Who and What is the BASIC Initiative
Belleville's Festival of Stories is just one program that BASIC supports. This page connects the goals of BASIC to the festival. For more information on BASIC, see the link below.
From the BASIC Website:
"The BASIC Initiative developed out of Belleville's Community of Character initiative. It is a hands-on leader in developing and supporting programs, collaborations and community organizations that serve the greater Belleville community. We encourage citizens to build our community service.
We offer a variety of opportunities for people to raise the quality of their life by helping to raise the quality of life for others. BASIC stands for Belleville Achieves Strength in Character. BASIC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) community organization."
After each goal, see how "A Festival of Stories" helps achieve these goals
The BASIC Initiative:
Supports and promotes existing community services - In the future, the festival hopes to bring storytelling to outreach programs - delinquent centers, hospitals, food pantries, etc.
Links volunteers to volunteer opportunities; a clearing house for volunteers supporting local services - The Festival needs volunteers! What an opportunity!
Links people in need to community services - This festival is open to all the citizens of Belleville. Those in need, who attend the festival, will receive information on other community services through BASIC.
Develops community projects and programs - That is what BASIC has done by sponsoring this festival.
Builds partnerships with local schools, agencies and neighborhoods - Schools both public and private are invited to attend. In the future it is the goal to bring storytelling to neighborhood cafes, museums, libraries and other partnerships.
Helps coordinate large scale community volunteer events; i.e. city clean-up Many volunteers from a variety of supporting local services, such as AmeriCorp and PSOP, will help in directing the students, aid in the classroom workshops, and distribute materials.
Helps raise funds to address community needs - The fundraiser is not only to insure a festival in coming years but to help fund other youth projects sponsored by BASIC
Youth development service projects; developing youth through hands on service projects - It is hoped that in the future, students who came to the festival or heard stories/workshops at other BASIC programs will be future tellers at the Festival.
Provide speakers and training to promote community of character - This goal is what the festival will do...provide excellent, talented storytellers and workshop leaders!
For more information on BASIC Initiative, go to their website Do You Have Character
