A KC Poem about 2009

December, 2009

Dear friends,

We wrote a poem about 2009. We hope you enjoy from the first to the last line. Please consider a donation if you are able or see other ways to help in the left table.

The Poem

2009 was a Kids Creative year to remember

From "Donut City" in January to Hip Hop Dance in December

Our kids are creating a style that's all their own.

With hundreds of kids at eight schools, we're never alone

This year, we started a TASC apprenticeship for high school youth

They learned from our teachers and this summer was proof

The peace and culture of camp was truly amazing

And our drive for diversity is super trailblazing

The community we build with friends of all kinds

Is inspiring for creative young minds

From plays about "A Cycloptic Robot" and "Spicy Icy"

A generous gift will make this year really "nicey"

Whether 5, 50 or 5,000 dollars

Every little bit helps our kids pop their collars

Your help is key, whether now or then

Help NYC Kids

Rock Out in 2010!!!

Support peace education through the arts with a year-end tax-deductible donation to Kids Creative (CLICK TO DONATE ONLINE).

Any financial gift, $25, $50, $5,000, will help Kids Creative offer youth from underserved communities throughout New York City the opportunity to have fun and learn in safe, supportive environments year round. Your contribution will allow Kids Creative to provide essential skills and experiences to youth in need:

• Alternatives to violence
• Creative expression
• Positive role models
• Confidence building measures
• Conflict Resolution
• A strong sense of community

Every gift will help send a deserving student to a Kids Creative after school program, summer camp or workshop. To read more about how your gift will help, click here.

How to Help:

Click Here to Donate Online.

or send a tax deductible donation to

Kids Creative

32 Broadway, Suite 1801

New York, NY 10004

Questions, Comments, Ideas?
Contact me at (646) 485-5123 or adam@kidscreative.org

Upcoming Winter Events!!!!

Hey there everyone,
Check out Kids Creative and our upcoming winter/holiday/exciting showcases.
For more information, or to come to a show, give a call (646) 485-5123 or e-mail afterschool@kidscreative.org

PS 145 with Oasis
December 22, Holiday Showcase with art and hip hop dance
January 29, The Full Show!!!

PS 191/Hudson Honors Middle School with Oasis
December 15-21, Class Showcases, from Create-A-Play to capoeira to Rock N Roll Theater
January 26 and 28, Create-A-World Art Exhibits

Manhattan School for Children
January 19, The world premier of "The Giant Pickle and the Quest for Nacho Cheese”

PS 102
January 25, The BIG Show

The Heschel School
January 27, Create-A-Play Final Performance
January 29, Rock N Roll Theater Final Performance

STAY TUNED FOR MORE INFO ABOUT JANUARY PERFORMANCES

Confidence + Encouragement = Group Cohesion

It is a pretty simple equation. If a kid is encouraged to express themselves and be more confident in their ideas and contribution, the class or group will be stronger.

The best way to push group cohesiveness and group identity is to give the space for the individual to stand out. In Kids Creative, it is key that our participants are given the encouragement to express themselves and their ideas and that these ideas are embraced by the group. If there is denial of ideas (ie, "no, that's not a good idea" OR "that will never happen"), this is almost like the denial of rights. If this happens enough, our kids will begin to question themselves and have less drive to participate in our programs. On the other hand, if kids are given the tools to express themselves and celebrate the ideas of others, they can feel proud of their contribution to the group as a whole. This is one huge piece in strengthening group cohesion.

Stay tuned for more random ramblings on peace education...