Youth UnMuted

Role: Co-founder and Executive Director

Client: Youth UnMuted

Timeframe: March 2018 – January 2024

Overview: Founded and Produced the Now You Hear Us podcast, an initiative offering a platform for forcibly displaced youth to elevate their voices and increase autonomy over their own narratives and experiences. The organization operated in Greece, Mexico, and the USA, offering various programs and initiatives designed to empower refugee youth and raise awareness about their realities.

Situation

In regions spanning Greece, the USA, and Mexico, forcibly displaced youth encounter formidable hurdles, including restricted avenues for sharing their narratives. The challenge lay in establishing a structured and impactful platform where these individuals could effectively express themselves, assert autonomy over their stories, and raise awareness about their experiences on a global scale.

Our Approach

Phase 1: Foundation and Mission Establishment

Founded in March 2018 with the mission of empowering forcibly displaced youth by providing platforms for storytelling and artistic expression.
Aimed to enhance the autonomy of these youth over their own narratives and experiences.

Phase 2: Logistics and Partnerships

Oversaw logistics, including travel and accommodation for participants.
Liaised with international organizations and government entities to ensure access to remote refugee camps and shelters.
Built partnerships essential for reaching the youth and facilitating their participation in programs.

Phase 3: Innovative Virtual Reality Experience

Collaborated with youth to design an immersive VR experience that conveyed the realities of living in a refugee camp.
Utilized by Emory University's Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing faculty and featured in notable publications.
Enhanced empathy and understanding among viewers through a powerful, first-hand look at the challenges faced by refugee youth.

Phase 4: Youth Facilitation and Training

Managed a team of youth facilitators, providing ongoing guidance and training.
Fostered a supportive community within Youth UnMuted, enabling youth to express themselves and develop their skills.

Phase 5: Workshop Development and Delivery

Developed and delivered a curriculum for workshops attended by over 800 youth.
Covered topics such as art, photography, poetry, and political opinion writing.
Provided a safe space for self-expression, skill development, and peer connection.

Phase 6: Publication of Online Youth Magazine

Edited and published five issues of an online youth magazine featuring contributions from young refugees.
Included art, photography, poetry, and political opinion pieces, offering a platform for sharing perspectives with a wider audience.

Phase 7: Fundraising and Reporting

Led fundraising and reporting efforts, researching prospective donors and creating fundraising content.
Maintained donor records, securing necessary funds to support programs and ensuring transparency and accountability.

Phase 8: Monitoring and Evaluation

Developed culturally appropriate monitoring and evaluation frameworks for all programming.
Measured the impact of initiatives, ensuring programs were effective and met the needs of youth participants.

Results

Empowerment and Expression: Provided platforms for youth to share their stories and artistic expressions.
Enhanced Understanding: VR experience and workshops fostered empathy and understanding among participants and viewers.
Skill Development: Workshops equipped youth with new skills in art, photography, poetry, and political writing.
Global Recognition: Online magazine amplified youth voices and perspectives on a global scale.
Effective Partnerships: Built strong partnerships that facilitated access to remote camps and shelters.

Youth UnMuted stands as a testament to the power of elevating the voices of forcibly displaced youth. Through innovative programs, immersive experiences, and dedicated support, the organization has empowered hundreds of young refugees, providing them with platforms to share their stories and shape their own narratives. The efforts of Youth UnMuted fostered empathy, understanding, and empowerment among refugee youth and the global community.

Daphne Morgen