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The Beat Within is a weekly magazine that publishes the writing and art of incarcerated youth in California, Arizona and New Mexico. |
WORKSHOP FACILITATOR. 2002-2007
Drawing and Writing workshops (incarcerated youth, ages 12-18)
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The Beat Within’s mission is to provide incarcerated youth with consistent opportunity to share their ideas and life experiences in a safe space that encourages literacy, self-expression, some critical thinking skills, and healthy, supportive relationships with adults and their community. Outside of the juvenile justice system, The Beat Within partners with community organizations and individuals to bring resources to youth both inside and outside of detention. We are committed to being an effective bridge between youth who are locked up and the community that aims to support their progress towards a healthy, non-violent, and productive life.
The Beat Within staff and volunteers hold weekly workshops in many California county juvenile halls: San Francisco, Marin, Alameda, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Monterey, and Fresno. The Beat workshop model is replicated in Maricopa Arizona, in San Bernalillo New Mexico, Miami Florida, and in our new satellite program in Washington DC. Each week, we serve up to 700 detained youth and our San Francisco office provides internships and social services to more than a dozen formerly detained youth. Today the full-fledged weekly magazine is at 70 pages.
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PASS AWARD 2004. The Beat Within
The PASS Awards (Prevention for a Safer Society) is the only national recognition of print and broadcast journalists, TV news and feature reporters, producers, writers, and those in film and literature who try to focus America’s attention on our criminal justice, juvenile justice, and child welfare systems in a thoughtful and considered manner.
Pass Award Winners 2004.pdf
THE BEAT WITHIN MURAL PROJECT
More than just a painting on the wall. YO! Youth Outlook, April 2004
Read full article
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"...I had The Beat’s own Eric Strenger, who does the layout for The Beat along with facilitating workshops. Eric is by far one of the most talented artists I have ever met, and he has this laid back vibe. Eric and myself clicked real early here at the office. It wasn’t long before we were at my house swimming, riding motorcycles and him teaching me how to airbrush in between our working on the mural. Eric taught me a lot about painting in general and he put up what I think is one of the most powerful aspects of the mural..."