September 25, 2009
ASTEP is filled with dedicated artists who strive to bring arts education to children who might not otherwise have access to the arts. These children are frequently at risk (members of gangs, from broken homes, with HIV/ AIDS) and ASTEP helps them find their own individual voices and instill faith in themselves. I spoke with the founding members when ASTEP was just a seed of an idea, and have seen it develop since then into an international organization. I have also spoken with the children and seen the real difference ASTEP has made in their lives.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
speaking with a child who admitted that she had no self-confidence and belief in herself, until she started her time with ASTEP and is now pursuing her dream of becoming a visual artist.
More feedback
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
their simple, positive approach to issues which often seem unmanageable.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
mostly artists who believed that every child should have access to the arts, regardless of his/ her economic, social and cultural background.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world. Literally. I know of refugee children who have witnessed horrors and have no access to therapy or rehab, but are able to tell their stories through the work of an ASTEP member- and that's just one example.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every six months
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
MY ROLE:
General Member of the Public & I have written articles about them for the Juilliard Journal.