I am a proud alumni of the Class of 1992. I was selected as an alternate and got a chance to go when someone could not attend. Boy am I grateful for the opportunity. It was hear that I learned to value the reference point of others. It transcended my life the way I looked at the human race and my ability and responsibility to interact. The program has obviously gotten a lot stronger over the past 20 years, and I find comfort in knowing that NCCJ is continuing to make diversity leaders in so many of our high school students in the Triad. Congrats!
-NC House of Representatives
Marcus Brandon
I am a proud alumni of Anytown (Class of 1997), which would have never happened had my high school guidance counselor not convinced me to attend that summer. I figured it would get me out of the house for a week and it would look good on my college applications. It actually turned out to be an incredible life-changing experience and made me a better person for it. I learned alot about the values of inclusion and equality that week but I also learned alot about myself. I strongly encourage everyone to check out www.nccjtriad.org to learn more about how you can help create a more inclusive, respectful, and just community.
My teacher told me about anytown going into my sophomore year of high school and I went into it blind having no idea what it was about and then once I got their it completely changed my life. I've always been the type of person that is accepting of all and believes as human beings we can all find ways to connect but it just took it to another level. I often say if everybody in the world could go through anytown it would be a better world. I also would tell anybody that my family made me who I am today but anytown made me the man I'm proud to be. There isn't a day that goes by where I don't use some of the skills that anytown taught me. Not to mention that I met some lifelong friends in my time there. The impact that anytown/nccj has on the youth in our community is invaluable and it will forever be a group I stand up and fight for.
I was introduced to NCCJ when my mom told me I would be attending ANYTOWN, their flagship program. I was convinced my protests in the past and self-identification as an "ally" were enough to make me a good and conscious member of our diverse society. Once I attended ANYTOWN, I realized that I may have recognized privilege, but accepting my privilege and understanding how it impacts myself and others is the first step that must be made before I could be a true ally and a truly involved citizen of of our society. NCCJ has a staff that has a true passion for enlightenment of the youth and has programs that highlight fundamental issues in our society and teach youth how to counteract these issues. I went to ANYTOWN over the summer of 2010 and volunteered over the 2012 and 2013 summer sessions as a counselor. I believe in NCCJ's mission and I believe NCCJ fights bias, bigotry, and racism and opens people's eyes to privilege effectively and passionately.
I was first introduced to NCCJ via their Anytown program in 2003. Even at 15 years old, I knew their mission was one worth supporting. For the past 10 years, I've watched the organization evolve and really make an impression on the community of Greensboro. They take steps to making this world a more decent place, and that is truly invaluable.
I am a teacher in Guilford County and have had the opportunity to work with NCCJ (and many of my students) through their ANYTOWN and ANYDAY programs. I have seen students change and grow because of their experiences at both. Students are challenged to not only look at how society looks at different things, but how their own preconceived notions of society affects how they interact with people. There have been such positive changes in my students who attend ANYTOWN or ANYDAY, so much so that my students are bringing not only learning from their experiences but integrating their new knowledge into our school Diversity club. These students seem to have a stronger sense of self and an awareness of their environment and interpersonal interactions, and it shows in their daily behavior.
The National Conference for Community and Justice, NCCJ, is an outstanding nonprofit organization that I have had the amazing pleasure of being a part for the last year and a half. My experience with NCCJ began in 2012 when I attended the week long human relations and leadership development summer camp, Anytown, as a delegate. There almost aren't enough words to describe how much fun I had with my fellow delegates! Learning, sharing and growing together with other youth from my community that I wouldn't have otherwise had the chance to interact with was incredible. I can proudly and confidential say that Anytown was the absolute BEST week of my life. As soon as the week was over I joined the ambassador program and helped lead youth conferences, discussion groups and Anydays for middle and elementary school students. This past summer I had the chance to work with NCCJ as a Anytown camp counselor which was the most rewarding thing I have ever experienced. Throughout my time with the organization I’ve become a true leader, owing all the credit to NCCJ. If you want to: gain life changing skills, positively get involved with your community and acquire friends for a life time become a part of the National Conference for Community and Justice!
