UPBeat NYC

Grace Sohn

Arizona State University

PAF 112: Identity, Service, and American Democracy

PAF 112 Course Team

December 8, 2020
 Have you ever had a dream or a passion but did not have the resources to fulfill it? Have

you ever been in a situation where you are unable to learn something due to the environment

around you and the lack of service? If so, here is an organization that will definitely grab your

attention. UpBeat NYC is a non-profit organization for kids who have a passion to learn all types

of instruments but do not have the riches to actually pursue that dream. UpBeat NYC teaches

kids who live in the South of Bronx that they can stay on the right track especially when they

live in a substandard neighborhood. This organization is extremely diverse, and accepts anybody

who is willing to learn.

Oftentimes, children are more curious and eager to learn new things. Whether it’s sports,

art, or even school, children are more open to new and exciting opportunities. Usually, children

learn about their talents starting at a very young age. Now, when you’re a talented, willing and

eager to learn child who grew up in a broken home and a broken neighborhood, it’s hard to go

forth with the readiness to explore the talents you’ve been gifted with. UpBeat NYC provides the

services for kids who live in a neighborhood that is known to be filled with poverty. This

non-profit organization all started for the safety of at-risk youth to have better positive

alternatives. It all started as a partnership with the Bedstuy Campaign Against Hunger at the

Promised Land Church in South Bronx which has gradually started growing after that. Four

instructors became eighteen instructors and volunteers, the program went from partnership with a

church to it’s very own organization in Mott Haven, 5 days a week and all year around for a

number of 150 students.

As mentioned earlier, UpBeat NYC was partnered with the Promised Land Church for a

campaign against hunger. These two groups had one shared goal which was to help and reach out

to those who are in need. Given that the campaign was volunteer work, it means that money was
not the main focus or priority to what their mission was, same goes for UpBeat NYC. The

non-profit organization provides what the children need and lets them know it is a safe

environment to be themselves and learn freely. There are staff and instructors who get paid to

teach the children however, there are volunteers and internships opportunities as well. As

consistency started growing with the organization, they formed a group to perform in the

neighborhood and around the city. These performances influenced others out there that this

organization is here and available to those in need or to those who want to support and volunteer.

UpBeat NYC addresses the concern for at-risk youth who feel as if they have no positive

option in their journey of life. Ruben, a juvenile justice activist, spoke about how many children

as young as 11 years old get locked up and secluded, leaving them no optimistic view on life.

Hearing about how passionately Ruben spoke about his concerns for these kids, many people

were intrigued to step up and help out with this organization. Having the children perform

publicly has also helped other children want to join this program and set their path straight as

well.

There are many ways one can join and help and support this non-profit organization. On

their website, they give you the options of whether it’s donating money, instruments, or even

your time. No one is obligated to help or donate, this organization is purely open to donations

regardless of the quantity of the amount. It all started with four instructors until more staff and

instructors stepped up to volunteer or even teach the children. The staff and volunteers joined

this cause because they believe in the children who are willing to fulfill their passion for music.

They hope to soon bring more and more at-risk youth together to set their path straight and set

positive views in life.

 New York is a very diverse city, especially in the arts area, many people come to New

York for open doors filled with opportunities. New York is also a very diverse state as in age,

gender, sexuality, race, etc. Given the diversity and talents, there are many foundations and

organizations in New York specifically for music. Many foundations serve one purpose, which is

to give anyone and everyone a chance to be creative. There are music foundations that serve

those who are disabled, and again, the majority of them are non-profit organizations. For

example, Daniel’s Music Foundation gives those who take longer to learn and who are

physically disabled their moment to shine with music. Comparing UpBeat NYC and Daniel’s

Foundation, they both have the same motive which is to give to those who do not have the

material.

UpBeat NYC serves the people. They do not have a specific rule, their purpose is nothing

but to serve children who feel as if they have nothing better for them in life. This organization

was created for the safety of endangered youths. Ever since this organization has been proven to

work, has been proven to show growth and purpose for kids, they have done nothing but extend

the amount of students per year. This service is most definitely different from other organizations

because more and more students who enter and leave this organization tend to be more confident

with their life decisions. Slowly but surely, the South Bronx will become a healthier and safer

neighborhood for children to grow up and call home.

In conclusion, UpBeat NYC is an organization that works. Their mission is pure and their

goals are for the next generation. The youth are our next generation and this non-profit

organization makes sure that where they are headed will be on the right path. Children from

broken neighborhoods such as the South Bronx will find purpose to live a constructive life and
path. No longer will they feel as if they have to turn to a dangerous and unhealthy path. UpBeat

NYC keeps our next generation in check and safe.

References

Upbeat NYC. (2020). ​History​. https://upbeatnyc.org/about/history/