Free the Children, a non-profit organization, will host an open microphone event featuring speakers and performers from Palo Alto high schools from 1p.m. to 4p.m. on Saturday, May 15, at the Mitchell Park Bowl.
According to Youth Programming Manager Bonnie Kay, the event titled Shout Out for Change aims to acknowledge youth who are actively involved in different social justice issues.
“Free The Children is looking to recognize and commend the voices and actions of students and their families who are taking action on a wide range of social justice issues,” Kay said. “Through the open mic portion of the afternoon, we are also hoping to provide a forum for students to speak out about issues they are passionate about.”
Kay said that students from Palo Alto and surrounding areas will be performing at the open mic portion, including junior Osceola Ward from Palo Alto High School.
“I’m going to perform a new piece that I have yet to write,” Ward said.
The celebration will open with a performance from inspirational speaker and magician, Scott Hammell.
“Scott uses magic to capture the attention of both young and old and then inspires audiences to take action and follow their dreams,” Kay said.
Free the Children is the largest network of children helping children through education and has a two fold mission, according to Kay.
“Internationally, through our holistic development model Adopt a Village, Free The Children works to break the cycle of poverty by breaking down barriers to education,” Kay said. “Domestically, through our empowerment programs, Free The Children seeks to free children from the notion that they are powerless to effect positive social change.”
Free the Children set up an office in Palo Alto last year, its first organization base in California. Last year also marked the first year for a Free the Children Take Action Leadership Academy in California. The Take Action Academy took place at Menlo College last year. Academy Scholarships for the week long camp this summer will be raffled off at the open mic, according to Kay.