HeartSpeak is a citywide initiative that uses art as a vehicle to engage thousands of youth in a conversation about violence and their visions of peace. Through poetry, music, visual arts, media arts and technology, we give individuals across Philadelphia the tools to explore grief and loss, express the impact of violence, and share their dreams for peace and justice. HeartSpeak empowers individuals to make wise choices that collectively make a positive impact on the climate and the culture within schools, communities and ultimately, the city. HeartSpeak believes that every student deserves the opportunity to reach his/her full potential in a safe, productive classroom and community.

Goals and Outcomes:

• Conflict-Resolution Skills: Through the arts, individuals develop skills in conflict-resolution and problem solving that can be immediately applied at school and in communities.
• Mentoring: Individuals are connected to a network of professional artists who actively facilitate strong mentoring relationships.
• Peer Mentoring: Individuals will be introduced to and experience a “safe” environment where they can internalize, share feelings and challenges as well as discuss and critique each other’s poetry and art.
• Writing and Public Presentation Skills: Individuals learn to build confidence in self-expression through their poetry and artwork, and to develop their presentation skills, thereby empowering them and lifting their voices through performances, publishing, exhibits, and a culminating event.
• Empowerment: Youth are encouraged to be educated consumers of media by analyzing the use of images in film, music and other types of multi-media. Youth are also encouraged to use media such as video to respond and interpret current life events through their artwork.
• Creative Use of Time: As they engage in HeartSpeak, individuals become passionate about and give dedicated time to the art forms they are learning. They learn valuable time management skills as they spend time writing, practicing, and crafting their art form.
• Character Development: Throughout HeartSpeak, individuals develop character borne out of strengthened positive identity, self-esteem and a sense of purpose.