We are a loose coalition of 200 organizations (and growing) across America that are committed to making sure young people can access and participate in music scenes in their communities.
The AMP network consists mainly of all-ages Punk, Hip-hop and Indie venues, but there are also many youth-run recording studios and art galleries involved as well. There are some guidelines to joining the network, but generally... if you're down, you're in.
Why you should care:
“Music scene” is another word for “music community”, and every young person is a participant in some music community somewhere.
Just like a religious community or a literary community or any community, music communities have within them the potential to create change. Unlike other communities, music communities are exceptional at reaching young people, because they are essentially created by young people.
AMP organizations work hand-in-hand with these music scenes. In some instances, we are the music scenes. Because of this, we are usually the first to open doors for young people to get involved and build skills for the future. The effects of our work reverberate beyond the volume of our stereos.
Sometimes we like to say that we use culture (music and art) as a vehicle for community change and that we use community organizing as a vehicle for cultural change. woot woot.
What's up with the website:
This website has two main features:
- The AMP directory, where you can find and connect with other all-ages orgs out there doing cool things.
- The Resource page, where you can find and share lessons, experiences and best practices of working in independent music and art scenes and help each other become successful.
Join us. Find an AMP organization near you, add an organization you dig… or just donate if you like what we’re doing.