Guitars Not Guns, Inc. - California: January 2019

Monday, January 7, 2019

Wishing Everyone a Happy New Year!

WELCOME 2019!

As we roll into a new year, we are looking forward to starting new 8 week sessions. We are always looking for volunteer guitar instructors - please help us spread the word, so we can have a bigger and better year with more classes than ever!

Here is a great story co-produced by Julia Chan, who was with Richmond Confidential. Volunteer Jay Kirkland, our VP of special projects and instructor, is interview and it captures the passion he has for this program.

Please view the video here: Richmond Confidential Interviews Jay Kirkland

How You Can Help

Guitars Not Guns, Inc. in California is entirely a volunteer organization. It has no employees so all donations are used to fulfill Our Mission to provide free guitars and lessons to foster kids, at risk youth and other deserving children ages 8 to 18 years old.

We need volunteer guitar instructors, classroom assistants, grant writers, bookkeepers, fundraisers and program leaders. You do not have to know how to play guitar to be a volunteer.

To volunteer go the "Volunteer" page and follow the instructions. We and the kids can always use your help.

How The Program Works

We "loan" guitars and guitar accessories to our students that they are to use to practice and carefully maintain for eight (8) weeks of one hour per week classes. The students and their guardians sign a lease contract for the equipment and most care for the guitars. The guitar may be the only personal item the student has ever possessed since foster children may move multiple times each year from guardian to guardian or facility to facility.. The object of the contract is to teach the students to take care of possessions. The students are not told this but, upon successful completion of the first level of classes, the guitars and accessories will be given to them to keep at no cost. The final class is a party to celebrate completion of the eight week program. The students play and we bring in accomplished musicians, some that are their age, to motivate them to further study with us and independently. For some, it is the first time they have been exposed to live music.