October Non-Profit: Main IDEA
/By Dani Babineau
Our October non-profit, Main IDEA, is a nostalgic one for us. The organization was the first non-profit we supported with our tipping for charity program when we opened way back in January 2019 (which, in Covid times, was roughly 30 years ago).
Not only that, but Main IDEA’s executive director, Joy Murrieta, was our first-ever musical act that day (remember live indoor music?). The simple truth is that we love Main IDEA and we love Joy because she’s awesome. And don’t just take our word for it - this past summer, Joy was named the winner of the 2020 Nonprofit Excellence Award in the Young Professional category by The Massachusetts Nonprofit Network.
To find our more about the work that Joy and Main IDEA does in the city, check out our Q&A:
What’s the mission of Main IDEA* and what does the organization do?
Main IDEA is a nonprofit youth and arts organization started in 2011 in Worcester, MA, whose mission is to empower youth by providing quality, accessible arts programming to under-resourced communities. Main IDEA offers year-round arts programming youth in Worcester, ages 6-17, FREE OF COST to participants. These programs include not only visual art but also music, dance, drama, and creative writing, and place emphasis on intrinsic motivation and leadership development. Program activities have included sculpting, comic book-making, drama games, crocheting, photography, dance choreography (hip-hop, ballroom), music lessons (piano, ukulele, singing, drum circles), painting (watercolor, acrylic) and more!
Why is Main IDEA's mission important to the Worcester area?
Main IDEA's arts programs are offered to youth residing in Worcester, with first priority given to residents in the Main South neighborhood. By strategically prioritizing its services free of cost, Main IDEA is removing barriers to arts programs from communities that stand to benefit most, as 89 percent of youth attending Main South public schools are considered “high needs,” 66 percent are “economically disadvantaged,” and more than 30 percent of youth in Worcester and Main South are living below the poverty line.
Both the Worcester and Main South communities benefit from free arts programs for their youth, as studies demonstrate that the arts can increase student academic achievement, student motivation and engagement, as well as social competencies such as teamwork skills, self-expression, and self-confidence. Main IDEA's programs provide a safe-space for youth to explore their identities through the arts, enabling them to gain self-esteem, resilience, and confidence. They facilitate a welcoming place for youth to form positive, trusting relationships with peers and adults, increasing their protective factors and gaining connections to the Worcester community.
How has COVID impacted Main IDEA and what changes have you made to adjust?
Main IDEA has been proactive in their response to the community’s rapidly changing and growing needs during this pandemic. Like many other youth-serving agencies in Worcester and across the nation, Main IDEA has had to adapt its programs swiftly and significantly since the pandemic began. Specifically, Main IDEA has strengthened its partnerships with other organizations (including the Worcester Public Schools, Worcester Public Library, and the Division of Youth Opportunities) in order to continue offering in-person and new virtual programs, as well as converted much of its in-person programming into virtual ones.
Additionally, Main IDEA has significantly increased its number of art supply donations, with more than 200 Art Kits donated to youth and families in Main South and its surrounding neighborhoods this past summer! As the school year has now begun, Main IDEA is eager to continue providing much-needed services for Worcester families. With disproportionate learning losses reported for students due to nationwide school shutdowns, combined with a reported loss of more than $264M in revenue for the Commonwealth's nonprofit cultural organizations, and $6.3M loss in revenue for the Arts & Culture Sector in Worcester alone, our community is in dire need of programs like Main IDEA's now more than ever.
How might donations from Redemption Rock customers help Main IDEA Worcester in the future?
Continued support is vital, now more than ever, in order for Main IDEA to continue actively delivering critical arts programming and supplies free of cost to Worcester youth and families. Every dollar donated has a lasting impact to allow Main IDEA to fulfill its mission to empower Worcester youth through the arts. Generosity from donors like folks at Redemption Rock Brewing will equip Main IDEA with the critical support necessary to continue making a lasting impact for youth in the Worcester community during these very uncertain times.
Do you have any upcoming events, initiatives, or campaigns that people should know about?
Main IDEA Youth & Arts is excited to collaborate with Reign Cafe (a new restaurant located in the DCU Center with Glazy Susan artisanal donuts) to create a community mural with Worcester youth artists! Worcester Youth ages 18 and younger are invited to submit original designs on Reign Cafe's crown logo until October 15. Final designs will be chosen from submissions by Oct 19 and later painted on the floor of the cafe by a small group of youth artists led by local artist, John Vo. Design templates and more info can be found at www.mainidea.org/makeitreign.
Additionally, Main IDEA is excited to partner with the Worcester Cultural Coalition to host an upcoming Teen Virtual Open Mic on Thursday, Oct 22! Poets, authors, and musicians ages 10-18 are invited to share original works to express their unique voices and creative talents. Participants are welcome to share their work in more than one language. Check out our Facebook events page to learn more!
* Sources:
The Worcester Almanac 2020,” Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. Report, 2020.
Massachusetts School and District Profiles: Worcester Selected Populations" (MA Schools). Mass.gov. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, 2020. Web. Sept. 2020.
Worcester Cultural Impact Survey: A Study of the Local Impacts of COVID-19 on the arts and culture sector; 22, May, 2020.
