Our Impact

Silence is a Problem

Our Why:

We learn to be afraid in a world full of judgment, prejudice, and discrimination. It is easy to be afraid to speak if you are the only person who looks and sounds like you. It is scary to stand out, and systems need to change to support diverse voices.

Communication is the Gateway to Leadership and Liberation

Our Change:

Developing your voice requires inclusive education in a kind, welcoming space. We help people speak in front of hundreds of people and on podcasts, secure jobs and advocate for promotions, speak up at community meetings, win competitions, start businesses, and face fears.

What our youth say:

“I think I will use what I learned in this program to stand up for what I think is right and stand up for myself.”

“I want to use my new skills such as planning and setting goals in school and while working on my YouTube channel.”

“I used [these skills] to run for an office position in my school’s leadership program. I had to make a video and give a speech. The meetings helped to give me the skills I needed for both.”

“Because I was encouraged to speak at The Practice Space, I began to feel more capable and more confident in myself, knowing there would be this lovely community there to support me.”

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For more participant stories, visit our YouTube playlist

Oral Literacy is Key

Our Participants:

Public speaking education develops oral literacy and social and emotional learning. We help youth build confidence and pride, winning awards at state and national competitions for speech and debate. We help teachers increase academic engagement, facilitate speaking and listening, build community, and increase participation from English Language Learners and students who were previously reluctant to speak.

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Organizational partners served

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Participants served

Greater than

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report improved confidence and communication skills satisfaction

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Paid youth coaches/interns

Public Speaking is a Journey

Our Method:

With our method of Expression-Driven Teaching, our youth and adult participants go from a state of dread, self-doubt, uncertainty, and silence, to a state of excitement, intentionality, self-belief, and leadership.

What our teachers say:

“My students became more willing and more confident when it came to participating in public speaking games, warm-ups, and projects. They were all very timid and they grew to love the challenge.”

“Students became more confident in expressing their opinions.”

“Students were way more comfortable speaking in front of other people. They were motivated to do so. This also carried over to other subjects as well as other facets in their life.”

Our strategic plan involves building cross-sector partnerships to create a system that better supports oral literacy, as well as increasing our reach to develop youth leadership through speech and debate programs and help educators facilitate equity through Expression-Driven Teaching.

Check out our strategic plan to elevate underrepresented voices.

Strategic Plan

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