We Are Youth Speak Out International!

Our Mission is to empower youth within culturally diverse communities to express their thoughts while creating independence through advocacy and equality in order to create positive global change.

Youth Speak Out International is a 501C3 organization that helps students become aware of the choices they can make in self-exploration by using their own interpretation and evaluation of the world around them. We promote media literacy as a key means of countering media stereotyping. This approach encourages openness with objectivity, fosters tolerance, understanding and respect in today's youth.

Youth Speak Out International has effectively educated over 3600 multi-cultural youth in South Florida, Belize, Jamaica and Costa Rica. Our innovative hands on curriculum delivers creative instruction that fosters critical thinking, self-exploration, public speaking, media production, life skills and job readiness. Our program’s unique and creative approach in combining media education with media creation gives students the opportunity to create positive change in their local and global communities.

Youth Speak Out International is extending its programming into Colombia and Brazil. With this global approach to media literacy the youth of the world will have a lasting voice for generations to come.

NEWS

Media Literacy Costa Rica

Summer Program

This comprehensive summer program has given the students of Pochotel school in Playa Hermosa the opportunity to speak out about the need for Costa Rica to Recycle. This July-August all students will have the opportunity to job shadow employees at an environmentally friendly resort, local restaurants and business. This will bring awareness to the importance on cut down on waste and recycling. At the end of the summer program a documentary video will be produced to educate other students about the importance of Going Green.  

 Mantengamos Verde A Costa Rica PSA

Created by students at Pochotel School, Playa Hermosa

Costa Rica

Mantengamos Verde A Costa Rica Poster

Created by students at Pochotel School, Playa Hermosa

Costa Rica 

Anti-Bullying Media Literacy 2010-2011, Palm Beach County, Florida USA

This media package will be showcased November 2011 for Anti-Bullying week in the USA. 

Stop Bullying PSA

Created by students at My Choice Development Center

Riviera Bch, USA  

Stop Bullying YSO TV Segment

Created by students at Pleasant City Multi-Cultural Center

West Palm Beach, USA 

Stop Bullying Poster

Created by students at My Choice Development Center

Riviera Bch, USA  

TESTIMONIALS

"YSO TV has enhanced my daughters self-esteem. I now see her communicating with confidence. Because of this program she wants to be a reporter on the news. She has been excepted into BAK Magnet Middle School of the Arts and will focus on Theater and Communications.  It's because of organizations like yours that our children have a chance to make it in the world. Thank you for taking the time to make a difference in our community." 

Elementary School Parent, Riviera Beach, FL, USA

"This documentary film project touched my heart. It taught me more about the Jamaican culture. It showed me that we need to live by our moto, “Out of many one people.” The film we created has a very powerful message that needs to be heard around the world.

Media Literacy Student (17 years old), SouthSide, Jamaica"

"Thank you for showing me the ropes in media production. I was in your media literacy classes seven years ago at the Roosevelt Middle After School Program. I have since graduated from G Star Television and Film High School in West Palm Beach. I'm attending Palm Beach State College and studying Television and Film. I hope to one day be a documentary film maker. Your program made a lasting impact in my life. All the best.  " 

College Student, (19 years old) West Palm Beach, FL, USA

"Your programs give kids the opportunity to understand their community and react in a positive way. Thank you for everything you do. Keep up the good work." 

Elementary School Grandparent, Riviera Beach, FL, USA

"YSO TV taught me how the media shows us what we want to see. Now I know not to believe everything I see on television."

Elementary School Student, (11 years old) Riviera Beach, Florida, USA 

"Because of your media literacy classes, I now use my voice to speakout on issues in my neighborhood. I'm now a leader not a follower."

 Media Literacy Student (14 years old), Belle Glade, Florida, USA

"I have seen first hand that all the  students enrolled with Youth Speak Out International's programs have a positive experience to remember for the rest of their lives. Each student gets a chance to have their voices herd and understand how their opinion matters. This makes all the difference in the world. 

Director of Programming WXEL, Boynton Beach, Florida, USA"  

 "The community forum in SouthSide, Jamaica gave me the chance to feel like I did something wonderful for my community. The (Q&A) questions and answers gave me the chance to speak my mind and hear what the community had to say about our project, "Jamaica on the Rise". I now have the power to speak what is on my mind. I'm eternally grateful."

 Media Literacy Student, (17 years old) SouthSide, Jamaica

FEATURED PROGRAM

Youth Speak Out Television

(YSO TV) is a program that enhances media literacy and educational video production. This community youth enrichment program includes reading, writing, speaking, listening, and also provides a framework to access, analyze, evaluate and create effective messages in a variety of forms. Youth Speak Out Television builds an understanding of the role media plays in today’s society. Focus is on the comprehension of the essential skills of inquiry along with self-exploration. To date, YSO TV 

Created by youth in Palm Beach County, FL USA