GOING GAGA
Information for Parents and Educators
June 2011

Objective: The Middle Project will be using the arts and pop culture to build leadership skills, self-esteem and self acceptance.

Plan:
1. Using the song “Born this Way” by Lady Gaga, we will facilitate a series of workshops that allow students to help choreograph and create a flash mob, a final performance in a public venue.

2. The dance workshops will be led by Tadej Brdnik, a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company.

3. Jacqui Lewis and John Janka will be teaching the leadership skills portion of the workshop. Jacqui Lewis has a Ph.D. in psychology and religion; John Janka is a human resources trainer. Both are clergy and have been national consultants on leadership development, conflict management and community organizing.

Workshop Schedule:
1. Saturday (June 11) 2pm – 6pm
2. Sunday (June 12) 2pm – 6pm
3. Saturday (June 18) 2pm – 6pm
4. Sunday (June 19) 2pm – 6pm
5. Saturday (June 25) 11am – 4pm (Final rehearsal and Performances)

Workshop Time Breakdown:
2pm – 4pm: 1st movement session
4pm – 5pm: Food Break and Leadership Training
5pm – 6pm: Review movement, put together

Benefits of Program for Youth:
1) Group Process

a. Learn process for creating an event
b. Discuss how to recruit others to participate in event
c. Use experiential learning to build capacities around acceptance and justice.

2) Values Clarification

a. Through the arts, youth will explore the message of the song “Born this Way” and give voice to the message of inclusivity and self acceptance.

3) Listening and Communication Skills

a. Youth will learn how to express their opinion, while also being able to reflectively listen to others.

4) Basics of Community Organizing

a. Create community that will make this project happen.
b. Evaluate the project at the end, and help promote the work they have done. (Youtube)
c. Learn to have one-on-one conversations to build community.

5) Managing Conflict and Change

a. Within the structure of creating the project as a community, the youth will be given tools to work together and manage differences in a way in which the group as a whole can win.
b. Through role play and skill-building exercises youth will increase their capacity to manage conflict.

Workshop Registration Details:
Step 1: Submit the Interest Form by Thursday, June 9. You will receive a link to an Application Form — it’s more like a quick questionnaire than a detailed application.
Step 2: Submit the Application Form by Thursday, June 9.
Step 3: Accepted applicants will be notified by Friday, June 10. Participants will submit a permission slip and a $25 registration fee.