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          Youth Council for Positive Development
Since 1980, the YCPD has nurtured and mentored thousands of young people. The Nguzo Saba (Seven Principles of Kwanzaa) and the Ma'at Principles are used as the foundation for reinforcing identity, purpose and direction.  Our program components are the Saturday Ma’at Program for ages 4-17 years, Rites of Passage Program, Youth Cultural Theater and the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award.

a few
WORDS
from the Director, Jamala  Rogers

Youth Council Wish List
Our resources and equipment have definitely been used over the last year. Some things need to be replenished while other things need to be replaced. Take a look at our Wish List and see how you can help us.

New or used: Refrigeration, mini frig, portable video project, 5 notebook computers, 1 laptop.
Volunteer time and provide transportation for program participants.
Be a Board of Director member.
Make a donation or help with fundraising.
 Past Events & Activities

YCPD hosted a Know Your Rights program for teens and their parents. Former STL cop Redditt Hudson talked about policing and citizens' rights.

Love a Book
Ma'at youth read to them, then kids got to pick a brand new book.

 YCPD Board Member Jonathan Long traveled to Kansas City in March where he received the Midwest Sociological Society’s Social Action Grant. The $1000 award went to promoting the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award. Jon was the 2013 Young Visionary.
Since our last July Phone-a-Thon, our region has experienced trauma and upheaval as we have struggled to get justice for Mike Brown, his family and for our community. It's been particularly hard for children and youth to digest all of what's going on around them.
     Our Saturday Ma'at Youth Program has always included community issues and how to address them. Since August 9, our sessions have taken on more urgency as we talk about police issues and the criminal justice system. We have involved our youth in age-appropriate ways in the community efforts to build a more just and peaceful world. They have seen the Mamas and Babas  (adult volunteers) and board members on the protest lines, in strategy meetings and on TV as part of the Fightback. They have seen YCPD alum, like Jelani and Nile, be arrested for standing up for what they believe. Our youth are living the teachable moment!
   We are grateful for your past support and  ask you to look at ways that you can help strengthen and expect our programs. Our goal has always been to create young, critical thinkers with a commitment to serving their community. 
 
Donate to our Phone-a-Thon!
 Upcoming Events & Activities
YCPD is a member of the St. Louis Advocates for Youth. Its latest project is the Resource Accountability Project. The RAP session is Sat. July 18 from 11 am-1 pm. It's free & public.

Support Our Youth
Ma'at youth will be presenting their community service projects at the annual Youth Show Case.  The Showcase is Sat. July 25 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Gateway Classic Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. Entertainment! Refreshments! It's FREE and family-friendly!

We will celebrate Mama Jamala's birthday in October. It's a fundraiser for the Jamala Rogers Young Visionary Award. 
Details coming on the Visionary Award
and the fundraiser!
Support our Youth Today!