YOU SPOKE EVENTS
Not Alone 03/04/12
On Sunday, March 4th YouSpoke.org presented, "Not Alone" --a physical expression of inner turmoil and the courage to heal. This dance and art show gave a voice to those affected by suicide, and featured work from over 53 dancers, artists, beat poets, singers, writers, and videographers. YouSpoke presented its proudest projects yet, including a wall-sized technicolor wall tarp, a full-length dance show, and a decorate-yourself quilt that has been in the works since 2009. It was a night filled with tears, celebration, and appreciation. The energy was high and the show was sold out! We are thrilled with all of the love and support. THANK YOU you to everyone involved!
The YouSpoke Children’s Workshop 07/28/11
On July 28th YouSpoke facilitated its first Children’s Workshop at Near North Montessori in Chicago.
The YouSpoke Children’s workshop is an hour-long dance and art seminar that nurtures creative self-expression in children of all ages. The workshop does not address the topic of suicide. Instead, children are encouraged to cultivate positivity and love through the arts, as they share things that make them feel happy and full of life.
Depending on timing, needs, and capabilities, children will experience the following in the YouSpoke Children’s Workshop:
- A demonstrative dance performance by YouSpoke that shows children how positive ideas can be expressed through movement.
- Contribution to the “Perfect Day Collage.” Using cutouts, stickers, and markers, children will create a collaborative masterpiece that becomes a representation of what makes them happy—favorite activities, people, places, and things.
- Dance instruction and the invention of dance moves that embody images from the collage. Creation of the “Perfect Day Dance.”
- Performance, presentation, clean-up, and hugs.
We believe that creative expression should begin early. If you believe in our mission and would like to have this unique workshop at your school, please contact Stefanie@youspoke.org.
*A licensed therapist is available to assist the children’s workshop at your request. The YouSpoke Children’s Workshop has been developed under the close guidance of licensed therapists.
** The YouSpoke Children’s workshop operates on a donation-only basis.
Welcome Home” Dance and Art Show 06/12/11
On June 12, 2011 YouSpoke.org held a dance and art show dedicated to suicide awareness. This music, dance, art and beat poetry extravaganza raised $2000 for YouSpoke to apply toward tax exempt status. Thank you to those of you who so generously and passionately devoted your time and energy to this amazing night.
View photos of this event on our Facebook page.
Watch the “Welcome Home” performance in eight parts:
part 1
part 2
part 3
part 4
part 5
part 6
part 7
part 8
The AFSP International Survivors of Suicide Day
On the third Saturday of November each year, YouSpoke.org attends the International Survivors of Suicide Day put on by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. www.afsp.org
This day of healing gathers thousands of survivors of suicide in 300 cities worldwide. Experts educate attendees about suicide facts and coping mechanisms, a video is played worldwide with personal stories from survivors, and then group sessions are offered to everyone under the guidance of licensed therapists.
The next International Survivors of Suicide Day will take place Saturday, November 17, 2012. You can attend a local conference in your area or watch the video online that day and engage in a worldwide chat.
Click here to learn more about the AFSP's International Survivors of Suicide Day.
Click here to watch the program from 2011. Spanish, French, and English subtitles are available.
If you would like to attend the 2012 conference with YouSpoke in the Chicago or San Francisco areas, please e-mail Stefanie@youspoke.org.
ReVamped: A Fashion Show for a Greener Society 05/20/11
On May 20th YouSpoke.org performed a dance piece at the green fashion show put on by EarthShare.org. Read the blog written by founder of YouSpoke, Stefanie Cary, that outlines the backstory and inspiration behind this dance.
YouSpoke later performed this piece at their “Welcome Home” event in 2011. Check out a video of this dance performance here.
Running Teams “Chicago Half Marathon 09/12/10”
On September 12, 2010 YouSpoke.org ran its first half marathon! This was a great chance for us to do something healthy for the cause, interact with other runners, and spread YouSpoke’s tagline, “Expression, not silence, heals the soul.” The YouSpoke team wore shirts dedicated to our loved ones that we’ve lost to suicide. Check out the photo gallery here!
Running teams are a wonderful way to spread awareness. If you have a race you’d like to create a YouSpoke team for, please e-mail Stefanie@youspoke.org.
The AFSP Overnight Walk
YouSpoke.org has participated in the Overnight walk 2 years in a row. This 18-mile walk goes from dusk until dawn and is dedicated to breaking the silence about issues involving mental illness, depression, and suicide.
Each year, the Overnight is held in a different city. Each walker raises a minimum of $1000 that benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
On 06/26/10 YouSpoke.org arranged a team of walkers for the Boston Overnight. Our participants flew in from Chicago, Ohio, Las Vegas, and California and raised over $8,000 collaboratively. The walk was filled with tears, inspiration, and stories of our loved ones lost. At the end, our walkers participated in a candelight vigil and closing ceremony that left imprints on our hearts forever.
To learn more about the Overnight, visit www.theovernight.org.
Click here for photos of our team!
Founder of YouSpoke, Stefanie Cary, has public speaking experience with Story from a New Friend Chicago, various radio shows, dance studios, events, and schools around the Chicagoland area including Lake Forest College. If you are interested in hearing Stefanie’s inspirational story about her father and the birth of YouSpoke.org, or booking a YouSpoke group speaking session, please e-mail Stefanie@youspoke.org.
Listen to Stefanie speak at the “Welcome Home” performance in June of 2011: