Insight MCC Inc established  “Youth On The Edge / Video Outreach Program” in 2003.  This program was established in response to the escalating situation that young people face today in regards to: the lure and seduction of gang involvement, drugs, alcohol and youth violence.    The focus of this outreach program is on “Youth Intervention and Recovery”.   An essential part of the intervention and recovery process is working with youth to allow them to be honest about their life and what they have lived through.

The goal of the video outreach program is for youth to have their own voice about who they are and what their lives have been about.  It’s a space for them to re-tell and re-enact their stories. They can explore what they have lived through, how it has affected their lives, what decisions they made along the trail, and how those decisions impacted their families, friends, schools, communities and their future. A key part of the program is the personal interview.  In the personal interview each of the youth involved in the program have an opportunity to explore their life path, and the sequence of events that contributed to leading them astray.

The young people involved in the program play instrumental roles in the program's creation, design and implementation.  They learn different aspects of video production process such as: camera operation, lighting, sound recording, location field production, storyboard, conducting interviews, basic acting skills, editing, soundtrack, graphics and creating a finished production. The outreach program strives to enhance the following set of skills for the youth: individual character development (integrity and honesty), leadership skills, speaking and communication skills, and video and multimedia production skills.

The making of these films is a process in which the youth can act out their authentic creative inspirations in a safe, fun, and dynamic environment.  The entire process emphasizes group participation and interaction.  Each young person is able to participate in some aspect of the production process.  It’s a setting where they can learn from each other, learn about on another and learn how to get along and work together with one another in a creative – supportive environment.

Outreach Program - Insight Multicultural Communication Inc
Facilitated by David Gilbert