FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA HONORS GLOBAL ACTION PROJECT!
On Wednesday, October 20, Global Action Project (G.A.P.) was honored with a prestigious 2010 National Arts & Humanities Youth Program Award presented by none other than First Lady Michelle Obama at the White House! We were truly inspired to be in the company of so many wonderful organizations from across the country and to be recognized for our work with youth to develop leadership, creativity, critical thinking, and community engagement through media arts. Accepting the award on behalf of the G.A.P. community was Executive Director Meghan McDermott and G.A.P. alum Rayhan Islam.
“This year’s awardees are shining examples of using success in the arts and humanities as a bridge to success in life,” said Mrs. Obama. “Through them, our young people are not only discovering new talents and finding their creative voices, but also becoming better students, better leaders and better citizens.”
Chosen from a pool of more than 400 nominations and 50 finalists, G.A.P. was one of 15 programs to receive the 2010 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program, the highest honor such programs can receive in the United States. Reflecting back on the day was 19 year-old Rayhan, a G.A.P. leader and alum who has co-produced several award-winning G.A.P. videos. Currently a freshman in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts & Film at Purchase College, State University of New York, Rayhan said, “I have been to a lot of screenings and events as a filmmaker with G.A.P., but this really is the next level. To be going to the White House right as I start college is incredible. It tells me that the work we are doing is making an impact and gets me even more excited about my future.”
Catching her breath from the excitement of the day, Meghan said, “it’s wonderful to be recognized for the work we do, but even more important is for young filmmakers to express themselves and gain an audience for their powerful, creative work. This honor makes it possible for more young people to get involved and make media in response to the many challenges that we all face. We want youth to know that their media has the power to spark dialogue, shape new understanding, and be used to make significant social change.”
The awards recognize and support outstanding programs that lay new pathways to creativity, expression, and achievement outside of the regular school day with demonstrable results. For more information, visit www.pcah.gov.
For nearly 20 years, Global Action Project has trained young people to create documentaries, PSAs and short films that are aired in screenings and workshops as well as online. We engage youth most affected by injustice by connecting them with the tools and resources they need to create media and make change. Participants use these skills to explore the issues that face them and their community, creating opportunities for dialogue and engagement for both filmmakers and viewers.