Step to the mic!!!! Youth Speaks is a phenomenal arts-in-education program! I first heard about YS and Brave New Voices back in 2006. I was looking for volunteer opportunities and stumbled upon this organization. I attended several events as a volunteer at their shows. I soon became a fan and supporter of YS. The staff/mentors are professional, down-to-earth and model citizens. They make everything about learning, fun and give the students encouragement to build confidence, express their individuality and to live up to their potential as writers and performers.
I am a huge advocate for youth outreach. There are so many amazing accolades for this literary arts program. They have several programs including after school residencies/programs, workshops outside of school and poet-mentor program for professional development.
Every year, they have the Youth Speaks Grand Slam competition. I've gone to the show twice when it was hosted at the SF Opera House. The best of the best are selected through earlier competitions to perform their pieces and judged on their performance. It takes guts to get up on stage in front of a packed house. Big ups to these students (keep in mind some are just in jr. high)....brave enough to bare their soul in front of everyone and share their story, ideas and thoughts with the world. The winners are then sent to represent the Bay at the National Slam competition. Represent!
If you have ever seen Def Poetry or the HBO Documentary Brave New Voices, many of the kids from YS were featured on there. It's inspiring to see young talent brought up through Youth Speaks. I've met a bunch of these students while they were in high school. These kids are smart, talented and all have great heads on their shoulders. Many at such a young age had books and albums out, yet they are so respectful and humble. I'm positive that they all go on to great opportunities in college and beyond.
Big ups to the Youth Speaks Founder James Kaas and the Directors, Staff, Board, Advisers and everyone else involved! You guys rock!!!! There aren't enough great things I can say about YS. I love spoken word and I love what Youth Speaks does for our young people and community! read more