Today we’d like to introduce you to Dionne Anglade, Erin Fry, Clarke Ohlendorf, and Yasmine Gomaa. They share their story with us below:
Rising Voices Arts Community started out as four teachers at a small private school in old Katy. In May 2021, Dionne, Mimi, and Erin were on a school field trip the day after we got the heart wrenching news that, thanks to the pandemic, our school would be downsizing and cutting its art and theatre programs. On the bus ride back we began talking about how much our own experiences in the arts shaped who we were and how we found our voices. The idea of creating a safe space for youth of all backgrounds to connect and to create began percolating. We quickly roped Clarke into our little scheme and the community around us responded to the overwhelming need for what we were wanting to create. In a matter of weeks, it went from ‘hey we have this crazy idea’ to filing paperwork to establish ourselves as a nonprofit 501c3 and championing the role of the arts in giving voice to the marginalized. Now, we are a few months shy of our 1 year anniversary. We could not be more thrilled with the growth of our community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The learning curve has been quite steep, but the right people have shown up at the right time to help guide us through this process. I think having a really clear vision on who we want our organization to serve and then listening to the needs of our students and community has helped us to set goals and find creative solutions to the problems we have faced. Very early in the process, the founding staff sat down together and took a long look at our personal strengths, weaknesses, communication and conflict styles. We spent a lot of time defining our specific roles and responsibilities so we knew where we could best serve the organization.
We’ve been impressed with Rising Voices Arts Community, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are an inclusive and affirming arts community that welcomes all and intentionally empowers disenfranchised, underrepresented, marginalized, and underserved communities by teaching students to find and amplify their voices through theatre and the arts.
Through classes, performances, art shows and events we address the challenging issues relevant to our students and communities, providing a space that allows respectful discourse through art, even when that discourse is difficult. In our theatre performances, we do not engage in typecasting, including but not limited to sexual orientation, gender identity, and ethnicity. We select plays written by and representing diverse perspectives. We intentionally select plays that reflect our current student population. In our art classes, we teach about art from diverse backgrounds and ideologies.
We believe there is strength in diversity; therefore, we reject discrimination of any kind. We actively affirm and include all people in our community. Our diversity is represented throughout all areas of our organization. Our staff currently represents the BIPOC, people with disabilities, and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
The Covid-19 Crisis made us acutely aware of the importance of mental health and the importance of community. We are very intentional about supporting each other in our personal well-being. By being open with each other about where our mental health is on a day to day basis has helped us to be able to shift daily responsibilities and make sure we are all functioning at our highest ability. We also model and support good mental health practices with our students, creating trust with them that they will be fully supported when they are struggling.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@risingvoicesarts.org
- Website: https://www.risingvoicesarts.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/risingvoicesarts/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RisingVoicesArts
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/risingvoicesart
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9GcMqLWHhFFrEEfs90gj4A
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/rising-voices-arts-community-katy
- Other: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_30875635-1be4-11ec-8d33-02b23beb52c1&WidgetId=45056
Image Credits
John Glaser Photography
