The Ripple Effect Mission

Ripple Effect Arts and Literature Society (REAL) is a federally incorporated charitable organization based in Vancouver, Canada. Our mission is to foster the development and appreciation of Canadian arts and literature by engaging younger generations. The purposes of the society are:  

¨      to support and promote youth literacy, reading, creative writing and artwork by providing accessible forums for youth voices to creatively express themselves;

¨      to support and promote environmentally sustainable business practices through the use of digital media, recycling, and the use of post-consumer paper in printing and book publishing;

¨      to support the creation of new projects and programs that contribute to the development and appreciation of the arts and literature in Canada.

Ripple Effect Youth Literacy in Arts Program

Each year, hundreds of high school students from across British Columbia submit their poems, short stories, artwork and essays to Ripple Effect. The Youth Literacy in Arts Program includes an arts mentorship component and culminates in the publication of over 40 talented teen artists in Wordscapes. Ripple Effect also hosts an annual Wordscapes launch/gallery event, giving emerging artists the chance to perform readings and display their art for the public.

The Youth Literacy in Arts Program provides an invaluable forum for young people to creatively express their diverse issues, hopes and worldviews and to have their work read and discussed by their peers across the province. Since 2002, over 2000 B.C. students have been involved in the program and 240 of these youth writers and artists have been published and received $48,000 for their creative works. Over 5000 copies of Wordscapes have been distributed to students, teachers and school libraries all over B.C. in an effort to encourage youth to read their peers’ work and express themselves creatively. See the guidelines for information on how to submit work to the program.

The “ripple effect” of the Youth Literacy in Arts Program – raising literacy rates and inspiring more of today’s youth to participate in reading and writing – continues to broaden as creative writing, English and art teachers recognize Wordscapes as a valuable resource to inspire and motivate youth within the classroom. The feedback we receive from teachers and parents speaks of  confidence and motivation, seeing a project through to completion, engaging in a positive medium for creative expression, and setting a standard of artistic excellence for peers to strive for. 

Emerging artists who are published in Wordscapes benefit by gaining practical and professional experience in the publishing industry and by building a portfolio of work that can be used for future educational and employment opportunities. Many of the young artists involved in the program have gone on to study creative writing, art or design at national and international institutions. Notable others have won the League of Canadian Poets National “Poetic License” Contest and have had their works broadcast nationally on CBC Radio.

As an independent arts organization, REAL is committed to providing an engaging and inclusive cultural forum that will appeal to and inspire youth to read and be creative. To foster this environment, we generally don’t censor the work chosen for publication or restrict the topics and themes teen artists address in their works. We strongly believe this approach is crucial to providing an engaging and thought-provoking publication for youth. Published pieces deal with topical and controversial themes in the lives of today’s teens, and have included; stress, love and family relationships, street racing, suicide, bullying, environmental issues like global warming and fish farming, eating disorders, dating, peer pressure, school dress codes, divorce, vanity, drugs/alcohol, bullying, grades, abortion, youth-targeted advertising and immigrant experiences. Teachers and students often comment that Ripple Effect’s emphasis on creative freedom significantly raises interest and participation levels, and helps engage youth directly through the writing and artwork they create and read in Wordscapes.

Ripple Effect in the Community 

In keeping with our philosophy of fostering environmental awareness, Ripple Effect has initiated responsible business practices. This commitment includes printing Wordscapes on Tree-Free paper and providing financial assistance to over 60 students to date. In recognition of budget cuts to school libraries – and to make Wordscapes accessible for students to reference – Ripple Effect donated 200 copies to B.C. school libraries in 2003 and another 60 copies to a British Columbia Teachers of English Language Arts (BCTELA) sponsored youth writing event in 2004.

Ripple Effect has been an active member of the arts and educational communities since the first Wordscapes was published in 2002. The anthology has been a featured publication in The Library Book Purchase Plan, which helps distribute B.C. books to local schools, in B.C. Ferries promotions in the fleet’s bookstores, in B.C. Bookworld, and during Youth Week promotions at Chapters across the province. Ripple Effect is also a regular exhibitor at the annual Word on the Street Festival and has been involved in a number of other community arts events over the years.

Ripple Effect Arts and Literature Society depends on the generous financial support and untold hours of volunteer manpower donated by our board of directors, members, teachers, librarians, community members and institutions that share our mission. Please see our community donors page for more information on our partners and about how you can help support the Ripple Effect Youth Literacy in Arts Program. 

Ripple Effect Arts and Literature Society 

Board of Directors

Patrick Robertson - Chair: A public school teacher and the current President of the Environmental Educators Provincial Specialists Association of the BCTF, Patrick is also a Director with the Labour Environmental Alliance Society. He is committed to developing environmental education and has been working to build capacity and community partnerships over the last several years. He recently completed his Masters at Royal Roads University.  

Justin Russell - Secretary/Treasurer: Justin earned a BA in English Literature and works as a Youth Program Director and wilderness guide for Outward Bound. He is also a published writer and editor.

Vanessa Violini - Director: Vanessa is an actress, writer and former stand-up comedian who has been an active participant in many arenas for social, economical and environmental reform, including running as a Green candidate in three federal and provincial elections. She is currently working in graphic design and collaborating on several new digital media projects.  

Petrice Brett - Director: Petrice is currently completing her practicum in Event Management at Langara College.