Emerging Young Leaders

Summer Social Justice Cohort for ages 12 - 22

Social justice is the equal access to wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society, so let's discover why in America this is not a reality and what young leaders can do to make a difference.

The emerging Young Leaders Social Justice Cohort is a spirit filled transformational leadership and civic engagement initiated designed to equip youth with the knowledge, exposure and real-world experiences necessary to become socially conscious spiritual leaders. Youth will be involved in a mission based social justice immersion experience. In 2027 we will be traveling to Oahu, Hawaii with Be the Neighbor as our guides for a cross cultural experience. While there will be involved in our group will immerse themselves in a week of education, collaboration, and hands-on service.

During Be The Neighbor's trip to Oahu, you will learn about the culture of Hawaii, the impact of colonialism on the Hawaiian islands, and the ways immigrants, specifically those from Micronesia, experience racism and discrimination, as they have been the latest immigrant culture to arrive and make their home in Hawaii, along with environmental concerns and more. You'll learn about the island of Chuuk, where many of our immigrants call home, their journey to Hawaii, and some of the struggles the Chuukese face in this new land. Through speakers, creative experiences, and hands-on faith in action, you'll learn more about Hawaiian culture and Micronesian culture, specifically Chuukese culture. You'll help facilitate Chuukese families as they share their sacred stories through art, music, and videography, so their culture is better understood in Hawaii and across the USA. Talking story in Hawaii is sacred and is expressed through community. You will be an integral part of Chuukese culture and of families experiencing racism and discrimination as you listen to their stories, share your own, celebrate diversity, and help bring their stories to life through videos shared with media and news.

Oahu, Hawaii

June 20, 2027 - June 25, 2027

Deadline to apply December 31, 2026

Application

Previous Cohorts

Immersion trip to Tucson, AZ
July 26-31, 2026

Young emerging leaders immersed themselves in a week of education, collaboration, and hands-on service. Activities are designed to help participants understand what it means to welcome and support our immigrant neighbors. They spent time along the border wall and take part in desert walks and water drops in the Sonoran Desert, gaining perspective on both the beauty and the danger faced by those crossing the border. Our group participated in humanitarian aid efforts, contributed to building projects that support local communities, and visit immigration court to learn firsthand about the realities of deportation and the systems immigrants navigate.

Mission Trip to Ft Worth, Texas
July 27 - August 1, 2025
Special "Thank You" to Northeast Area Christian Church in Oklahoma for granting the funds that made this trip possible

During our trip we examined various aspects of hunger relief through direct engagement and hands-on service. You will partner with local organizations and churches that are actively addressing food insecurity in the area. Activities will include working in community gardens that grow fresh produce for those in need, serving at food pantries that distribute essential groceries, and participating in cooking programs that provide nutritious meals. Your trip will also include opportunities learn about and engage in advocacy efforts aimed at addressing systemic issues related to food insecurity like eliminating food deserts and advocating for fair food policies that promote equitable access to healthy food.

Talking to kids - The Poor Peoples Campaign
Justice Jubilee Handout

Click here

Special "Thank You" to Pastor Nathan Hill and the members of University Christian Church, Hyattsville, Maryland for hosting us while in DC, and to our funders the Christian Church in Oklahoma (Reconciliation Ministry), Oklahoma Disciples Foundation and the National Benevolence Association.