Sample Excerpt from Marketing Brochure: Moving In the Spirit

(Pro bono job for inner city dance troup)

 

Headline/Subhead:

 

Moving In the Spirit

Changing Lives and Brightening Futures Through the Arts

 

Inside Left Panel Headline:

 

“…the challenges facing inner city youth…”

 

Body Copy:

 

…A sad yet all-too-common cliché of local and national media. In Atlanta alone, thousands of children live in environments hostile to their very survival, much less personal growth. Where are the safe places? Where can they go to get nurtured, develop their creativity and acquire the discipline, life skills and workplace values necessary to succeed at school and on the job?

 

Moving in the Spirit is one answer. Since 1986, MITS has been teaching the values of respect, commitment, accountability, and responsibility through the art and discipline of dance. Its challenging programs have enabled hundreds of Atlanta's young people to flourish, in a world that so often conspires against them. Thanks to the generous and on-going support of corporate donors, community organizations and individuals, MITS has continued to be an enduring beacon in the dark of night.

 

In 1986, while participating on a summer mission project in one of Atlanta's public housing facilities, Dana Marschalk and Leah Mann first realized the power and potential of dance to build bridges between at-risk children and brighter futures. This, MITS was founded in 1986 by Marschalk and Mann, who studied dance together at the University of Georgia and the American Dance Festival at Duke University. In 1996, Moving in the Spirit received its 501©(3) non-profit status and became incorporated as Independance, Inc. MITS operates dance-based programs for young people in Atlanta’s inner-city shelters, schools, public housing projects and community centers. 

 

PROGRAMS

MITS offers a dynamic palette of sequential and evolutionary programs – both physically and mentally demanding – designed to boost self-esteem, reinforce school curriculum and instill the values critical to personal success. And all in a fun, high-energy and creative setting. Through on-going workshops and performances conducted in community centers, shelters, elementary schools, PTA meetings, churches, summer camps and convalescent homes, MITS drives home their critical message of life and possibility.

 

Tag line (for end of first inside spread): Come join us in the dance of life.
Second Spread - Left Panel

 

•  STEPPING STONES

 

Ages: 2-13

Venues: Community centers, shelters and “The Beam” (MITS theater)

 

Stepping Stones uses fundamental dance techniques to address core values such as respect, responsibility and accountability through an established curriculum customized by teachers with input from the students. Students learn to constructively deal with their emotions, identify prominent role models, and develop positive life values. The Stepping Stones program currently operates in 5 sites including community centers and shelters serving 125 children.

 

•  THE JUNIOR COMPANY

 

Ages: 8-12

Venues: Elementary schools, PTA meetings, amusement parks, community centers

 

Drawing students from Stepping Stones and the community who show aptitude and commitment, the Junior Company provides the first formal dance training and additional performance opportunities. By signing “employment contracts,” describing goals and expectations, students learn accountability, responsibility and workplace values. Parents are “co-signers,” agreeing to support their children in fulfilling their obligations.

 

•  THE APPRENTICE CORPORATION

 

Ages: 12-19

Venues: Schools, churches, summer camps, convalescent homes, extensive summer tour

 

The Apprentice Corporation most closely simulates a work environment. It’s an intensive training program using the discipline of dance to teach problem solving and critical thinking. Like the Junior Company, AC members are hired as “employees,” and sign contracts with clear expectations. By achieving their goals, students earn MITS dollars, redeemable for dance attire and small gifts. Ultimately, students work to earn a spot on the national summer dance tour.

 

END