Overview

Upward Roots provides community service opportunities for youth in underserved, inner-city schools as a means for leadership development and community building. We operate in after-school programs on a weekly basis and meet with members about what it is they want to change in their neighborhoods. Youth members change their communities from within by completing 9 service projects throughout the school year. Members are exposed to leadership development and are challenged to develop a service project plan in their school, the community, and the county or state throughout the academic term.

Upward Roots youth will be supported by mentors throughout their time as a member. Community building and leadership will be a large focus throughout the program. Not only will members work to build the community around them, they will spend ample time getting to know each other and build our Upward Roots community, as well. Through this experience, we will explore our different individual and group leadership capabilities. Youth members will discuss what they are passionate about changing in their community. Together, they will choose a "big" issue to tackle as a group. They will work under the umbrella of this issue throughout the trimester.

BAWSI is excited to support the launch of the Upward Roots project as fiscal sponsor. Fiscal sponsorship has evolved as an effective and efficient mode of starting new nonprofits, allowing new community ventures to more quickly and efficiently get up and off the ground by providing core operational support. The project is permitted to legally solicit and receive charitable contributions from individuals and grants from private foundations. Project implementation responsibility is placed in the hands of the project leaders to carry out the mission of the venture. Upward Roots is the vision and passion of former CyberRays player and St. Mary's soccer coach, Lindsey Jones. The project fits solidly in BAWSI's mission to support women athletes in bringing health, hope and wholeness to their community.

Upward Roots:   Homepage   |   Find Us On Facebook   |   Contact Us