This list has just a few of the many programs available to support your exploration of your cultural identity to give you some ideas of what to look for in a supportive program.
There are so many more programs that only operate on a local level and do not have websites. You could talk to your school librarian or guidance counselor to see if they already know about existing programs in your community.
(Are you interested in web design? Maybe a group’s lack of a website could turn into a great opportunity!)
National Programs
This national program strives to help give driven Latino youth the skills and opportunities to become community leaders. Their programs empower students to think critically about who they are, as well as the world around them, and to act on their personal discoveries to better their communities. Starting with “The Great Debate” for ninth graders, the NHI has several programs for high school students that take place all over the country.
This initiative strives to create opportunities for Latino youth that will empower them to become leaders of the community. Their goal is to create leaders who will promote social justice at the local and national level.
The focus of this organization is experiential education, giving Native American youth cultural hands-on experiences that connect them to their history, culture, and traditions. There are several programs that you can participate in (check out the “Programs” tab), giving you a variety of ways to be connected in a way that is meaningful to you.
National Programs with North Carolina Locations
This site is dedicated to supporting and empowering African American girls.
And here’s a link straight to the Programs for African American Girls, which is organized by state. Find an organization near you!
The Boys and Girls Clubs of America are for everyone. They are a place to learn, grow, be involved, and explore all sorts of fun opportunities. While the whole club is not necessarily specifically devoted to your cultural identity, they can support and encourage you. There are also specialized programs within the Boys and Girls Club that supports diversity and cultural empowerment. Under “What We Do” at the top of the main site, there is a “Specialized Programs” link that includes programs like Youth for Unity, which promotes and celebrates diversity and combats discrimination and prejudice.
(You can click on the Club Organizations button at the top to get a list of all the locations in North Carolina, and many of them have websites of their own!)
The National Urban League is dedicated to providing economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and civil rights to everyone. They focus especially on getting you ready for success in school and the workplace in programs across the nation. There are two centers in North Carolina:
Urban League of Central Carolinas (Charlotte)
North Carolina-Based Programs
This North Carolina organization is dedicated to strengthening the Latino Community. El Pueblo empowers Latino youth by providing leadership opportunities, media literacy, health education, and more. Use the youth tab to find opportunities to get involved!
This group is interested in uniting Native American youth across North Carolina and empowering youth to be leaders.
The Confucius Institute over at NC State runs a two-week summer program where you actually get to travel to China to learn more about the language, history, and culture! The website has a blog from last year’s trip, the application, and some frequently asked questions to help you figure out if this trip is for you.
One way to be involved in a culture is practicing its art forms. If you’re interested in Japanese Taiko, this is the group for you. And if you have no clue what that is (it’s ensemble performance drumming) you still might find it fun after you check out the website:
Maybe Taiko is a little bit too specific for you, but you want to be involved in celebrating Japanese culture. You could try the larger group Nippon Club of the Triangle. Its goal is to promote cultural understanding between Americans and Japanese through cultural exchange. They host all sorts of events that you can help plan (or maybe just attend if you want).
Are you already in a group that supports and encourages you and makes your community a better place? You can take the next step and become involved in a youth council, where you can have a lot of leadership responsibilities that have positively affect your community and help other teens find their voices too. Speak up for yourself and on behalf of teens in your area, or across your whole state.
