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Throughout all of 3rd EyE's projects, leadership development and skill building are the underlying principles that guide our work. We have helped build the skills of hundreds of youth and young adults in video production, fundraising, event coordination, song writing, performing, dancing, networking, presenting and public speaking, organizing, art, and working in team settings.
The 3rd EyE Open is a creative arts festival that takes place annually in New Bedford, MA. The 3rd EyE Open serves underprivileged youth, providing a positive outlet for incredible talent in the forms of visual art, dance, music, sports, and community engagement. The 3rd EyE Open attracts an estimated 5,000-7,000 people from local areas and from all over the United States. More than 150 youth and adults volunteer to put on the Open and more than 500 people participate in its activities which include a 3 on 3 basketball tournament, dance contests, live talent showcases, live mural exhibition, children's arts and crafts, a green opportunities fair, exhibitors, vendors, and a community organization showcase area.
The A.R.T. program is a collaboration between 3rd Eye and Northstar Learning Centers. The overarching goal of the club is to foster greater connection among "at-risk" youth to their school environment and the broader community through a Hip Hop based after-school program. The program is conducted two days a week (Tues / Thurs) at New Bedford High School, with a varying group of 20-40 youth participating on each day. Staff and volunteers provide support and guidance to youth in creating original raps, dances and performances while also providing academic assistance and monitoring school behavior and achievement.
Youth are trained in many aspects of video production and as a result, they are able to perform video services for any organization or individual. This creates a career path for the youth involved, and an independent income stream for 3rd EyE. Video services include: tv commercials, music videos, weddings and other special events, PSA's, and more.
3rd EyE's "Rhyme for a Cause" Service involves youth in making songs that educates a targeted audiences about important social topics through a a hip hop format. Involved youths received stipends for their work on these songs, and continue to be plugged into similar projects.
TV show 3rd EyE's longest running project continues to air in over a million homes on community access television, stretching from Cape Cod to New York City. The broadcast features independent hip hop artists and community events, and covers a wide range of important issues. PUT OUT THE WORD! features guest speakers on topics such as the Green Economy, and Racial Equality and continues to be one of the few sources of socially relevant Hip Hop culture on the airwaves.
Held in February at the Dennison Memorial Community Center, the Winter Jam attracted more than 200 attendees and featured a great array of talent from breakdancers, emcees, spoken word artists, hip hop dancers, and poppers. The Winter Jam is a needed social and recreational outlet for youth in the South End of New Bedford and is looked forward to every year.
Held in November, this event awarded some great volunteers and people in the community. It featured some of the following awards: Most supportive teacher, most supportive parent, most dedicated youth, most supportive police officer, youth leader award, and most involved board member. The event brought more than 150 people together to experience the 3rd EyE family and hear great presentations from 3rd EyE leaders. More than twenty parents and supporters cooked dishes that created the most delectable multicultural buffet.
In the area of Sustainability and Green Jobs, 3rd Eye has continued to play a pivotal role in engaging young people in the movement to build more environmentally sustainable and socially just communities through education and community outreach about the green economy. We mobilize youth to be part of the green economy through attending conferences and being active on organizing committees. These are pivotal learning experiences for local youth as they are able to build awareness of the opportunities that the green economy will provide them as they move forward in their education and careers. 3rd Eye has continued to work with the Marion Institute, a non-profit organization seeking to support work that heals the planet with an emphasis on social justice. 3rd Eye also plays a leading role in promoting and leading an Open Mic as part of the Bioneers by the Bay conference which engages over thirty performers and three hundred plus audience members in environmentally conscious music each year.
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