Passion Society

Programs: Passion Society produces Burnt: Rising Above the Ashes (Burnt), a young-adult-based multi-cultural program that consists of two main objectives: (1) to produce an event showcasing 18-24 year old young adult performers in support of "the fight against Big Tobacco"; and (2) to coordinate a cohesive young adult advocacy group who worked with local businesses and community-based organizations serving the young adult population to attain an organizational policy stating that the organization will not receive any form of support from the tobacco industry including monetary contributions. The event has reached over 3,000 youth, young adults and their families. Project reDEFINE is an afterschool/Summer Arts Program that provide opportunities for at risk youth from low-income underserved urban neighborhoods, and disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in a program that will integrate academics with creative expression such as music, dance and the arts. Students participate in a two hour afterschool/Summer Arts Program. The first component is dedicated to homework, tutoring, and the academics. The second component includes capacity building activities dealing with career and future goals, health, social issues such as cultures, politics, relationships, race, and more through expression in music, dance and the arts. The focus is creating a better future for themselves, and in building their fullest potential in academics while developing their talent. reDEFINE Afterschool/Summer Arts Program will assist youth to build character and grow as a strong individual, creating well-rounded youth and helping them reach success in their eyes as well as in the eyes of our community. The program serves high risk youth between the ages of 11 and 18. Project 4A Change (Averting through the Arts, Awareness, Action and Change), a tobacco-awareness program which features a middle and high school tour of young performers such as spoken word artists, breakdancers, and DJs conducted by youth and young adults. This program has been implemented at over 20 middle schools and high schools in the Counties of San Mateo, and has reached well over 8,000 students. The populations that Passion Society serve are youth and young adults from various communities of color within the Bay Area through various performing arts, community-building and advocacy programs.