Teens in our programs are intelligent, hard working individuals who have much to contribute. They have strong ideas about who they are and who they want to be. We wanted to give our teens the opportunity to positively express themselves, which is how "Open Mic Night" began.

Utilizing the popular coffee house format to display one's talent for the spoken word, teens were invited to Rosalie's main lounge to "Speak their Mind."

We invited teens from our programs, as well as teens from other organizations to attend "Speak Your Mind" our version of an open mic night. In total, 45 teens participated in this open forum. During the two hour event, several teens expressed their ideas and issues they are experiencing such as growing up without a father, striving to be a better person, living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, being a teen parent, violence, sexuality and friendship. After each performance, questions and comments were invited from the audience.

One of the most interesting aspects to this group was the diversity among teens. Some teens have children, and others pledge to remain abstinent. While each teen is different, they all face the same struggles, ask the same questions, and live similar lives. The afternoon helped teens realize that they are more alike than not, and gave them the opportunity to learn about each other.

The afternoon was hosted by De'Shawn Ewing, our Curriculum Specialist and Case Manager for Teens on the Move, and Ingrid Inker. We would like to thank them for their assistance!

A big thank you also goes to Deb Heffner, Malcolm Martin and Wanda Staples who coordinated the event, James Austin who provided his sound equipment and talent, and the many staff members who helped the day of the event.