This past year our very own CEO and co-founder, Shenandoah, had the distinct honor of volunteering as an instructor at Rain City Rock Camp in Seattle, WA. This past week, our team had the pleasure of attending the annual RCRC gala which was incredibly inspiring, and we wanted to share a bit about this amazing organization, and how others can get involved. Keep reading to learn more!
Mission
Rain City Rock Camp empowers girls, women, and gender non-conforming individuals to engage their creative potential through music, champion equity, and thrive in a community of allies and activists.
Vision
They envision an equitable world that celebrates creativity, embraces authenticity, and values all voices.
Values
SELF-EMPOWERMENT and development of the strengths in each of us
MUSIC as a medium for personal growth and social change
LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES for girl, women, and gender non-conforming individuals
SUPPORTIVE & INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY in our work and partnerships
DIVERSITY because together we are better
PROGRESSIVE APPROACHES to fighting sexism and societal inequities
AUTHENTICITY & RESPECT in all spaces
Programs
Rain City Rock Camp for Girls Summer Camp
Advanced Music Program (AMP) at EMP
Background
In 2000, Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls was founded in Portland and has since become an overwhelming success, serving 300+ girls a year. As a result, similar programs have emerged across the country and overseas as part of the Girls Rock Camp Alliance (GRCA), a program of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls, created to provide accreditation, resources and networking opportunities for it’s members. In 2009, Rain City Rock Camp for Girls was be added to this growing coalition of like-minded organizations that embody the core values of the GRCA.
The need for a program in Seattle was evident. Each year, the Portland Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls drew a growing number of campers from the Seattle area as well as volunteers and guest musicians. As a result, in 2009, the idea of Rock ‘n’ Roll Camp for Girls in Seattle finally became a reality in the form of Girls Rock! Seattle (now Rain City Rock Camp for Girls.) In a city that has historically embraced music as a form of self-expression and creativity, the excitement and enthusiasm for a program such as this was and is overwhelming! Rain City Rock Camp for Girls not only expands Portland’s message of empowerment and self-esteem through music, but also provides inspiration, encouragement and unity for women musicians in our community.
What Does RCRC Do?
Their music education programs provide an opportunity to participate in an environment that fosters leadership, encourages social change, and cultivates a supportive community peers and mentors.
FAQs
Q: Who is welcome to participate in Rain City Rock Camp for Girls programs?
A: All people who identify as female (cis or trans), trans, or gender non-conforming are welcome to be campers or volunteers in leadership positions.
Q: How is Rain City Rock Camp for Girls different from other rock camps/schools?
A: Rain City Rock Camp for Girls is not a rock school. We use music education as a tool to foster self-esteem, create community, and encourage social change. The enormous amount of community support given to participants at camp affords them a unique opportunity to express themselves in any way they wish. It’s not just about rock ‘n’ roll; it’s about all musical genres. And it’s not just about being a virtuoso; it’s about being an active agent in music culture and industry. We believe that by teaching these things, we can help our youth (and adults!) develop-musically, mentally, and emotionally-toward their own ideas of who and what they want to be.
Q: How can I help?
A: If you would like to volunteer during the week of Summer Camp, please sign up on our mailing list, and you will be informed when volunteer applications will be made available. Check out the list of volunteer positions here.
If you would like to volunteer time, skills, or resources to help us prepare for camp and other events throughout the year, please contact us and describe a few ways that your experience can help a new youth serving organization.
We are also interested in monetary donations, used gear, permanent programming space, and more. Refer to our Donate page for complete details.
