An Innovative Model
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There's a lot that goes into building courage. At heARTS, we've developed a model that's intentionally designed around research and best practices from a variety of fields, including youth development, education, and psychology. We offer youth a safe space to test their courage so they can go into the world and:
face fears speak truth seek justice live authentically Learn more about each element of our design below! |
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. {e.e. cummings}
Youth-Centered and Driven
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We may look like just another art center, but we are first and foremost a space where youth development happens.
Gisela Konopka, fellow Minnesotan and youth development pioneer, outlined 9 requirements of healthy development, which guide our work and help to ensure that our participants have the opportunity to explore who they are and give voice to their own ideas. Our Youth Advisory Board is an example of the important role young people have in the design and development of the organization. Beyond this leadership role, youth are given choice and voice in all classes and programs. Roger Hart's Ladder of Participation is a guiding framework used to evaluate our youth-adult partnerships and ensure shared decision-making. |
Expressive Arts
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We all start out as artists!
Creativity and imagination rule children's worlds but somewhere along the way art-making becomes less about the process and more about the product. Creative programming at heARTS is rooted in our Principles of Process. By focusing on the process of creating, rather than the product created, we hope to encourage participants to conquer their inner critic and build the courage to explore the unknown-- whether that's a new skill or a personal challenge. Expression is our goal and we offer a spectrum of arts for youth to explore who they are and tell the stories they want to tell. We offer a multitude of opportunities to encourage, develop, and engage all kinds of artists-- whether emerging or established.
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Trauma-Informed Approach
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Stress happens to everyone. Sometimes it leads to trauma.
At heARTS, we recognize the need to be prepared for those times when the stress of life impacts the wellbeing of the youth we serve. Being trauma-informed is a new kind of first aid-- first aid for the heart-- and we strive to ensure our programming maintains the 5 guiding principles of Trauma-Informed Care: ∞ Ensuring physical and emotional safety ∞ Trustworthiness through clarity, consistency, and interpersonal boundaries ∞ Consumer choice and control ∞ Collaboration and power sharing ∞ Empowerment and skill-building Our founder shared more about the importance of this approach with Extra Credit, the blog for the Young Education Professionals- Twin Cities. |
Restorative Practices
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Restorative practices can build and heal a community by creating space for each other's stories and promoting connection and interdependence.
Through the Circle process, youth have a chance for their voice to be heard and valued, supporting them to find connection among their peers and adults. Circles create a safe space for dialogue through the use of shared values and a talking piece. In the event that harm is caused in our community, we will use restorative practices to respond through inclusion rather than the exclusionary tactics that are frequently utilized with young people. |
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Members of our Youth Advisory Board described heARTS with these words during a brainstorming session for our logo.
