In 2009 the Power of We Consortium (Ingham Health Department) awarded a $25,000 grant to support the official launch of the Peace & Prosperity Movement. That investment was leveraged by establishing key partnerships, obtaining in-kind contributions and negotiating low-cost goods and services which resulted in the creation of “Power of 9” an edutainment series for Ingham County youth.

Power of 9 was conceived as the vehicle to introduce Peace & Prosperity Movement while providing fun, safe and educational activities throughout the entire summer utilizing entertainment as a platform for message delivery, advocacy and to connect young people ages 12-17 to resources and services in Ingham County.

The 2009 pilot project yielded the following outcomes:

•  9 Events and activities plus a Parent Orientation
•  9-week Youth Leadership Training Program including field trips and guest speakers
• 2009 Summer Resource Guide promoting free and low-cost activities throughout Ingham County
• Nearly 500 total attendees Power of 9 activities and events

In the summer of 2010, the Power of 9 continued with new partners and programming that integrated open mic performances for increased interactivity and community ownership. In addition to providing fun and safe activities for teens, Power of 9 engages local creative entrepreneurs as performers, mentors and role models in addition to the Power of 9 Partners.

The Power of 9 Summer Edutainment Series 2011 will kick off on June 18! The nine events planned for this summer will continue to build on a model that utilizes entertainment as a platform for message delivery and advocacy to promote positive outcomes for our youth such as: peace, diversity, inclusion, healthy lifestyles, dropout prevention, preparation for higher education, and entrepreneurship. Each event features local organizations and service providers who specialize in the issue area and that provide resources for youth.