Youth Speaks
Overview
Youth Speaks is a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 and based in San Francisco, California. It is one of the foremost presenters of Spoken Word performance and education programs for youth, challenging them to develop and publicly present their voices as means for social change. Youth Speaks has been pivotal in organizing youth poetry slams both locally and nationally. The organization aims to increase youth literacy, cultural expression, and civic engagement through its diverse range of projects and initiatives.
Recent Developments
- July 2024: Youth Speaks received a $40,000 grant from the Poetry Foundation to support its mission and activities. This funding is part of the continuous financial support from various foundations that believe in Youth Speaks' mission to empower youth through poetry and spoken word.
- 2024: The organization launched the Public Poet Fellowship, designed to prepare young poets as activist storytellers in public policy and narrative change. Fellows, selected from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, disabled, and immigrant communities, participate in a nine-month program that includes writing workshops and performance coaching.
- 2023: Youth Speaks hosted the annual Brave New Voices festival. This event gathers youth from across the globe for workshops and competition, fostering a supportive community for young poets.
- Late 2023: The organization strengthened its partnerships with schools and after-school programs to incorporate its arts-education model into more curriculums, enhancing its reach and impact.
- 2022-2023: Youth Speaks implemented strategic planning to expand its influence globally, adapting its pedagogy to enable youth to influence policy and civic life effectively.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 1996 |
| Headquarters | San Francisco, California, USA |
| Founders | James Kass (credited co-founder) |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not applicable (non-profit) |
| Key Investors | Poetry Foundation, MacArthur Foundation |
| Industry | Nonprofit, Performing Arts, Youth Development |
| Number of Employees | Approximately 50 |
Early History
Youth Speaks was founded in 1996 in San Francisco as a response to the lack of accessible platforms for young people to share their stories and spoken word poetry. The organization's founders sought to create a safe and encouraging environment where young individuals could explore and nurture their talents. Initially, this involved organizing local poetry slams and arts-education programs in schools. These early efforts quickly garnered attention and began to attract thousands of young participants, leading to the institution's rapid growth and establishment as a prominent voice in youth cultural movements.
Company Profile and Achievements
Youth Speaks operates on a model that intertwines poetry, arts education, and civic engagement. It has successfully created a national network of linked youth development programs across the United States. Major achievements include:
- Hosting the annual "Brave New Voices" competition, which is highly regarded internationally for highlighting top young poets.
- Establishing workshops such as "Under-21 Open Mics" and "Queeriosity," promoting inclusion and diversity.
- Receiving significant grants totaling over $2 million from the MacArthur Foundation between 2016 and 2024 to support operational growth.
- Pioneering "The Off/Page Project," in partnership with the Center for Investigative Reporting, to give voice to untold stories through multimedia channels.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Youth Speaks continues to excel in youth educational programs focusing on spoken word and poetry. It maintains a strong market position within the nonprofit sector through its innovative programs like the Public Poet Fellowship, directly impacting youth narrative change and artistic expression. Youth Speaks’ initiatives empower youth voices to influence public policy and cultural change, enhancing its visibility and reputation globally.
Conclusion
Youth Speaks stands as a beacon of progressiveness in youth cultural empowerment and education, leveraging the power of spoken word to drive social change. With its strong foundation and ongoing support from prestigious institutions, Youth Speaks is poised to continue expanding its influence, addressing civic and social issues through creative youth-led initiatives. Its commitment to inclusivity, literacy, and youth empowerment underscores its significant role in shaping future generations of socially conscious leaders.