...From Our Executive Director

Hello AWEN performers, members, volunteers and supporters!

It is with much enthusiasm that I accept the position of Executive Director of AWEN. I have known some of the members for quite some time, and I have been impressed with the level of professionalism and dedication that characterizes this organization. These traits are surely what has made AWEN the success that it has thus far proven to be! For, now, rather than tell you all who I am-- something you can find in the bio of our webpage and something I’d rather you learn genuinely from meeting me and working with me in the near future-- I would like to share a vision of where AWEN is heading.

AWEN is a unique network of people, of performers and volunteers, with a broad spectrum of talents. While each individual within this network brings to the table their own focus and skills, the shared belief in physical and emotional health and wellness, and furthermore, -- the heart of AWEN’s mission--the passion to educate and promulgate these ideas, gives AWEN and its programs an incredibly positive energy that has the power to change lives. It is this power that I believe AWEN can harness and distribute to a vast population that is in dire need of non-traditional approaches to fundamental issues that affect wellness on both the personal and societal levels.

AWEN has the ability to reach today’s youth. Performance arts teach more than merely performance skills; these abilities foster confidence, resilience, and so much more. With fun, simple lessons, AWEN members provide children with the support and opportunity to try something new, an impact that we hope will bring about long-term, invaluable positive change in their lives. It is very clear to me that AWEN’s performers do what they love to do, and love sharing what they do with others.

I believe AWEN is privileged with so many gifted participants, positioning us to push forward and actively pursue opportunities that will make AWEN continue to expand, and that will introduce more kids to a new world of possibilities for themselves and their communities. To make programs like AWEN's work, there is a lot of behind the scene work that must be done, and the volunteers and performers of AWEN are willing and more than capable of doing this work.

Together we can open more windows to positive development in the lives of those with whom we interact, and we are going to have a great time doing so!

Best,
Jay Ganson
11/28/09