A Choice of Weapons Cohort

August 2026

Empowering young people see that their voices matter

We train young people to slow down and see people more deeply, using photography as a tool for intentional observation, reflection, and storytelling.

01
Intentional
Structure

02
Collaborative
Energy

03
Expert
Facilitation

Interested?

Sign up now but clicking the “OPEN FORM” button below, filling out the required information and submitting your interest form.

The 2026 ACOW Cohort

A person with dreadlocks operating audio or video equipment in a dimly lit environment illuminated by warm orange and red lighting.

Meet the Instructor

I’ve spent over a decade investing my time, passion, and love nurturing youth’s potential. Now, it is my turn to lead my own program.

My Experience

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A floral arrangement with pink peonies and green hydrangeas in a beige vase, with long grass and branches, being arranged by a person.
A woman in a black dress arranging a bouquet of white and pale pink orchids and roses in a large beige vase against a plain light gray background.
A woman with her hair in a bun wearing a black dress, standing next to a table with a large bouquet of white orchids and other flowers in a textured vase, with a beige curtain on the left and a plain light-colored wall in the background.
Person in black clothing arranging a colorful flower bouquet in a beige and white ceramic vase, displayed on a white pedestal against a plain light-colored background.

Partners

  • A stylized graphic poster with musical staff lines, notes, and handwritten text, featuring the word 'Minnesota' and 'State Arts Board' at the bottom.

    Minnesota State Arts Board

    The Minnesota State Arts Board is a state agency that stimulates and encourages the creation, performance, and appreciation of the arts in the state.

  • A colorful poster with four vertical sections illustrating nature, wildlife, water, sky, and land. The sections include images of birds, aquatic life, trees, and waves, with large text reading 'Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment'.

    Minnesota’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund


    The Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund receives 19.75 percent of the sales tax revenue resulting from the Legacy amendment to support arts, arts education and arts access, and to preserve Minnesota's history and cultural heritage.  Based on current sales tax revenue, Minnesotans will invest more than $1.2 billion in arts and cultural heritage fund projects and programs over the 25 year life of the tax.

    A portion of the dollars appropriated from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund are being made available through grant programs.

  • The Black Parachute

    The Black Parachute

    501(c)(3) nonprofit facilitating Black men’s soft landing place in the Twin Cities through storytelling & access to talk therapy, journaling & healing.

  • A young man with dark skin and short black hair, wearing a gray polo shirt and beige pants, sitting on a bench in a minimalistic room with beige walls, casting a shadow on the wall behind him.

    Karl Holland

    CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER

    Friendly, attentive, and always ready to help, our customer service manager ensures every interaction is a positive one. They keep communication clear, timely, and human.