DreamYard's  A.C.T.I.O.N. Project works to build the next generation of artists and community activists. In July, A.C.T.I.O.N. members reported stories on issues important to them -- learning interviewing, audio editing, script-writing and narration recording skills to create audio-biographies to add to their portfolios.
Tenayah Sealy grew up on the honor roll at school, but when she was in the 11th grade she only had the credits of a 9th grader. Tenayah decided she needed to make a change.Â
The kids at
Gabriela Brito's elementary school always made fun of her for being overweight, but at the same time her grandmother was telling her she needed to take pills so she wouldn't be "scrawny". Gabby had to find a way to feel comfortable with herself.Â
Last year when
Deja Harris was 17, her parents moved their family out of the South Bronx neighborhood she'd grown up in. Her mom and dad think the move will stabilize her but Deja says she can get into the same trouble in the suburbs as she did in the city.Â
Vida Annan never thought she'd work at a fast food restaurant but recently she got a job at Dairy Queen. She's learning how to tame her personality while she's at work so she can serve her customers.Â
Estalle Davies loves to sing, but not for an audience. Once she hears the excited response of people hearing her voice, she stops singing. The problem? She wants to be a singer.Â