EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, IAN MOUSER SHARES THE POWER OF MUSIC AND TALKS ABOUT THE SKIDMORE PRIZE ON OPB’S, THINK OUT LOUD!
Recently Ian Mouser had the opportunity to sit in at Oregon Public Broadcasting’s studio and speak with Dave Miller, host of Think Out Loud. The discussion, which centered on up-and-coming leaders at Portland non-profits, was a great opportunity to explain why it is so important to get involved with youth organizations.
Mouser eloquently spoke about the power that music can have to help people, especially youth, gain self-confidence and work through personal issues in an informal setting. Music has the ability to transcend and break down barriers that people can build around themselves as a natural defense mechanism. It is great to see Ian Mouser recognized for the incredible work he is doing to get more people involved with youth in the community.
From the Think Out Loud Web Site:
“Since 2004, Willamette Week has given the Skidmore Prize to four people 35 or under in recognition of the significant work they do with non-profits in the community. The prize is inspired by the inscription on the fountain that reads, “Good Citizens Are the Riches of a City.”
This year the four non-profits focus on kids and the arts. PHAME is an arts organization aimed at creating opportunities and community for those 17 or older who have a developmental or physical disability. The Circus Project teaches circus and performing arts to at-risk youth. My Voice Music provides music opportunities to for troubled kids. Friends of the Children mentors disadvantaged children — committing to them for 12 years, starting in 1st grade. We’ll talk with Ian Mouser of My Voice Music and Tammecha Turner with Friends of the Children about what drew them to their chosen work and what they’ve observed working so closely with kids in need.”