Written Word

Creative Action youth are taught to express themselves through the arts. One great way they’ve expressed their ideas is through written word- poems, stories, songs.

Where I’m From- This video combines stop motion animation with poetry about the unique life experiences from Ojeda Middle School students.

The following poem was written by a New Stages Youth Ensemble member during the 2011-12 school year:

“I am a person writing about my pain

I am a person living a life of shame

I’m your child hiding my depression

I’m your friend acting like I’m fine

I’m a teenager pushing my tears aside

I’m a student who doesn’t have a clue

I’m the kid sitting next to you

I am the one asking you why you care”

-Offered in partnership with Gardner Betts Juvenile Detention Center and Travis County Probation, this program fosters access to arts learning for youth at-risk for gang involvement.

• After participating in New Stages, 75% of participants exhibited an improvement in family relationships.