We are excited to be partnering with Des Moines’ “I Have a Dream” Foundation and Drake University to bring the documentary American Promise to the Fleur Cinema!

On Monday, December 9, there will be two free showings (4:00 / 7:00), with a panel of youth + community members discussing issues between showings.

We hope to see you there!

For the second year in a row, we are partnering with our favorite shop Domestica for the East Village Holiday Promenade. Blending Domestica’s style with our students’ rad poetry, you will have the opportunity to vote for Crissy’s window display (we won  last year thanks to your support)! Domestica will be selling beautiful prints of our students’ poetry (sneak peak below!), and 100% of the proceeds will benefit our trip to Brave New Voices the summer of 2014. Yes, there are good people in our little city!

Crissy, we are in awe of your generosity and super fresh style. Stepping foot into Domestica feels like stepping foot into our dream home. We are thankful for you!

The youth of Urban Leadership 101 had the pleasure of learning from State Legislative Representative Ako-Abdul Samad this week! Mr. Abdul-Samad taught us about the importance of defining ourselves, finding our purpose, and giving back to our community. Thank you for your courage, commitment, and service, Ako. Our community is better because of your advocacy and willingness to practice peace.

“The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” Mark Twain

The youth poets of RunDSM were asked to headline an event at this year’s Wonder of Words Festival! Our friends at the Spoken Word Collective from Simpson College opened the evening, and we were thankful for the opportunity to speak our truth and get free!

Special thanks to North High alum Eduardo Arana for sharing his photographs with us <snaps>. We are in awe of his talent! Follow Eduardo on Twitter here!

Hatte

Karriem

Maddie

Mr. Larry Moore II

Brionna

Angelica

Preshous

Lela

Bao