Philanthropy Corner – Big Kidz Foundation
One half of the world famous ATL duo “Outkast” is more than a rapper, actor and businessman, he’s also a philanthropist. His charity, Big Kidz Foundation, is a non-profit organization dedicated to developing socially conscious youth. And according to his site, the vision of Big Kidz Foundation, is to positively affect literacy, mathematics, public speaking, and artistic inclination through use of humanities.
The organization offers three specialized programs that Big Boi feels are extremely important to the future of our youth.
The Big Voices Program, is dedicated to empowering youth ages’ 12-18 to have a voice. Youth are encouraged to “stand up and speak up” by giving them a platform to speak and the tools to effectively communicate.
Debate/public speaking Clubs- As a part of the Big Voices Programs, Public Speaking clubs, similar to Toast Masters, are sponsored in local schools. The goal of the Big Voices Clubs is to help our youth:
. Communicate more effectively
. Become better listeners
. Improve presentation skills
. Increase leadership potential
. Increase self-confidence
Oratorical Competition- The Big Voices Program hosts and annually speaking competition where youth throughout the state can compete in for scholarship.
Teen Summit -The Big Voice Program hosts is an open forum for youth to have a discussion about politics, life challenges, their future and the world issues. The forum is facilitated by youths with the support of business and community leaders, mentors and peers.
The Big Moves Program provides youth with an opportunity to travel locally, statewide, nationally and internationally. Through this program participants will be exposed to culturally diverse experiences that are designed to expand their horizons.
Travel Experience “Heritage Tour” October 25, 2009
Submit a 1 page essay on “Georgia Heritage” by midnight October 2, 2009
And The Big Talent Program provides youth with a platform to showcase there talent as well as opportunities to sharpen their craft. Throughout the year, selected individuals and groups are given chances to perform at various Big Kidz Foundation events.
This is an awesome effort to provide a much needed outlet to our youth and with rappers consistently under attack are leading kids down the wrong path, Big Boi with his organization clearly shows that artist do give back and are concerned with our kids and the direction of their lives. To help check out Big Kids Foundation and donate.
“It is my hope that the children in these undeserved communities officially become part of this national conversation that we have been left out of for years”. “The efforts within this program will not only stress education, but will stress exposure to culture,” Big Boi.
