In all of our programs, we prioritize engaging diverse populations, with the end goal of reaching youth who are marginalized and furthest from opportunity.
OUR Creative Empowerment MODEL
All PYE programming is based in the Creative Empowerment Model (CEM); it is what sets us apart from other facilitation training programs. The CEM combines EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING, GROUP FACILITATION and ARTS-BASED PRACTICE into a framework for designing and leading transformative programs for youth and adults. Through program activities, participants develop self-confidence, motivation, social and emotional competence, and leadership – proven predictors of well-being. The resulting EMPOWERMENT provides participants the ability to imagine and enact the life one wants to lead.
Experential Learning
Arts-Based Practice
Leading Edge Facilitation
OUR APPROACH
We achieve exponential impact by working with individuals and organizations that work directly with youth. We engage with local organizations and schools who adapt and spread the Creative Empowerment Model in their own work. This leads to a multiplier effect that increases impact
Our Values
Our Impact
Power of Hope Camp
Our PEOPLE
- All
- Advisory Board
- Founders
- Staff
- Trainers
- All
- Advisory Board
- Founders
- Staff
- Trainers
Erina Mitich
Erina brings nearly two decades of experience as an international development and humanitarian professional working with nonprofit organizations globally, from large NGOs to founder-led startups. Prior …
Charlie Murphy
1953 – 2016 Charlie was a visionary teacher, mentor, artist, activist, social entrepreneur, connector and leader. He dedicated his life to spreading creativity, kindness and …
Stephanie Turner
Stephanie is an interdisciplinary artist, performer and Creative Empowerment facilitator. She has over 10 years experience facilitating in a variety of settings in London, across …
Peggy Taylor
Peggy is a writer, musician, and creative development specialist with a passion for helping people connect with their innate creativity. Her Masters of Education in …
Maurits Schouten
Maurits is a philanthopist and social impact investor who is passionate about helping social enterprises achieve their mission. He started his investment banking career in …
Ian Watson
Ian is co-founder of Partners for Youth Empowerment, the previous chair of the Board, and currently serves as the Advisory Board Chair. He is also …
Charles D. Terry, JD
Charles is President of Terry-MacGregor Associates, a consulting group in Langley, WA, US. He has 40 years experience advising philanthropists, foundations, and NGO’s. He served …
Lucinda Watson
Lucinda is a financial analyst and partner in Watson Asset Management. For two years she worked with Ashoka Fellow Caroline Casey to support her efforts …
Connie Chung
Connie is a researcher and a former high school English teacher. She is passionate about preparing young people to live well together and build more …
Cassandra Vieten
Cassandra Vieten PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist, mind-body medicine researcher, author, consultant, and public speaker. She is former CEO of the Institute of Noetic …
Mark Cheng
Mark is a Managing Director at Ashoka, a global network of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs. Since 1980, Ashoka has supported more than 3,500 social …
Katia Peterson
Katia is an author and recognized training expert in school climate improvement, character education, social-emotional learning, violence prevention, and student and teacher support. She has …
OUR BEGINNINGS
Partners for Youth Empowerment began with a single youth gathering called Power of Hope in 1996 on Whidbey Island, near Seattle, Washington, US. Charlie Murphy and Peggy Taylor then founded a non-profit organization called Power of Hope: Youth Empowerment Through the Arts. In 2008, international businessman Ian Watson joined Peggy and Charlie to found Partners for Youth Empowerment to take the work to a global audience.Twenty-five years later, camps based on Power of Hope’s Creative Empowerment Model have taken place in Canada, British Columbia First Nations, the US (Washington State, Oregon, and California), Jamaica, Brazil, South Africa, Uganda, the UK, and India. PYE and it’s partners train thousands of youth workers, teachers, and social service professionals each year in the Creative Empowerment Model. This in turn impacts the lives of over 220,000 youth each year. And the movement is still growing!
Our Company Name
Our name is Partners for Youth Empowerment, or PYE for short, pronounced as ‘pie’, like apple pie. PYE was formerly known as PYE Global and was rebranded to Partners for Youth Empowerment in 2018.
Our Dandelion Logo
The PYE logo is a dandelion; a fitting metaphor for our collective youth empowerment efforts. The dandelion represents resilience, strength, healing and youthful joy. What’s more, each seed has the ability to create a whole new field of dandelions that can grow anywhere, even in the most difficult conditions.
