Our Methods
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Question: What if Every Young Person Felt Safe?
Safe in schools, safe online, safe in their communities, and safe in the world?
Our Belief
We know that pain is cross cultural- every adolescent is "at risk".
Our Work
We create a multi-cultural constituency across socio-economic barriers and teach each other's language and youth leadership skills.
Our Results
Family is born and they move on the world together to create change.
Our Principles
SafeSpace/
BrAVESPACE
A SafeSpace/BraveSpace allows young people to feel physically, mentally and emotionally safe and also encourages them to bravely share, grow, learn, teach and reflect in an authentic and vulnerable way. SafeSpace/BraveSpace is at the core of all CityKids' workshops and events.
Youth- to-Youth Communication
Adult mentors act as key resources, providing tools, support, and opportunities for young people to teach and learn from their peers. The young people at CityKids study a diverse range of national and global issues and are in the best position to encourage change and growth in each other.
Multi- Cultural Bridge Building
Young people from different backgrounds gather and engage in honest dialogue. Boundaries are crossed and dismantled while doors to understanding, common dreams, values and possibilities are opened. The inclusive culture of CityKids not only raises awareness and counteracts bias, but it also expand its outreach.
Leadership Development
CityKids understand that all young people have the potential to be change-makers. Through CityKids programs, young people receive the tools necessary to be powerful voices of leadership within their community. “Each One Reach One, Each One Teach One, Each One Bring One Into the Sun.”
ARTIVISM
CityKids utilizes the arts as a form of activism. Closely collaborating with renowned performing and visual artists, young people create powerful performance events that tackle relevant issues, create community, and inspire reflective conversations.
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Our Process
We monitor progress, offer support through our trained staff, and partner with like-minded organizations when necessary; leading CityKids members to:
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Gain self-esteem and set high goals for themselves artistically, academically and in other areas of their lives
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Develop an array of life and leadership skills including: verbal and written communication, active listening, critical thinking, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork, planning, time management, organization and position perspective
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Develop pre-professional skills in the performing arts and expanding their cultural awareness
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Broaden their understanding of social justice issues and become a part of the solutions to problems in their communities
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Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher and advance on schedule to the next grade in school
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Serve as positive role models and mentors for their younger peers and for their communities
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Take on leadership roles within the organization
Our Programs
CityKids Coalition
Peer Leadership Training
Safe Space Training
Conflict Resolution
Community Organizing
CityKids Repertory Company
Communication Skills
Theater Arts Training:
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Writing, Acting, Music, Dance, Performance, Spoken word, Choreography, Creation of Original Material
CityKids Speak Events
Innovation
Media/Social Networking
Touring
Workshops
Capacity Building
Marketing
Producing