The Meredith Farkas article, "An Outlet for Creativity: Plugging in with teen-centered podcasting", echoed much of my own research for the developmental assets project. Jessica and I have discovered a local Northern Berkshire group of teens involved in "The Grooove" as a method of self-expression and creativity. According to their homepage (http://www.nbccoalition.org/programs/grooove/index.htm):
"The Grooove is organized by teens, for teens. The Grooove organizes monthly events, including open-microphone coffeehouses ("Grooove Café") and concerts featuring local teen bands." I spoke directly with a teen member of the organization and learned that although she did not perform herself in the Grooove Cafe events, she gains positive peer to peer experiences and works creatively through the event planning and management opportunities. She is an experienced dancer but does not sing so she uses her talents to choreograph the performance routines for her friends and makes sure that things flow smoothly behind the scenes. I couldn't help but feel her enthusiasm when she spoke about the Grooove events and am looking forward to attending one myself to experience first hand the creative sparks flying!
The Cheshire Public Youth Librarian, Sarah Morgan, admitted "Although I am often tempted to rule with an iron hand, I know that would spell doom for the project." In a similar position is the UNITY (United, Neighboring, Interdependent, Trusted Youth) program associate, Kate Merrigan, of the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. I spoke with Kate about her involvement with the Grooove organization and she agreed that rather than "being the bossy adult and telling them what to do I try to just give them my support, like being the safety net for their high wire act." I loved this quote, and really hit it off with Kate whom I highly respect for her role as an effective youth leader. I have passed the Farkas article along to Kate and the wheels are turning so keep your ears out for some "Grooovy" podcasting hopefully coming soon!
American Libraries. Volume 38, Issue 3, March 2007. Chicago, IL: American Libraries, p. 30.
1 comment:
Groovy podcasting what fun!
I'm also thinking about My Own Cafe. There are connections between Groove, Cheshire, and MOC. The teens are in the drivers seat with the adults supporting but not ruling.
I love that quote from Sarah Kline Morgan. It really says what this is all about.
BTW, I'm looking forward to hearing if you have thoughts about the ways libraries can connect with the organizations that you've been talking with in order to support teens.
Post a Comment