ABOUT US
We recognize that the younger generation has gifts that can be realized with the support of a safe, fun and healthy community setting. Without access to this, many expressions turn into frustration, rage, depression and other forms of grief. This energy could be seen as ‘rebellious’ and is too-often manifested into depression, addiction or violence.
Creative self-expression provides a vehicle for youth to explore their personal truth and discover a sense of purpose and place, as a valuable member of our community. Investing in our youth gives opportunity for them to become leaders of tomorrow, looking towards solutions we all face.
LEAD COORDINATORS
A BRIEF HISTORY
In the midst of the 2020 lock-downs, Voices of Wisdom was founded to serve youth in our community as an alternative to standardized, modern-colonial education models.
With the increasing normalization of the technological reality as primary mode of communication, we recognize that youth growing up today are especially vulnerable to the challenges that come from growing up without healthy in-person connection, social reflection and expression. We are filling the need for educational experiences that can effectively engage with students and provide environments that support community connection, mentorship and self-expression, which can provide tools and encouragement for mental health, practical life-skills and positive self-identity at a very crucial age in a young person's development.
Images from our lead coordinator, Quincy Davis' past workshops and guest presentations with youth, 2014 - 2021.
PAST WORK
Free the People music video collaboration with Studio Latino / Latino Network
Cypher CURE - Water is Life
Cypher CURE - Freestyle Session
WHAT IS OUR MODERN MYTHOLOGY?
Mainstream, corporate media narratives are not the only reality, but many people have gotten lost in this illusion, especially with the increasing use of modern-technology and information, too often getting swept up in the fear and hysteria designed to cause people to feel helpless and powerless.
What kind of world do we want to see for future generations?
People all over the world are recognizing that a new mythology is needed. Many are seeking that but unfortunately there is almost nowhere to go to express this, without the support of healthy community and deep-rooted cultural knowledge. Without this, many expressions turn into frustration, rage, depression and other forms of grief. This energy could be seen as “rebellious” at an age when they would normally be going through an initiation, if an intact and healthy village was in place.
Throughout indigenous cultures all over the world, community was informed through the visions and dreams moving through the village. This is not only for the "special" one's but each person being involved and contributing to the evolving vision of the community. The vision quest is a rights of passage ceremony where young people would go up on the mountain to seek an understanding and clarity of their purpose. This would provide a way of receiving such information. Young people would come down with awareness of their unique gifts and responsibility to deliver them to the village, beyond self-centered, individualistic ideas of success. This process helps to maintain balance through living our purpose, and be a part of the evolution of our collective story.
Although at this time we may not be set up to take youth out to vision quest, at least we can hold space for a talking circle where everyone’s voice is heard, honored and respected.
We have come to a time where the collective grief of society is being brought to the surface and the solution is manifested through individual healing, supported by community. Our dream is for the younger generation to experience an introduction to this, for a seed to be planted, to express their unique voice, awaken to their gifts and be a part of creating solutions, grounded in community-values and traditional life-ways.
EDUCATIONAL MISSION
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Offer safe and supportive environments for healthy reflection, expression and exploration of one’s unique gifts including talking circles and workshops of creative expression.
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Offer a bridge to elder teachings in an engaging way, that can connect with the most vulnerable youth in our community.
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Introduce youth to independent musicians / Hip-hop artists that share life-affirming messages and model a way of being that is alternative to the mainstream narrative.
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Support the development of career-readiness and technical skills in music production, video production and other digital creative forms with support from mentors in the profession.
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Offer tools and healthy alternatives to modern forms of self-medication and trauma-response, to support the restoration of connection within one’s body, environment and overall holistic awareness.
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Inspire the next generation of leaders and visionaries to awaken to their gifts and be a part of creating the new paradigm .
GET INVOLVED / CONTACT
We are open to collaboration, partnerships and alignments. Please get in touch! connect@voicesofwisdom.link