Project VOYCE

🌟 Introducing Shay Johnson to Project VOYCE! 🌟 Project VOYCE proudly announces Shay Johnson as our new Senior Communications and Development Manager! Shay brings extensive experience in agile management, journalism, and media, renowned as the host of "Sitting with Shay J” on KUSA TEGNA 9NEWS in Denver, Colorado. With a background in film and television from New York's American Musical and Dramatic Academy, Shay seamlessly blends storytelling with community engagement, embodying her mission to "Change The Narrative." Beyond her media expertise, Shay champions marginalized voices and community unity, recognized with the My Brother's Keepers award in 2024. Her mantra, "The Best project you will ever work on is you," underscores her commitment to personal growth and inclusivity. We are thrilled to welcome Shay to the Project VOYCE team! Her leadership will elevate our branding, communications, and fundraising efforts, enhancing our mission to support youth and foster community involvement. Welcome aboard, Shay!

Amid the hustle, take time to rest and enjoy the little things. We hope you're savoring summer! Enjoy this throwback as we look forward to new memories. 🌿✨ #HopeAndJoy #Rejuvenate

This is what elevating youth voice looks like 📣 Earlier this month, Councilwoman Shontel M. Lewis—a Project VOYCE alum and founding youth—introduced a proclamation to the Denver City Council, emphasizing youth voices in the civic process. Accepted by the Council, it calls for a safe space for young residents to share their concerns and pledges continued support for youth participation in legislation. It declares that Denver's City Council will be “an environment where youth voices can self-actualize, lead, and collaborate with previous generations to build a world they are enthusiastic to inherit.” This embodies Project VOYCE's mission, showcasing our Equitable Youth Adult Partnership in action. We are proud of Councilwoman Lewis and excited for Denver's youth to engage in meaningful dialogue and partnerships that propel us forward 🙌🏾

🌟 When we mention anti-Blackness, what comes to mind? Last week marked the conclusion of our impactful 4-week programming, where in this last session we delved into the complexities of anti-Blackness—a concept rooted in racial prejudice, discrimination, and hostility towards Black people. We discussed its origins, impacts, and strategies for change. Recognizing how deeply ingrained anti-Black sentiments are in our institutions and norms, we emphasized the importance of unlearning these behaviors through dedicated training and collective work. Improving awareness and taking action to interrupt anti-Blackness are crucial steps toward building healthier communities and ensuring safety for all. We want to wish a heartfelt congratulations to the youth who participated in our programming—we are incredibly proud of your commitment and growth. We look forward to continuing our work together, fostering awareness, and driving change. #CommunityHealing #CollectiveGrowth

Today, Project VOYCE is celebrating the achievements and resilience of Black communities. On Juneteenth, we honor this pivotal moment in history by closing our offices and reflecting on how this day aligns with our vision of a world where Black, Indigenous, and young people of color are equitable partners in achieving collective healing and liberation. Explore the history and enduring impact of Juneteenth further by reading this article by Henry Louis Gates: www.to.pbs.org/4b94jk0 #Juneteenth #ProjectVOYCE

Have you ever reflected on how you spend your time? As working communities, we understand that our time and labor are deeply connected. In our recent session, we explored the histories of indigenous time and how capitalism and historical injustices have shaped our experience of time, space, and work culture. By understanding these root causes, we can heal, reclaim, and find balance. Guided by healing justice principles, we envisioned pathways to liberation and learned strategies to reclaim our agency. Here, labor is not just a means of survival but a source of fulfillment and collective well-being. This session was the third in our four-part series, and we are excited to learn even more in our final week. 🌿 #HealingJustice #TimeForLiberation #CollectiveWellBeing

As we strive to create more inclusive and equitable environments, our EYAP programming last week focused on decolonizing work norms. It is crucial to understand that expectations of professionalism are often rooted in colonialism, whiteness, and racism as we prepare for professional and community spaces. Our youth learned to identify and break problematic workplace behaviors, build their agency to advocate for themselves against harmful practices, and engage in conversations about implicit bias, code-switching, and adultism as grounding concepts. By equipping our youth with these insights and tools, we are fostering a new generation ready to transform and lead more inclusive and equitable professional and community spaces. #InclusiveWorkspaces #EquityInAction

At Project VOYCE we have a long history of partnering with youth to elevate their voices and create change in our community. We believe youth must be equitable partners in the development of their community and Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) is an chance to do just that! COYAC is looking for passionate young people aged 14-19 to join for the 2024-25 term. COYAC members directly propose policy ideas to lawmakers, shaping Colorado's future 🗣️⚖️📜. Don't miss this opportunity, apply by June 5th at www.coyac.org/apply

When we ask you about Healing Justice, what comes to mind? Last week, our EYAP programming delved into the 6 Principles of Healing Justice and discovered how collective care strategies can build power in our communities. Participants explored what it means to heal and why this is crucial for our organizing, community work, and professional lives. By addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual impacts of injustice, we can create more sustainable and effective movements. In honor of this, we’re throwing it back to an old video about different types of healing you can practice for yourself! ✨ #HealingJustice #CommunityCare

Mark your calendars for a night of philanthropy and pizza at Sexy Pizza’s Jefferson Park location, happening Wednesday, May 22nd! Your love for cheesy slices will directly support Project VOYCE’s mission, with 15% of the day’s sales going toward our transformative youth leadership programs. Whether you’re craving dine-in, delivery, or pick-up, your participation is a crucial ingredient in our recipe for change. Let’s make this PhilanthroPIE Fundraiser a delicious victory for our community #pizza #fundraiser