| What
Is It?
Wow! Me Too! (“WM2”) will create entertainment programs
and products (including kids’ workshops, books, DVDs,
CDs and a website) for kids between the ages of 7 and 12, helping
“average kids” deal with “everyday problems.”
No matter how happy the kid or healthy the family, every child
has challenges. From teasing and bullying to peer pressure,
sibling rivalry, loneliness, secret fears and insecurities over
appearance, friendship and sports, most kids think no one else
feels the way they do. Our programs will communicate the message:
“you’re not alone.”
WM2 has two divisions: a non-profit fund and a for-profit enterprise.
Unlike other for-profit businesses, a philanthropic mission
drives our programs, and we will measure our success based on
how we positively impact young lives. The non-profit fund will
donate a portion of our products and programs to institutions
and organizations that serve kids in need on a low cost/no cost
basis. The non-profit entity will also create and host a website
where kids can talk to other kids with the same issues and get
expert advice. Finally, we will fund research in the area of
entertainment/education and share that research with other producers
of kid’s programming.
Why Is It Necessary?
A sense of isolation can make even the most popular kid feel
lonely. Roberta Caploe, Editor in Chief of PRIMEDIA’s
Youth Entertainment Group, says, “The great secret of
childhood is every kid thinks they’re an outsider no matter
how much on the inside they really are.” Recently, a Rand
Corporation study found that most kids believe their problems
are unique – which can lead to anger, depression and low
self-esteem.
Wow! Me Too! currently runs kids’ groups at the Assistance
League of Southern California. In keeping with our philosophy
of providing products and programs for kids who can’t
afford them, the Wow! Me Too! groups at the Assistance League
are run pro bono for kids 7 – 13 years old.
The kids’ groups provide a fun, safe place for kids to
play, talk and connect with other kids. We use a variety of
techniques --- from games to sports to acting --- to help kids
become more self-confident, reliant and empathetic. We see this
program as a launching pad for WM2 groups throughout Southern
California and the U.S.
One unique part of the program is that celebrities sometimes
visit our groups and tell kids that they too had a tough time
growing up. These visits let the kids |
