Voices of the Children
Many voices. One cause.
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Voices of the Children provides opportunities for youth to realize their full potential.
We believe reaching one's full potential requires meeting certain human motivational needs. While most organizations meet and address the lower level needs of human motivation - the need for physical elements such as food, water and health as well as safety elements such as safety, shelter and security - our focus is on the higher level needs; the need to be loved, a sense of belonging and inclusion as well as the need for self-esteem, recognition and prestige.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Poetry & Art: Cementing a Bond
Using self-portraiture and reflection poems to link Syrian refugee youth in Jordan and rural youth in Northwest Washington cements relationships among our local and global community. By doing this, we reflect on ourselves to create a visual self-portrait using our poems to "Color" our face. The poems/portraits are displayed in outdoor exhibitions of up to 100 student pieces in Mount Vernon, WA, LaConner, WA and Za'atari Refugee Camp, Jordan.
Our Shared Story: Compassion
Over an 8 month period, Skagit County teens from diverse faith traditions participate in several workshops where they explore and share their own understandings of the theme of compassion. Throughout history, people have used art to explore and express their beliefs. We use art as the medium to unite teens in dialogue about their spiritual beliefs.
Where we work
External reviews
Videos
Goals & Strategy
Learn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
Through our programs, participants obtain
Increased:
• Self-worth
• Self-belief
• Leadership
• Global awareness
• Literacy
• Critical-thinking
• Community engagement
So they can:
• HEAL trauma
• BUILD friendships
• RECEIVE validation
• REALIZE their full potential
• RISE as the leaders of today
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Our focus is on the artistic process through collaboration, not on the output for each program.
All our programming uses the arts as a platform for reaching our goals. Whether programming is in film-making, photography, music, theatre, painting, poetry or any other arts format, our focus is on the artistic process inherent in any arts medium. Through this process, lead by industry leading, empathetic and compassionate arts teachers, participants are provided the space and freedom necessary to obtain our goals for each program.
An important element in Voices of the Children's programming lies in the communities with whom we choose to work. We believe building long-term relationships with the communities where we work is essential in building trust in our work, instilling confidence in the youth participants and obtaining long-term impact(s). When we take on a new community site we stay with them for several years until capacity allows them to manage programs on their own.
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
Voices of the Children utilizes our vast network of volunteer teachers, all over the world, selected for the quality of their artistic work, passion for youth and willingness to put the needs of youth above their own. Additionally, we leverage partnerships from larger organizations and NGOs to provide logistical support and program facilities. Doing this keeps our operational costs to a minimum, freeing more resources for programming and making Voices of the Children highly mobile.
Our Board of Directors is comprised of professionals in 5 different countries, with a total of 5 different languages spoken and representing 5 different ethnic groups. Additionally, our Executive Director utilizes his 15 years of experience in teaching middle and secondary music education in designing impactful arts curricula.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Measuring the impact of intangibles such as "Increased self-worth" is difficult, but not impossible. The best examples of our accomplishments come from feedback we receive from program participants and partners. Feedback such as in this example from Heather who says, " With Voices of the Children I learn how to channel negative feelings into positive energy." Or this one from former Director of Operations and Advocacy for Save the Children International in Jordan, Mohammed Al Asmar who says, "Why creative projects? Because not only do they save lives, they build futures."
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
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Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Voices of the Children
Board of directorsas of 03/07/2022
Mr. Moe Najati
Voices of the Children
Term: 2020 - 2022