March is Youth Art Month

By Anne-Lise Vray, Communications Associate

In March, we celebrate Youth Art Month, a great occasion to also celebrate the art created by justice-involved youth and its healing properties. Art in all its forms is often a way for incarcerated youth to take their mind away from their harsh reality and to find hope that better days will come. For many, art is also a therapy and a soothing way to express themselves or expel their trauma. Organizations like Free Minds Book Club & Writing Workshop use art and creative expression to bring hope to youth in the justice system. Through books, creative writing, and peer support, Free Minds “awaken[s] DC youth incarcerated as adults to their own potential.” Organizations like Free Minds are crucial in the fight to ensure that justice-involved youth get a second chance and the support their need to build - or rebuild – their life.

Today on the 18th, as we launch our monthly social media contest to symbolize that no youth under 18 should ever be in the adult system, we also want to emphasize the importance of art for young people, especially when they are behind bars. So for this month social media contest, we ask you to share through art your support for justice-involved youth. Be creative, participate until March 31st by posting your art on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or Snapchat) and tagging us on it, and win a great goodie bag. The winner will be announced on April 1st, good luck!