My Nonprofit Reviews
Dr.Dan
Review for Insideout Literary Arts Project, Detroit, MI, USA
I'm on the faculty of a state university, and became aware of Inside Out through alumni work. I am astonished at what Inside Out does, and wish that all of my incoming freshmen could've had the kind of experience that Inside Out provides. The program (1) teaches students to love words, ideas, and creative expression by encouraging them to work and play with words, ideas, and images (rather than merely receive words and images passively), and (2) by publishing their work, teaches students that their thoughts are important and worthy of consideration, and that they have a contribution to make to their community, to literature, and to society as a whole. Inside Out, then, jumpstarts both intellectual and civic engagement. Three cheers!
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
encountering amazing written work by young writers.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
increase its scope (bring the program to more schools), and try to partner it with institutions of higher education, so that the young writers have a continuing path to success.
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the surprisingly sophisticated work produced by the students. The writers involved with Inside Out not only teach kids to write; they teach them to write well.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Talented, friendly, and dedicated.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
greatly increase literacy in its state and region by putting writers into schools and getting kids excited about words and ideas; increase civic engagement by making kids into thinkers and doers.
Ways to make it better...
I was one of the writers Inside Out put into the schools to work with kids. That must be a fantastic experience!
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
people who don't understand that engagement with the arts empowers young people and builds character, and people who think that poetry is frivolous (rather than understanding that working with words and ideas is vital, basic, and cost-effective).
One thing I'd also say is that...
I wish this program was duplicated in every state in our country. It would improve literacy and civic engagement.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
