I Am Somebody!

I Am Somebody!
Strengthening Communities Through Exchange

I Am Somebody! is revolutionizing the NGO sector through principles of storytelling, the give and take of listening and the authenticity of exchange. We are multiplying available resources for the benefit of communities and their youth by creating a strong web of relationships that enable authentic exchange.

Tell Them – Download AUDIO FILE HERE, listen to the song below.

This song was written in response to a refugee who took his own life during recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. He left a note that said, “Tell them I was here. Tell them my name.” In partnership with artist Tina Schouw, a member of our board, we share this song as a reminder of the dignity within each person.

PROGRAMS

Based in South Africa, I Am Somebody! runs programs nationally and brings relevant trainings and programs to America. We are committed to building cross continental relationships for the benefit of social and environmental change.

Partner Exchange Network – The network is already worth $100,000. This value has been generated through partnership meetings aimed at developing exchange of services and resources. The network multiplies resources for youth and their communities without one cent ever having to go through the bank. The concept is based on giving what we have, rather than struggling for what we don’t.

Storytelling processes – These processes are designed to gently enable people to understand and hold themselves accountable for the choices they make. They utilize tools of dialogue, storytelling and creative expression.

Mentor/Mentee Programs - Drawing from diverse communities, these 18 month and two year programs are run concurrently and alongside the normal lives of the participants. These programs support youth through a process of personal development and relationship building using their creativity and the lessons of nature.

Custom Designed Mentor/Mentee Programs – In order to support other organizations in deepening their impact, these programs are custom designed to enable organizations, businesses and government to incorporate mentorship into their work.

WHO WE ARE

Nicole le Roux

“I have been supported by the Marion Institute since I was running a storytelling project at 15 years old. Throughout the last 9 years of working with other people’s stories and my own, I’ve discovered who I am, and what matters most to me. My life vision is to eradicate the fear I experienced in my home country of South Africa, a fear that enables people to oppress others, and to address the all too familiar silences and separations I experienced between people of different classes and cultures in America. My work, rooted in the environment, is about restoring relationships. I believe that my vulnerability, my willingness to first and foremost address the silences inside of myself, is what equips me to do this work.” -Nicole le Roux

Toni Stuart

“Throughout my life I have worked with words. As a journalist, I saw how words have the power to change communities. Through poetry, I discovered my voice, learnt how to listen, and learnt how to connect with people deeply. I have seen the power that words have of bringing people together. My passion is enabling people to find their own relationship with words – both spoken and written – and to empower them to use this relationship to create what they want for their lives. My vision is for each person to know and use the power of expression I found through my poetry. And in doing so, come to see that the wisdom and knowledge they seek for their lives, lies within them.” -Toni Stuart

DONATIONS

Our exchange model enables us to fund 80% of our programmes without one cent ever going through the bank. We require only $2616 investment a month to pay for basic costs. Although our programme costs are mostly covered, we need help covering basic organisational costs. Support from our international and local community will make our work possible.

What your donation will help us with:

A donation of $20 covers our stationary materials for one month

A donation of $50 covers our petrol costs to a recruitment programme of three days

A donation of $83 covers our accountant costs for one month

A donation of $258 covers our office space rental for a month

A donation of $266 covers our petrol for a month

A donation of $100 covers our phone costs for a month

A donation of $333 covers the portion of one of our salaries for personal food costs

A donation of $2616 covers all our costs for one month

If you would like to support our work donate here.

All supporters become a valued part of our network, receiving regular stories and updates about our programmes.

For donations of $2616 and over, we gift you the book or cd of your choice from the featured South African artists supporting our work. (See side bar for list)
 

I Am Somebody!
c/o Marion Institute
202 Spring St.
Marion, MA 02738

Ph: 508.748.0816
Fax: 508.748.1976
Website: www.iamsomebody.co.za

Nicole le Roux and Toni Stuart
I Am Somebody! Founders and Directors
yesiamsomebody@gmail.com