It is through the act of sharing our human experiences that we are able to build authentic relationships among people and community organizations.
Because it is these human experiences that connect us and show us that we are not separate at all.
Gabriel Giron - Executive Director
“It is not the experiences people have in and of themselves that make them who they are, rather the way in which the people choose to reflect on those experiences that defines them.” – John Dewey
In a world that silences youth, Speak It Forward allows youth to be heard in a constructive, artistic, and passionate way. Through Speak It Forward, the community is able to recognize the obstacles and challenges our youth face on a daily basis.
Matthew Forkin - Director, Program Development & Evaluation
I am so appreciative to have had the chance of having Speak It Forward present to my 8th grade ELA students at Springfield Middle School. This is the ONLY in person assembly that my students have experienced this school year due to COVID-19 and it helped us feel somewhat normal and made a very positive impact. One of my students who has had a lot of absences and very little engagement this year was fully engaged, shared and interacted with the presenters. Gabriel and Sean shared about how our perspectives can be changed according to our own experiences and this happened to me when I read this student's reflection that he wrote after attending the performance/presentation. This is not my first time having Speak It Forward work with my students but I'm always thankful and feel honored that they continue to work hard to inspire and uplift the youth in our community. They are world changers and are helping to create more world changers.
Kathy Adamonis - Teacher, Springfield Middle School
There is no more powerful creative experience for our students - for students anywhere than the workshops offered by Speak It Forward. They are exposed to art, creative process, self-actualization, motivational speaking, performance, and the rewards that come from doing the hard work of exploration, writing, revision, and sharing one's work with a group. It takes truly gifted educators to make this happen. Speak It Forward comprises not only talented artists, but adults who are able to relate to teens and to create a safe space for them to face their own pasts with courage while learning the vital skills of writing, public-speaking, and self-expression. We are all grateful that Speak It Forward brings their immense talent, experience, and heart to enrich the lives of our students.
Kyla James - Teacher
Whether you’re looking to uplift, inspire or tackle the difficult current issues, Speak It Forward has ways to approach a myriad of topics utilizing a mix of wild humor, personal testimony, and a research driven approach in their presentations to motivate audiences everywhere. From alternative high school auditoriums to Fortune 500 companies, from National arts conferences to maximum security prisons – it’s amazing to see how Speak It Forward continues to find a way uncover the power within each unique audience and modify their approach to help any group build stronger relationships with others, embrace failures as learning opportunities, understand how to create powerful habits, and learn to celebrate even the smallest successes
Skot Welch - Global Bridge Builders
I would just like to encourage everyone to keep supporting Speak It Forward. The way they are able to help students tell their stories and share their realities in order to heal, in order to touch the hearts of others in pain, and and make a difference for other children who are suffering in our community, is rare and so necessary. Speak It Forward Inc, is literally saving lives with their work.
Rosemarie McManus-Scamehorn - Retired Teacher