Make Space to Take Space

Dear GRP Community,

Earlier this month, we received a bit of news that threw us for a loop: We learned that our host school wouldn’t be able to accommodate ARC this fall. We reached out to a few other spaces we’ve worked with before, and similarly, the venues we’ve relied on in the past weren’t available. As we braced for another curve ball, reacting to big changes and trying to stay the course, we started thinking about another option:

For the past few seasons we’ve noticed that, sometimes, the momentum we need to keep things moving makes it hard for us to slow down enough to process what’s going on at GRP.  Volunteers and campers have often heard us describe our work as “building the rocketship while it’s in the air.” This fall, we’re asking ourselves: What would it be like to land the rocketship for a moment and strengthen it while it’s not in motion? 

Earlier this month, staff formally proposed a deliberate hiatus from ARC and afterschool programming through December, for active capacity building, reflection, processing and initiating a new strategic plan. We made this request in service to the sustainability of GRP, and in the interest of keeping our organization healthy for the long run. 


This will not be a dormant time, but rather a moment of active listening and integration. Our work extends to our board infrastructure, staff structure, vision for youth leadership, even our location.  We recognize this moment as an opportunity; a time and space to create systems that will help us stay organized, informed, and transparent as we serve and support our community.

Folks keep telling us: Rest is Radical!  We always remind you: Ask for what You Need! If we listen to the wisdom of our movement, we know that the best thing we can do for healthy growth, is take time to reflect, and process. Right now, we know that preparing GRP for the future means focusing on how we do our work.

Things we want you to know:

  • Programming is paused, but we’re hard at work!  We’re still open, and more committed to our mission and work in Philly. This will be a time of inquiry and internal organizing at GRP- even though it looks quiet, it might get loud.

  • You’re a vital contributor to this process! We don’t want a programming pause to feel like a vacuum. We will be hosting volunteer debrief and feedback sessions to strengthen our work. We want  to hear your vision for shifting power and shaping change at GRP. 

  • Don’t worry: We’ll see you in May for adult rock camp! Keep an eye for applications in March. We’re also excited as always for summer camp in July!  

  • Gear Rental and Practice Spaces are open!  Make sure to get in touch with us for accessible gear, and space to make music year round! Always sliding scale, always available.


AND…

**WE’RE HAVING A CELEBRATION SHOW!**

December 15 at Boot and Saddle, we’ll celebrate together with an all-ages alumni show!! Save the date, and be on the lookout for an announcement for submissions to play.

Stay tuned for more details from us about this process; if not before, we’ll see you at the show!  We are, always, honored and excited to build with each of you.

With Gratitude and in Solidarity,

Sam, Mel Candy & GRP Board

Samantha Rise