AMES programs primarily engage young people with lived experiences of various forms of oppression. Connecting with youth also means engaging the adult allies, artists, educators, activists, mentors and community workers who support them.
AMES is a small but powerful organization in the Salish Sea. AMES programs take a community-based approach to cultural production and outreach. They result in concrete skills development, and the creation of works that prompt critical dialogue, expand horizons and foster imaginative visions for change. AMES engages marginalized youth in personally and socially transformative storytelling through digital media, artistic collaboration, and peer facilitation. AMES uplifts emerging creative change-makers through accessible and inclusive programs that provide unique opportunities for young people to make and share meaningful media. All of our programs and policies are rooted in the core values of: accessibility, diversity, inclusivity, and creativity. Guided by community-based artists and mentors, our programs provide young people with open and supportive spaces to reflect on issues affecting their lives, develop concrete skills, and produce media artworks that spark conversations and create conditions for change. AMES is a registered charity run by a small group of dedicated staff and core collaborators who are guided by a Board of Directors that includes educators, artists, activists, community workers, students, filmmakers, and lawyers. Testimonials “Working with AMES, I witnessed marginalized, urban and rural youth coming together to share space in meaningful, critical, and honest ways. Their stories, lived experiences and voices were heard and honoured.“ Testimonials “The values, ethic and heart that underpins this organization is deep. I believe I learned, and was part of creating a culture of trust and authentic respect where people could tell meaningful, personal and authentic stories.” Testimonials “It’s about creating spaces where voices that are unheard can be heard, and then finding ways to echo those voices throughout society. AMES does that brilliantly.” Testimonials “I think these programs are crucial because young people need the space to be heard, express themselves and let their potentials grow.“ Learn more about the history of Access To Media Education Society. People-power is AMES greatest resource. Meet some of our staff, mentors, board members, and facilitators. Heart-felt appreciation for all of the energy and resources provided by our partners, and funders. Powered by the past / Looking to the future Created for AMES 20th anniversary, this video hints at the scope of work covered since AMES began, and honours some of the amazing folks who’ve provided guiding vision. Check out our TEACH page where we’re sharing resources we’ve been developing over 20 years of using youth-created videos to spark courageous conversations about critical issues.
About Us
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Our Mission
Our Mandate
Our Values
Who we serve
What we do
Who we are
Angela Ma Brown
Educator and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Mentor
Marcus Youssef
Artistic Director, playwright, and author
Rup Sidhu
Interdisciplinary artist and facilitator
Peggy Lam
CBC Reporter + Former AMES participant
Our History
Our Team
Staff + Core Collaborators
Board of Directors
Facilitators
Our Supporters
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Past
Teach