Case Study – Detour To Success
Witnessing young activists discover their authentic voice never gets old.This summer, I had the privilege of designing an intensive art-based program for CART’s Youth Power Collective – brilliant young organizers who were passionate about social justice but struggling to translate their lived experiences into compelling messages.
The challenge?
How do you help young people transform trauma into power?
How do you bridge the gap between personal pain and systemic change?
My approach combined my SoulFood framework with 7 Principles of Empowered Innovation to create “Art as Catalyst for Messaging and Movement.” We didn’t just teach messaging techniques – we created space for healing, authentic expression, and the kind of creative work that moves communities to action.
When unexpected circumstances forced us to condense our timeline (to accommodate a crucial restorative circle), I watched these young people demonstrate the same adaptability and resilience they’re fighting to build in their communities. 100% of participants still achieved powerful outcomes.
This is what empowered innovation looks like: meeting people where they are, honoring their experiences, and creating pathways for authentic leadership to emerge.
To the youth organizers who trusted this process – your voices matter, your stories have power, and your art will change the world.
#YouthActivism #SocialJustice #ArtForChange #EmpoweredInnovation #CommunityHealing
