The Practice Space Blog

Hi! I’m Amber, an intern at The Practice Space. I’m here to talk about my experience as a public speaker and some of the things I love about the world of speech and debate and some of the practices I think should be discarded.  Keep: the fun! I think public speaking tends to get very …

Exploring Some of the Pros and Cons of Public Speaking Culture Read More »

Guest bloggers Aishvari and Jazmin, participants in The Practice Space’s Expressive Leaders program, document their journey to learn about homelessness in the Bay Area and urge you to contribute! They explain the need in the community to support the voices of homeless people and to stand up against people who are unsupportive or unempathetic. While …

These Two Youth Advocates Bring a Voice To Their Community Read More »

The pandemic brought clarity around the many disparities that exist for communities of color across sectors. For educators, the need for meaningful change to address racial injustices became clearer and clearer as they found themselves navigating barriers during distance learning. Many teachers found themselves talking to Zoom screens with cameras off. The minute learning was …

Equity is an Environment Read More »

My name is Amber, and I’m an Intern at The Practice Space (TPS). Working with youth at TPS is a singularly inspiring, mind-boggling experience, because every TPS program participant has learned a glorious strength in expressing themselves. They are able to reflect on and articulate how they feel, what they care about, and their journey …

Identity and Change: a Poem Read More »

In this post, guest blogger Ella Bramwell from The Practice Space’s Expressive Leaders Program dives into the ins and outs of public school funding in California. Ella explains why the system must change and details the successes and hiccups in her process. This is a must-read (and listen) for educators yet an approachable and engaging …

One Teen’s Take on Public School Funding Read More »

Guest bloggers Ana Guimaraes and Eva Pelayo are activists who focus on helping others to become more aware and active in mitigating the effects of climate change. Together, they collaborated on creating a podcast that focuses on the importance of individual action as a catalyst to societal change. They make the switch to environmentally conscious …

Why Climate Change Matters to These Two Young Leaders Read More »

This post features guest blogger, Mercy Niyi, who is part of The Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space. This post is about her project to create a speech and debate club at her school. We hope that after you read this you can feel like you can do anything you set your mind to. …

A safe community helps people find their voice Read More »

This post features guest blogger, Elohiym Mudaavanha who is part of The Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space. This post is about Elohiym’s project Gateway Public Speaking.  We hope that after you read this you can understand why there needs to be activities that ease people into learning speech and debate.  — My name …

Creating Gateways to Public Speaking Read More »

Hello everyone. This is Everett Aishiteru and I am part of The Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space.This post is about my project to raise awareness of the lives people with disabilities lead, and what misconceptions are made. I hope that after you read this you feel compelled to stand up for someone you …

Raising Awareness About the Daily Life of Students with Disabilities Read More »

Hello from the east coast. My name is Niya Villanueva and I am part of the Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space. This post is about saving and investing at a young age, and being free of debt as we grow. I hope that after you read this, you will be inspired to start …

Saving and Investing at a Young Age Read More »

Hi everyone! Glad to have you reading. This is Gloria Zearett and I’m a part of The Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space. This post is about my project, a short public speaking workshop for minority students. I hope that after reading this you’re encouraged to reflect on your relationship with public speaking, or just …

A Public Speaking Crash Course for Teens Cultivating Confidence Read More »

Guest blogger, Areya Williams is a Speaking Defender and part of The Expressive Leaders Program at The Practice Space. This post is about her journey in starting a club at her school to support her peers in using their voice to promote positive mental health and create safe spaces. — My Name is Areya Williams. …

Teen Leader Creates Safe Spaces for Peers Read More »