Holistic Engagement Arts & Leadership Program

Our Youth-led Holistic Engagement, Art & Leadership Program integrates vocational training, socio-political education, liberation art, community organizing and healing/personal transformation. It is a healing-centered leadership training program For youth 14-24 to build skills in grassroots community organizing and arts activism. Program Participants act as leaders implementing youth-led efforts in the community that aim to transform trauma & violence, promote healing, and challenge systemic oppression. 

Throughout the program, participants will engage in 8 weekly wellness/workshop sessions. Wellness sessions include taking part in healing circulos where we dive into our experiences in the community and engage in artistic wellness. As well as skill building that promotes individual and collective healing to overcome traumatic experiences. Workshop sessions include event planning, and artistic wellness development where they will be developing a community event. After the 8-week program participants will host a community art showcase, sharing their hard work with their larger community, inviting community members to share and create within the space. 

• Ages 14-24
• BIPOC 
• Strong organization and leadership skills/desire to grow as a leader
• Ability to work well independently and in collaboration with a team in a dynamic environment
• Desire to promote anti-violence in the community
• Good at, or desire to grow in, public speaking 
• At-risk Youth, youth impacted by violence and systems involved youth are highly encouraged to apply

• Attend weekly trainings (work, socio-political education, wellness) 
• Collaborate with other Interns and Staff to organize and host a community actions and/or event to promote peace, anti-violence, well-being and community resilience/healing
• Write or design digital media content for social media
  • Actively engage on our social media platforms
• Conduct outreach to engage the larger community with our efforts/event
• Conduct Youth Participatory Action Research to help inform our work as an organization

• Are the applications still open?
  • Yes! Currently our applications are on a rolling deadline. Stipends are based on attendance. 
• What topics are covered?
  • In this program we verse the topics of systemic violence, poverty, interpersonal violence, and intergenerational violence.
• Who do we serve?
  • The H.E.A.L.  program aims to serve BIPOC Youth in the Bay Area. We prioritize youth impacted by violence and systems involved youth. 
• Why circles?
  • Circles have shown to promote the sense of safety and trust within a group. By having these healing circulos we not only invite comfort and authenticity but we promote unity and collective growth. 
• What’s artivism?
  • Artivism is a conjunction of Arts Activism. Artivism utilizes our artistic capabilities to express our view and enhance a specific message surrounding social justice.