608 FALL 2016 FB

Crafting A New Narrative PROGRAM ENGAGES LGBTQ JUVENILE INMATES A li Muldrow, racial justice youth organizer for the Madison-based Gay Straight Alliance for Safe Schools (GSAFE) wanted to work with what she calls one of “the most at-risk, disproportionately marginalized groups of young people:” LGBTQ juveniles of color who are locked up in the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center. Partnering with several other agencies and organizations in Madison, Muldrow developed the New Narrative project, an eŠort to “unlock the story of incarcerated youth while developing their leadership abilities and connecting them with inventive opportunities.” engaging the incarcerated LGBTQ juveniles of color in activities like playwriting, poetry improv exercises, and talking about current events, race, gender identity and other topics, with an emphasis on developing critical thinking, Muldrow says. Œe students range in age from 11 to 17, participating in groups ranging in size from 8 to 25 kids. Œe partners involved in creating the New Narrative Project include Proud Œeater, the Madison Metropolitan Public School District, GSAFE, the JVN Project and the Dane County Juvenile Detention Center. Every Tuesday afternoon, Madison native Muldrow leads a workshop at the center,

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