TWP-The Youth Movement

"To provide young people with a platform to empower their peers to use their voices, their energy, and their abilities to demonstrate the power to effect personal change, improve the lives of others, and foster a more knowledgeable community that is more invested in both themselves and each other using the arts and through peer-led programs and events. Emphasize education on and prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Provide a nonjudgmental, safe, environment for self expression for all young people."

Exec. Director, Deirdre Love

Serving all of greater Hampton Roads, Virginia, we have created a community within our organization that helps to build self esteem and supports youth so they can grow up into competent, healthy people and develop to their fullest potential. TWP peer leaders are first trained to facilatate community events; monthly open mics and community activist and volunteerism. Next, they decide, based on their time in with the organization and their personal talents and interest which area of youth development they want to focus on. Music, Spoken Word, Drama, Dance, Operations and Administration. Then they work with our youth advisory board to execute current programs and deliver new innovative ways to promote positive growth for youth. Our work takes us to schools, churchers, group homes, public community events and national events as well. Youth peer facilitators receive incentives such as cultural outings, tee shirts and back packs; they are invited to attend monathly group sessions and there are weekly training and prepartion meetings held in Norfolk and Virginia Beach