The youth and volunteers continue to be very busy at StandOut Youth. On Friday April, 11, we held our 1st Open Mic and Open House Night at the First City Network building located on Harris Street. With 21 youth and 19 guests in attendance, we had our largest Friday night gathering to date.
The doors opened at 7:00 PM and the Open Mic program commenced shortly thereafter. Eight of our members entertained the audience with songs (some were even original compositions), instruments, poetry readings, and dramatic monologues. Additionally, 2 of the youth displayed their amazing original artwork. With snacks and drinks provided, the youth and all of the guests attending the open house had a marvelous time.
In addition to the entertainment, the youth also demonstrated their commitment to the larger Savannah community by collecting donations to assist those families affected by the horrific accident at the sugar refinery. Please take a moment to review the photos and poems provided for publication here in the Network News.
In addition to the Open Mic night, there are plenty of other activities going on at StandOut. On May 2nd Star Cpl Tracy Walden, Crime Free Programs Director for the Savannah – Chatham Metropolitan Police Department addressed our youth. Additionally, our most recent monthly topic night was entitled “Looking under the Umbrella” and centered on the acknowledgment and discussion of different sexual orientations, including heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, and pansexual. On Friday, May 16th SOY treated its youth members to a night out where we attended the play, The Mexican, presented by the SCAD Freshman class and starring one of our own youth members.
StandOut Youth has also begun to hold meetings the first Saturday of every month from 2 - 4 PM for our younger youth, ages 14-17, and their parents. Keep an ear out for more information. If you know of a youth who would benefit from this group, remember that the next meeting is scheduled for June 7th.
Our ranks continue to grow, as we have on average 1 – 2 new youth join our meetings each week. With the increased interest and attendance from our young folks, we’ll be reaching out again for additional volunteers. Our next volunteer orientation is scheduled for June 21st from 2 – 4 PM.
Please visit our website at www.standoutyouth.org to stay abreast of our upcoming volunteer opportunities and training in addition to our scheduled youth events.
May 2008 Update
