Accessing the Inaccessible: One Student’s Mission to Share the Arts

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Jasmin Rossi. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

When Jasmin Rossi was a child, her mom signed her up for classical ballet classes, and the indescribable joy Jasmin felt expressing herself through the medium of dance quickly ignited her passion for it. Fourteen years later, a high school senior, she trains around 17 hours a week. She can’t imagine letting it take a back seat in college, where she plans to study political science and is scouting for a club to join.

Her love of ballet has not only inspired her to mentor younger dancers but to assist with the biggest hurdle to the sport, finances. Jasmin’s organization, Tutu & Tulle, has raised more than $5,000 to assist 40+ low-income dancers through studio scholarship programs.

While ballet holds a special place in her heart, her desire to increase access extends across the arts. This focus drove Jasmin to join the Miami-Dade County Youth Commission and, subsequently, to work with the Department of Cultural Affairs to do just that. She has coordinated efforts with 200+ cultural organizations to bring arts programming to underserved communities. Dedicating 80+ hours each month, Jasmin’s passion has and continues to enable young people across the county to enjoy, participate in and pursue education in the arts.

What inspires you to volunteer?

I developed Tutu & Tulle my sophomore year of high school, but I got started with the concept in the midst of COVID. A friend had just gotten into an awesome ballet summer program. She was super excited about it, but the associated costs were an impediment for her family.

We used the friendship bracelets I’d been selling at my mom’s retail store to fundraise, and she was able to purchase two pairs of pointe shoes. It was small but really meaningful. Now, we work with three dance schools as well as my mom’s boutique to sell bracelets and fund dance education.

The Youth Commission was also a product of my COVID experience. I was watching the City Commission’s live-streamed meetings from home and found them interesting, so when the opportunity arose, I applied to join the Youth Commission in an effort to become more civically engaged.

Tell us about your volunteer role with the Miami-Dade County Youth Commission and Tutu & Tulle.

There’s a committee within the Youth Commission–the Cultural, Arts and Community Engagement Committee–that’s dedicated to expanding access to cultural opportunities in the county. Last year, I served as vice-chair of that committee, and this year, I’m the chair.

We’ve put forward a lot of policy proposals and implemented multiple initiatives. For example, our cultural arts newsletter goes out to over 30,000 students. We’re working on a Miami-Dade Public Library system arts mentorship program connecting young artists with professionals and supporting career development.

Another major project is our interactive cultural arts map that allows students to learn about opportunities available near where they live or go to school. It catalogs events available after school, organizations that have free or low-cost events, after-school programs centered on the arts, etc.

This summer, I also worked on building a volunteer program for Tutu & Tulle, so there are now volunteers in eight states helping out. I send them supplies. They make bracelets and send them back for distribution.

What have you found to be the biggest hurdle to accessing the arts?

For ballet specifically, cost is a real impediment. It costs over $100,000 to raise a pre-professional dancer–tuition, summer programs, leotards, pointe shoes and the like. For most families, that can’t be incurred without support.

For other art forms, some of it has to do with simply raising awareness about available opportunities. What we found in the Youth Commission is that Miami-Dade has, for example, many organizations for young musicians, but not all of them are widely known. The idea behind the cultural arts map is to spotlight those organizations both with that and our newsletter so that more young people can use them to advance their interests in the arts.

What are your long-term plans or goals for these organizations?

As the volunteer community expands, one of my main goals for Tutu & Tulle is to create a youth advisory board and to eventually have co-presidents. I want this to remain a Miami-focused initiative led by young adults as I transition to college. Bringing more awareness and increasing student involvement are my two goals for both areas of my volunteer work.

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work?

It’s in the conversations I’ve had with people I’ve been able to impact. When I was able to help my friend purchase her pointe shoes, it was very meaningful to me, and I’ve seen that replicated with other young people and other friends.

It’s been wonderful to see that I have the power to make an impact. It’s fulfilling. And I think the other students on the Youth Commission feel the same way. The fact that we’re able to inspire and strengthen our community is the most rewarding aspect of the work.

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer?

Working as a group helps everyone realize their potential, dream big and do more to achieve collective goals. I’ve learned to lean on and learn from those who have experience, similar interests and great ideas. Listening is very helpful.

Tell us about future partnerships, programs or events that you are excited about.

It’s not a formal partnership, but this year, I became engaged with Culture Shock Miami, an offshoot of the Department of Cultural Affairs. We work to provide $5 youth tickets to top cultural performances and events throughout the county. I’m excited to combine our efforts with the Youth Commission to expand our impact.

What do you want people to learn from your story?

Reflect on how you can share your passion with others. There are many ways to get involved, no matter your interest. Hopefully, my work can serve as an example for what you can do when you work with your peers to help advance the things that you care about in your community.

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Jasmin? Find local volunteer opportunities.