the Service Board's Summer Arts & Service

Website

www.theServiceBoard.org

Describe the creative youth microprojects that your nonprofit would fundraise for if you win.

This project would fund a summer job and life skills program for 15-20 students in the Seattle area that combines skateboarding, art and community service. Along with community service hours and job skills, students will earn a work stipend and a skateboard upon program completion. Throughout the program we will work with teaching artists to teach the youth storytelling and film-making as we document the program. By the end of the summer they will gain multi-media, planning, collaboration and communication skills as well as new ways to express their voices. Together we discuss the value and relationships between art, social justice and service and complete intensive community service projects. Students will gain valuable job and team-skills that will support their next steps. The program will culminate with a film screening and gallery opening showcasing their products to the community in fall of 2013.

Explain how possibly gaining funding through the Give for Youth platform would better able you to complete these projects.

We believe that this project is a good fit for the Give For Youth Platform because the innovative curriculum is engaging and impactful. We will be able to share our story with donors and show exactly where funding goes (ie. $200 provides a work stipend, $50 provides lunch for the program, $75 provides materials for a silk screening project). The media component of the project also builds in transparency and opportunities to provide updates to donors. The total program cost will be $24,000.

People want to know that their donation makes an impact. This micro funding project shows donors how their dollars are put to use and the impact that can be made when they join others. We also know that people are motivated by a match – an opportunity to have their contribution stretch with Microsoft support makes donors excited.

Describe why your nonprofit is innovative and entrepreneurial.

tSB provides unique programming that allows students an opportunity to take leadership in their learning and develop habits, characteristics and skills that will make them successful in work and life. Our innovative curriculum produces students with: • Initiative and Self Direction: Develop students’ abilities to set and achieve goals and engage in planning and course correction along the way. Inspire a belief in their capacity to learn and grow. • Future Orientation: Students internalize hope and optimism regarding their future potential, goals and choices. • Sense of Belonging: Building strong relationships with peers and mentors across diverse backgrounds. Giving students a strong support network. • Critical Thinking & Creativity: Developing the abilities to reason using evidence, solve problems and imagine new ideas. • Collaboration and Communication Skills: Develop students’ abilities to work effectively in a group, listen for meaning and articulate thoughts and emotions.

Discussion

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