strengths, talents, and passions,
and live more purposeful and fulfilling lives.
As our youth have
undergone these transformations, we continue to see their potential and role in
the community. With that being said, we
have redirected our vision, allowing our alumni to take a lead role in facilitating
while being mentored by our long-term Dream Team facilitators. We have opened the space to a drop-in,
volunteer-run community based arts youth center where similar sessions are
being led by our very own alumni and various partners. They still utilize the creative arts while
facilitating and by allowing them the space and support; we are able to witness
the long-term sustainability of this program.
Yesterday we started this
new vision with a Welcome Weekend. The
idea was to bring together our new youth beneficiaries from various partner
schools and organizations to introduce them into our arts based and creative
community approach to program implementation.
We expected 40
people. Tops.
120 came.
120 youth ranging in age
from five to twenty years.
120 youth eager to learn
and expand their knowledge and skills.
120 youth committed to enhancing
their leadership skills through an organization that is dedicated to their
development and success.
To best bring everyone
into the space made creative nametags, did a group rhythm, were invited into
the program through an invocation, had a warm-up, did some name games, talked
about our goals and community agreements, and broke into groups to focus on
various artistic means, such as music, dance, drama, creative writing, and visual arts.
Creative nametags
Warm-Up with Davis
Group rhythm with Oscar
Music with Kaks
Dance with Grace
Drama with Rachelle and I
Creative writing with Ife and Oscar
Visual arts with Mark
We performed for one
another.
We sang.
We started off with a
bang.
And this is just the
beginning!
The welcome weekends will
happen every month with continuing programs throughout the week. Everything from youth leadership workshops
and creative writing to dance and documentary showings.
It was yesterday that I realized
that this would be the only welcome weekend I am present for as the next one
occurs on December 20th. It
was inspirational to see the In Movement team back in action after a year of non-consistent
programs.
It was yesterday that confirmed
this is the work I will pursue as a career.
Get ready youth.
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