PAGE TITLE “Making sure everyone gets paid is what is important to having young people show up,” Jones emphasized. “When they hit 14, they’re able to go to work. It’s important that they can leave that job and contribute with us at Youth on Record as there is an opportunity to get paid there.” YOR pays young producers to use their beats non-exclusively on podcasts. Speaking about the staff, Jones noted there is little room for fault-finding or underwhelming passion with the curated lineup of staff members. “We have great teachers. A lot of teachers. We all learn from each other, and that’s the best part about a team. Sometimes there’s a weak link on the team – that’s not the case here. There are no weak links.” There is heavy emphasis on communication with children. Jones believes that to bridge gaps, adults need to work to engage with the youth. “A lot of teachers lose their cool, and the kids look at them funny for that. It’s a problem I noticed in school. The teachers didn’t know how to communicate with us. They showed their emotions in a negative way, and we knew they were there only for the money.” Jones is firm in her approach with the students and their need for genuine connection and comfort to create high-impact dynamics between teachers and students. Before they even begin any class, the teachers check in with the students to see where they are mentally and emotionally — using universally identifiable signs like emojis to show where they are emotionally on any given day. There are various tactics used by teachers to simply check on students to say how are you doing? A strategy YOR deems vital. A lot of times, the trust barrier between student and teacher is ignored. Youth on Record prioritizes transparency and ease to ensure each student is comfortable with the level of engagement for their chosen program. A student needs to be able to feel like they can express themselves. Shining a light on that barrier that can exist between students and authority figures, Jones explained, “It’s important for them to know [they can express themselves] because often, they are targets.” Jones teaches audio and anything to do with beat making. “I float around a lot. You want to learn to make beats? I can show you to make beats. Ableton, Pro Tools, Fruity Loops, and so on.” Additionally, she teaches podcasting, which involves mixing vocals. “It’s similar to hip hop but without the beat,” said Jones. She also teaches students how to record, edit, and distribute it. These programs exist, like any other regular class inside of schools, and are worth credits for graduation. YOR has found much success in integrating into these spaces filled with the next generation. To learn more about YOR, or their successes and motivations moving forward, visit their website youthonrecord.org. ■ HABEEL HARNEY EMPTY FRUSTRATION Fill me up with your hate to what consumes you Picking out the size of magnitude you want me to injest You place me infront of you like a prize possession you about to accomplish Find the right size hose to make sure no hate leaks out Connect them why dont you and fasten those bolts nice and tight Does everything look right in your line of sight Now double check and make sure I am the right one before you begin Conspire with all that will help keeping your obsession contained There you are ready turn your valves of succession on Fill my space with your hatred you adapted The hissing sound makes approval to your ears it’s working But the silence soon brings your disapproval That my space is filled with your hatred to soon for me to be you WRITING THROUGH HARD TIMES COURTESY OF DENVER PUBLIC LIBRARY AND LIGHTHOUSE WRITERS WORKSHOP STACY BOOKER HAIKU i’ve no emotions not sure why this is the case oops! some just slipped thru. The Hard Times Writing Workshop is a collaboration between Denver Public Library and Lighthouse Writers Workshop. It’s open to all members of the public, especially those experiencing homelessness. Each month, the Denver VOICE publishes a selection of writing from these workshops. Virtual workshops: lighthousewriters.org/workshop/denver-public-library-hard-times More writing by these featured poets: writedenver.org PHOTO COURTESY OF YOUTH ON RECORD March 2022 DENVER VOICE 11
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