'A universal need': We Amplify Voices harnesses creative process to empower community

In 2011, We Amplify Voices (WAV) was an afterschool songwriting program for students at the Arts & College Preparatory Academy. In its early phases in 2013, the organization brought in local musicians to help a class engage with songwriting as a way to find the value in their voices.

Among them was Sam Corlett, a local musician.

When she was invited in to offer her expertise, she said she felt validated and seen as a professional.

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More than a decade later, she returned to the organization as the director of design and communication, holding that experience dear to her heart as she and the WAV team use arts engagement to empower underrepresented individuals while also strengthening the creative community.

Now, the nonprofit has expanded to work with 30 schools across central Ohio, organizations and institutions like the Ohio Domestic Violence Network , as well as local communities through gatherings and workshops at the center in Franklinton.

"I think it's a universal need and a development tool," said Corlett. "No matter what age you are, you can benefit from experimenting in expression and trying to find the value in your voice and a way to use your voice that feels authentic."

Today, she recognizes it's not just about the final products that come out of WAV's initiatives, but rather the space the creative process offers to have genuine moments of connection, reflection, rest or healing.

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With the new headquarters established last year, WAV is hoping to serve as a grounding space for both individual and communal growth for locals.

"It seems very much like going over to a friend's house or something," Corlett said. "I can see that the meaning of our program goes beyond the actual things we're doing, and it seems more important that there's space for the possibility to do things. It’s a freeing space."

WAV, 1327 Sullivant Ave., hosts free weekly workshops for both adults and youth, including activities like collaging or art journaling.

For more information or to register, visit weamplifyvoices.org .

elim@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: 'A universal need': We Amplify Voices harnesses creative process to empower community