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Activism through Art
We actively engage young people in dialogue and art-making
that arises from their own issues and concerns as youth
citizens of this world. YAC projects are grounded in the
belief that all young people have a voice and must be encouraged
to express it, shape it, and propel it. Our projects provide
the base from which young people learn artistic and technical
skills and use them to speak out and organize in their communities.
Youth as Community Resources
We see youth as the resources for our world, the next generation
to move us toward true democracy —politically, socially,
and economically. Our projects give young people the stepping
stones to pursue their own visions and dreams for the world.
We invite young people to propose their own projects, which
then go under review by our board of directors. Provided
the impetus for the action comes from the young people,
and is in line with our mission and goals, we'll support
it.
Safe Spaces
For many young people participation in a YAC project is
their first encounter with youth empowerment and youth activism.
Our projects, however, provide safe spaces in which youth
can share ideas without pressure or judgment. This can be
quite challenging for those who are accustomed to traditional
schooling that is top-down and didactic; for others it expands
their possibilities. All young people need to work in environments
that respect and support them for who they are at every
step of their learning process. Facilitators help set the
tone for individual and group development to flourish.
Youth on Board
We have created an intergenerational Board of Directors
to expand and promote the decision-making power of young
people within the organization. Youth, ages 13-20, make
up 50% of our Board, participating as peer decision-makers
with adults in the organization. Beginning in the fall of
2003, we initiated a youth/adult co-Chair partnership, to
ensure that youth voices are active at all levels of our
organization. In February 2004 we voted-in our first youth
treasurer.
Social Change
YAC is committed to moving power into the hands of young
people of every race, class, orientation, and ability. In
our projects young people decide for themselves what problems
are important to them, how those problems have come to exist,
and what kind of action is appropriate, effective, and fun.
YAC gives them the money, time, space, and support they
need to do just that.
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