The program gives students a different outlet for self-expression.
The Young Lions Roar is a Quad City program that provides workshops for students to develop writing, performative, and social-emotional awareness skills.
“At ThePlace2B, we have a very diverse group of students. Each student has different interests and one of our goals here is to offer and provide opportunities for all of our students,” said Edwin Salazar, Director of ThePlace2B.
Looking at what the program has to offer, Salazar knew students in ThePlace2B could benefit from it.
“We have students who enjoy writing and reading literature. Young Lions Roar allows our students to create narratives that are true to them through the art of poetry. Our students will have the opportunity to get creative by reading haikus, short poems, spoken word, and spoken rap pieces,” said Salazar.
The program started in January and for eight months, students will work on their writing and performative skills. Every Monday and Thursday students in ThePlace2B who are interested participate in workshops that challenge them to expand their creative thinking.
Many of the students in the program face trauma or different stressors every day. Salazar said it’s important to offer our youth a variety of different coping mechanisms.
“I hope that our students learn another healthy coping skill that they can use for the rest of their lives. Young Lions Roar offers an opportunity for youth to challenge their creativity while giving them an outlet that develops their self-reflective abilities, which offers an opportunity to acknowledge, understand, and cope with emotions,” said Salazar.
In addition to the creative writing process, students will gain public speaking skills. They will have the opportunity to share their art through showcases or open mic nights. A skill Salazar says is just as important.
“I am a huge believer in the mindset that the only way we can grow is by putting ourselves in an uncomfortable mindset. Public speaking is not easy and is very nerve-racking but it will help build self-confidence and a space for them to share their piece,” said Salazar.
ThePlace2B students will share their work through a series of open mic nights on the last Saturday of every month starting on March 1st. They will take place at Steam On Wheels located at 2106 4th Avenue, Rock Island from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. For a list of open mic night dates follow along on their Facebook page.
