College of Western Idaho (CWI) 2022 Social Work graduate, Craig Petersen, has a passion to help those around him — particularly children in the foster care system. To raise awareness of the foster care crisis in Idaho, Petersen is hosting the second annual Speak Up Ink Up, where tattoo artists and organizations around the Treasure Valley donate their time and efforts to support children in need.
“Speak Up Ink Up is more than just an event, we are a commitment and a promise to those in our community who are experiencing social injustices, that we see you and we are fighting for you,” said Petersen.
On Saturday, April 8, artists from Tattooed & Successful and Level Up Tattoos will work together to offer $50 tattoos for the community. All the proceeds will go to CASA to assist in providing support and a voice for every foster child in Idaho.
Petersen originally created the event while he was a student at CWI last year. He was able to recruit members of CWI’s Psychology Club, Social Work Club, and Art Club to volunteer and donate their art for the event, which was able to raise $11,500.
As Petersen gets ready for this year’s event, he is proud to say his CWI community will return and offer support to help make Speak Up Ink Up successful once again.
“I always refer to CWI as a family because that's how they make you feel while attending there,” Petersen said. “It is absolutely beautiful to know that after graduating, I am still being supported and backed by CWI. CWI is truly a pinnacle in our community and has proven time and time again that its students and their community will always be a priority. I'm extremely grateful to have CWI in my corner.”
In addition to CWI, Tattooed and Successful, and Level Up Tattoos, Boise State University’s School of Social Work, Boise Angels, CASA of Southwest Idaho, and Wild 101.1 have also partnered for the event. The event will also host several different vendors and food trucks for community members to enjoy.
