‘Youth Speaks’ initiative will be foundation for next class of leaders

UW–Madison Chancellor John D. Wiley is announcing a new initiative to strengthen the links between the university’s multicultural programming and community outreach. The initiative will enhance and complement other campus-based diversity activities under the umbrella of Plan 2008, but be distinctive in its programming and goals.

Willie Ney, former assistant director of UW–Madison’s Latin American, Caribbean and Iberian Studies Program (LACIS), will direct the office.

Ney will work to create a local collaboration with San Francisco-based Youth Speaks, a youth poetry, spoken word and creative writing program. Ney plans to give voice to Madison-area youth by developing a model partnership among the university, community and K12 schools based on Youth Speaks programming.

Through Youth Speaks, in an event known as Spoken Word, teenagers pick up a pen to write poetry and then grab a microphone to perform their works. For many, it is the first time they have felt empowered and free to express themselves, says Ney. Youth Speaks crosses cultural, racial, class, gender, sexual orientation and language barriers.

The ultimate goal of the office will be to develop the academic potential of youth who might not otherwise consider attending college and to eventually position UW–Madison as a national leader in urban arts.

“This program gives at-risk teens a positive outlet for expression and a reason to commit to learning. We’re building leaders,” says Ney. “Once you find your voice, you can do anything.”

UW–Madison alumnus James Kass is executive director of Youth Speaks. He recognized UW–Madison’s potential to develop a model program that could be replicated in similar-sized cities across the United States.

In addition to the Youth Speaks project, the office will house other multicultural outreach programs that Ney has developed: Cinefest Nuestra America film festival; and Sin Fronteras, a teacher training and multicultural outreach program.

These programs have been successful in building diverse coalitions of community and university partners. They have also have stimulated broad appeal, participation and attendance among multicultural constituencies ranging from school-aged children and their parents to teachers and community leaders.

“Everyone brings something to the table at a university such as UW–Madison,” Wiley says. “Educational experiences happen in and outside of the classroom. This will truly be an example of that and will offer opportunities to the next generation of students.”

The Youth Speaks Madison Kickoff Celebration and Spoken Word Showcase will take place Thursday, Oct. 13, 8-9:30 p.m., at the Wisconsin Historical Society auditorium, 816 State St. (on Library Mall). The event is part of the Wisconsin Book Festival; admission is free.