Change by Doing Explore the world of volunteering and service

Phyllis Hyman

The All Stars Project, Inc. (ASP) is an organization dedicated to promoting human development through the use of an innovative performance-based model. The ASP creates, outside of school, educational and performing arts activities for thousands of poor and minority young people. It sponsors community and experimental theatre, develops leadership training, and pursues volunteer initiatives that build and strengthen communities. They feature incredible volunteer opportunities to work with off-the-charts talented young people in NYC and New Jersey.

Jazz singer/actress Phyllis Hyman, who took her own life in 1995, is honored each year with the All Stars Project’s annual Phyllis Hyman Phat Friends and Young Leaders for Change Awards (this year the 16th year of the event was on November 15, attended by Tony Bennett), honoring New York unsung heroes and youth leaders. The awards were created so the communities could bring attention to the people in their midst who are making a meaningful difference. I loved reading the list of honorees, because I found out about so many ventures that are new to me, that are changing lives for kids. I’ve added links below, so with a little clicking, you could find the perfect volunteer opportunity for yourself from the list of those who were nominated and lauded by the populations they serve.

This year’s Phat Friend Award honorees include David C. Banks, President, The Eagle Academy Foundation; Susan Benedetto, President and Co-founder of Exploring the Arts, Inc.; Dr. Reginald Blake, Associate Professor, New York City College of Technology; Akuah Brabham, African Dance Instructor at Bishop Loughlin High School; Patricia Pates Eaton, Former Principal Conductor of the NYC All City High School Chorus; Michelle Edgar, Founder and Executive Director, Music Unites; Bobby Ferazi, Director of Juvenile Justice and Re-entry Services, PAL, Melissa Fenton Herrod, Former Executive Director of City Light Youth Theatre; Joseph Rivera, Police Officer, NYPD;  Marc Sanabria, Detective 2^nd Grade, NYPD Juvenile Robbery Intervention Programs, and Amy Weinberg, Professor and Deputy Executive Director at the University of Maryland’s Center for Advanced Study of Language.

AllStars Project Youth Onstage! program

The 2010 Young Leaders for Change awardees are 9 youth leaders – Jube Charles, Biola Jeje, George Pedraza, Jose Esteban Rodriguez-Alverio, Shaun Rodriguez, Nisha Tabassum, Glenroy Wason and Lynnell Whichard – who represent the heart and soul of the All Stars.  They have made it a priority to build the All Stars – grow their communities and give development to other young people