What is the HEARD Program?

A unique volunteer organization that provides creative arts to incarcerated teen males ages 14-20.

 

I’m in a student org that is related to the creative arts...

We are looking for different student orgs to Collaborate with! Each week we bring a new org to volunteer and do a workshop/performance.

Transportation is included.

 

When do you volunteer?

Every Saturday 1-5pm we visit the MacCormick Secure Center and do different arts workshops.

 

What if I don’t want to commit to Saturdays?

Come once! Volunteers can sign up for different weekends.

 

Is it safe to work in a prison?

Absolutely! There is constant security, and we wouldn’t put you in a place that isn’t safe. The residents are very respectful and polite.

 

When are meetings?

The E-board meetings are 4-5pm Tuesdays in the Student Activity Center on the 3rd floor of Egbert. Anyone is welcome to those, but they aren't mandatory for volunteers. Most of the communication will be done through email and occasional emails. And the volunteers will learn about programming the morning before outreach. 

 

What would my org do at an outreach?

Typically orgs will showcase or demonstrate their passion and do a teaching workshop with everyone. You will work with 2 groups for 1 hour each. There are usually 4-7 residents in a group.

 

What kinds of programming?

Past outreaches included dancing, rapping, painting, poetry, spoken word, and beatboxing! We are open to anything.

 

Do I have to go through training?

If you are a weekly volunteer, YES. It is mandatory but is only 1 hour. Training will be this Tuesday, Feb 16th 12:15pm-1pm in CNS 333.

You will have to fill out a form.

 

What if I’m not creative or in a student org?

No worries! No experience necessary, anyone is welcome. Tell your friends!

 

Are there any e-board positions?

Yes! We are currently looking for a secretary and treasurer. 

 

Does it cost anything?

No, it’s FREE! We provide all the transportation as well.

 

What does a typical outreach look like?

1. We meet around 12:30pm Saturday to go over what the plan is for the day since it changes each week.

2. We leave at 1pm, it takes about 25 minutes to get there. We go through a metal detector and sign in.

3. We will see two groups for 1 hour each. Each group will have 3-7 people, the residents get to choose if they want to come. 

4. The programming will be the same with both groups. 

5. We will leave promptly to get us back to IC around 5pm.