FUSE TV - Don't Be Nice: How These Organizations Are Helping Support Youth Today

This weekend marks the premiere of the latest addition to our FuseDocs series: Don’t Be Nice. The film follows a team of young New York City poets finding their voice amidst pressing political and social issues and crises, as they compete in the National Poetry Slam. Composed of five African-American, Afro-Latinx, and queer poets in their 20s and mentored by a demanding coach who encourages them to push past their personal boundaries, the poets break down, break through and compose their best work ever while learning to write from a place of vulnerability, pain, and honesty.

These kids have endured and overcome hardships, from growing up in single parent homes to witnessing police brutality in their communities. Poetry is their outlet. But there are plenty of New York-based and national organizations that also provide support, like the ones below!

Brooklyn United

The Brooklyn United Music and Arts Program (BU) is a community-based organization that serves New York City youth with the goal of building strong, well rounded, healthy, confident and capable young people. As an art form, marching band combines the elements of musicianship and pageantry and allows each student to participate in an all encompassing and life changing activity. 

Children of Promise

2.7 million children in the US have incarcerated parents. This non-profit based in Brooklyn embraces & empowers children of incarcerated parents to break the cycle, providing support like mental health services, mentorship, academic support, after-school programs and recreational activities, and other social justice initiatives.

They Boys and Girls Club of America

The Boys and Girls Club of America takes a holistic approach to supporting children with innovative, quality programs designed to empower youth to excel in school and lead healthy, productive lives. The offer sports, STEM, health, leadership, and other programs.