Foundational Pillars and Program Outcomes
Foundational Pillars
At the foundation of all services and resources created and implemented in Project SPEAKS, lies three foundational pillars to our operations. These pillars are integrated into a fiber of Project SPEAKS, from curriculum building to recruitment and partnerships.
Pillar #1: Socially Conscious Leadership and Equity-Centered Skill Development
What it means: Project SPEAKS strives to have staff and partnerships who are dedicated to developing the knowledge, skills, and critical consciousness to lead with integrity and inclusive strategies, communicate across diverse experiences and perspectives, engage in reflective practices, and help address complex social challenges, with the hopes of advancing equity, justice and community well-being
Why it's important: Project SPEAKS envisions a world where systemic barriers are addressed and people are developing in a sustainable and beneficial way. In order to move toward this hope, we believe that we must first have the desire to develop ourselves, while also acknowledging the challenges, perspectives, and lived experiences of those who come from different backgrounds than our own. Then, we must strengthen our leadership, communication, critical thinking, and self-reflection skills to effectively navigate systems of power, advocate for ourselves and others, and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable community
Key Characteristics
-
Developing a Critical Consciousness: examining and learning to analyze issues of power, privilege, oppression, and social justice while considering their own role in creating positive change
-
Identity Validation and Representation: validating staff and participants' racial, ethnic, cultural, linguistic, gender, socioeconomic, and other identities, as well as developing them; participants see themselves reflected in the curriculum, activities, and/or facilitators
-
Promoting Equity and Inclusion: programs intentionally identify and reduce barriers to participation, ensuring that all everyone has equitable opportunities to engage, contribute, and succeed
Pillar #2: Culturally Relevant and Responsive Programming
What it means: Project SPEAKS creates activities and services, as well as builds curriculum, with the a focus that intentionally recognizes, affirms, and builds upon participants' diverse identities, cultures, histories, and lived experiences
Why it's important: Project SPEAKS does not want its participants to adapt or assimilate to a single dominant or Eurocentric perspective, rather, we believe it is important to tailor our program and curriculum to the unique strengths, need, and communities we serve to create a more meaningful, equitable, and intentional learning experience
Key Characteristics
-
Using Culturally Responsive Teaching and Facilitation Strategies: learning incorporates diverse voices, examples, and learning styles, while adapting facilitation to meet participants' cultural and developmental needs.
-
Centering on Lived Experiences: activities encourage participants to connect new knowledge with their own experiences, communities, and cultural backgrounds, making learning more meaningful and applicable.
Pillar #3: Community Based Support and Civic Engagement
What it means: Project SPEAKS invests in marginalized and underserved communities to enhance well-being and sense of worth, while seeking to cultivate leaders who empower, advocate for, and engage with their community and serve other communities in need
Why it's important: Project SPEAKS wants to empower all people, especially the next generation of leaders, to create an environment where a culture of community support is embraced and identities are validated and accepted
Key Characteristics
-
Engage with Communities: incorporating family, community knowledge, local issues, and community partnerships whenever appropriate
-
Building Authentic Relationships and Connections: cultivate community, trust, mutual respect, and a sense of belonging by listening, valuing multiple perspectives, and creating spaces for open dialogue and connection
Program Outcomes
At Project SPEAKS, Inc., we place an emphasis on providing students, and the community at large, with additional academic support and resources through educational workshops, tutoring, and scholarships, as well as services to promote and increase educational access and academic success. We also strive to provide the community with trainings and workshops to increase their skills and awareness on a variety of topics.
Outcome 1: Those who participate in Project SPEAKS’ programs will develop an increased connection and engagement in relation to their institution, group, or organization, as demonstrated through…..
-
Identifying their comfort with recurring programs/events
-
Recognizing their sense of connectedness to their program, organization, or group
-
Demonstrating leadership by taking initiative, collaborating with others, and contributing positively to group and community goals
Outcome 2: Participants will develop skills needed to navigate complex issues, as demonstrated through……
-
Evaluating their ability to engage with politically and socially divisive topics and issues
-
Practice of listening to and engaging in other points of view and perspectives
-
Applying critical thinking and problem-solving strategies to analyze social issues, identify systemic barriers, and move toward actions that promote justice and equity
Outcome 3: Participants in will deepen their understanding and broaden their perspectives, as demonstrated through…
-
Articulating new knowledge around others’ identities or their own
-
Describing how a new understanding has impacted their perspective
-
Developing deeper relationships based on shared life experiences or similar identities
-
Engaging in or with reflective practices to evaluate personal strengths, values, experiences, and areas for growth in order to support continuous personal and professional development