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LOCAL NON-PROFIT GETS IN THE ZONE TO ENGAGE PARTICIPANTS
New digital interaction provides essential connectivity for creative young leaders
Memphis, Tenn., March 25, 2020—The disengagement of Memphis youth has been magnified over the past few weeks and likely will continue to increase. No school. No athletics. No after-school programs. No opportunities for structured activity. More time will be spent indoors and the majority of that time will be spent navigating a digital device. With quarantine mandates, school closures, and job losses, we have been thrust into a new norm. And so have our young people.
For six years, AngelStreet has engaged young ladies through musical training, mentoring, and performance opportunities in 38107 and 38122. These communities have limited resources and few options for engagement beyond school-sponsored activities. Community-based, after-school programs play a vital role in the development of young people. They provide safe spaces, caring adults, educational exposure, unique growth opportunities, and in many cases leadership.
As the reality of this pandemic began to sink in, AngelStreet’s team quickly developed a digital outlet that provides participants the opportunity to remain connected. AngelZone is AngelStreet’s new online platform designed to continually engage young ladies beyond the scheduled program hours; a crucial tool during this season of quarantine.
Participants learn and practice music, share ideas and creative projects, interact with team members, earn points for prizes, and learn new skills. The organization discovered that anything they do in-person during program hours, they can now do online. Staff releases new content throughout the week and feedback from students and parents is intentionally considered. The team monitors trends for web content and assesses families’ internet and device accessibility.
Executive Director and Co-Founder, Ruth Abigail Smith explains, “Despite social distancing, AngelStreet remains dedicated to our mission, even if it means finding a different method. Young people deserve the best we can give them, especially in times of uncertainty. We believe a crisis does not have to eliminate creative engagement. AngelZone only enhances our work when things finally get back to ‘business as usual.’”
Thanks to the generous ArtsZone grant from ArtsMemphis and AutoZone, visitors may go to www.angelstreetmemphis.com and learn how participants interact with AngelZone. AngelStreet's website is hosted by Sitewrench and partners at Speak Creative.
AngelStreet develops girls by providing musical training in communities with limited access to arts. The organization engages girls, ages 8-18, by providing a safe and creative environment for vocal training, songwriting, professional live studio recording, performance experiences, and mentorship opportunities. AngelStreet seeks to empower young women to understand their value, discover their purpose, and become creative leaders.
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