Community-based centers and organizations create stable, safe places for youth and community members to feel connected. Many of these spaces and places provide education and literacy programs, as well as services that support youth in developing leadership and communication skills. They also provide opportunities for youth to voice their own opinions without feeling doubtful or self-conscious. These organizations help youth play larger roles in developing and changing the social policies that affect them within their communities.
The East African Community and Cultural Center was the first community organization I joined when I was a freshman in high school. I believe the Cultural Center is important to our community because it is a place that holds a lot of memories for East Africans in City Heights.
Getting involved in community programs at the Cultural Center changed my perspective on how I see my community. Being around other youth that look the same and share the same interests as me, makes coming to the Cultural Center a more comfortable place to be.
I really appreciate being able to go to the Cultural Center after school, attend different events such as celebrations, weddings and graduations.
City Heights Youth For Change, a project providing participants with education and training on issues of importance to their community, would utilize the Cultural Center as a meeting space. I was more reserved and quiet back then, but as time went by and I became aware of the importance of the work I was doing, I started opening up and getting more involved. I fell in love with making an impact in my community, and being a leader for other youth in City Heights.
After City Heights Youth for Change, I joined Mid-City CAN, a community advocacy network in City Heights that helps build networking skills. This allowed me to connect with different organizations and work towards creating bigger changes in the community.
The AjA Project is an organization I have been involved with most recently. AjA provides photography-and-advocacy-based programs to youth in the community. I am a member of their leadership level program, Speak City Heights Youth Media (SCHYM). Since joining SCHYM at AjA, I’ve been able to express myself through photography and writing, making it easier to connect with those around me.
These organizations, among many others, strengthen the community and play a large part in shaping the leaders of future generations.