The Power of Word - Digital Stories

Being able to create a movie is a new way to express our thoughts and help people understand our lives. - Adriana Aguilar, 15

Middle school artists in DAVA’s Computer Art Lab worked with guest artist Daniel Weinshenker of the Center for Digital Storytelling in Denver to create digital stories that focus on the concept “The Power of Word.” Students brainstormed ideas by choosing one of two prompts: 1) write a story about words that were said to you that impacted or changed your life, or, 2) if you could say anything to anyone, what would it be and why? Some students’ stories take the form of letters addressed to parents or U.S. politicians, while other stories focus on the impact of a conversation that has changed a student’s life. Students began the process by fine-tuning their creative writing skills to develop a “script” that best communicated their personal stories. The Youth Artists each narrated their own story and added digital photographs, drawings, and collages to create their own “mini-movies.” In a culture where youth are constantly bombarded with messages from television, music, and movies, DAVA youth seized the opportunity to self-produce their own media and broadcast their unique voices and experiences.

Often, artists or facilitators who work with youth speak about giving voice to the youth artists we work with.  They have had a voice all along. What we give them, more than anything, is a place, a time, where and when they can be heard.  Listening to youth is as much a part of the dialogue as giving them the tools to speak.  You being here, right now, listening, is vital. For them, knowing someone on the other end is there gives them more reason to shout. –Daniel Weinshenker