I am the Graduation Coach at Northeast High School. Our Human Relations club has participated in several events with NCCJ. Each time our students attend an event, they are affected in such a positive manner. We always enjoy the relevant and lively sessions that challenge our students to think outside of the box of their pre-set mindsets. As an educator, I believe greatly in the work that NCCJ does and have witnessed on many occassions how students are motivated and blossom as a result of attending NCCJ events. We have had an opportunity for students to attend the summer ANYTOWN conference and the change that takes place in these students is short of a miracle. The students return home with a new found sense of self and the awareness exudes in their demeanor when they return to school in the Fall. I personally believe that NCCJ helps teens to navigate the challenges that come with transitioning into young adulthood.
As an advisor, I have the opportunity to work with various students at Gtcc Middle College @Jamestown. Each time that we have had training with NCCJ, we always seem to reap the benefits of knowing how to treat others with respect, gaining confidence in ourselves, including others in our space, and realizing it is not all about "ME!" NCCJ spreads a wealth of knowledge that can only have positive results, and I am proud to be a part of its message and organization. Keep up the the good work. Also, the leaders or instructors are just perfect to guide us to the "right" lessons that will not only help us today, but will prepare us later on in life. A life-changing experience!
I have been involved with NCCJ since 2011. My experience began as a delegate at the Anytown camp in the summer. That week was one of the most eye opening weeks I have ever experienced and it absolutely changed my life. Without a doubt, Anytown was the best thing that could have happened to me. After Anytown, I became involved with the Ambassador program. The program was great to help me continue what I learned at Anytown and give me an opportunity to become involved with my community and school, doing service learning projects and other volunteer work. In 2013, I was chosen to be a counselor at Anytown. I have been involved with NCCJ at many different levels. The staff members are fantastic and I always adore working with them. NCCJ is the greatest nonprofit organization around, if you ask me!
NCCJ was very instrumental in hosting the Community Conversations for Youth in the City of Greensboro. The youth facilitators were very eager and articulate.
NCCJ provided its one-day "AnyDay" program to our 11th and 12th grade students this year, as part of our opening retreat. What a fantastic base to build on! Their values and their approach were both a great match for our school, and they were a pleasure to work with.
I've been volunteering with NCCJ since 2004. I've had the pleasure of being involved in many different types of programs for NCCJ. It's been an honor working with such a wonderful diverse group of adults, young people, community leaders, etc. The work that NCCJ is truly life-changing. The participants learn and grow but as a facilitator I also learn and grow every time that I'm involved with a program. That's the beauty of the work of NCCJ. It's not a one-way street of people telling others what or how to be. It's a community/family affair of coming together to create a more just world, together.
I began with NCCJ over 20 years ago through attending Anytown. The values and lessons taught have carried me through my life thus far and impact my life daily. I infuse the messages of NCCJ in working with children in the community and with and my own children. Their impact resonates.
NCCJ is a wonderful organization that is so committed to its community and its mission. I was greatly impacted by the programs that this organization puts on annually three years ago and I've greatly looked forward to volunteering and assisting with those programs ever since. Such programs truly educate our community about important social justice issues that influence the lives of all daily. The role of this organization is key to diversity and awareness in our community. I am eterenally grateful for the work that NCCJ does!
I've been volunteering with NCCJ for almost fifteen years. The staff and other volunteers are all like family to me. I feel like they really appreciate my time and respect my opinions. I'm also a donor, and I believe that they are good stewards of my donations.
I have been involved for over eight years with NCCJ, an organization that promotes understanding and respect among all people. My husband has been a board member and I am currently a board member. Our two children attended Anytown, a summer program run by NCCJ. This camp offers an impactful program that changes participants' lives. Young people are given the opportunity to gain deep insight and empathy for others. The students learn leadership skills and the tools needed to stand up against bias, bigotry and racism. I am so happy that my family is involved with this wonderful organization!!
I have been working with NCCJ and its flagship program, Anytown, since 2004, and it has made such an incredible impact in my life. I began as a shy, 15-year-old delegate at Anytown, and went on to become a counselor, NCCJ intern, and now a young professional working with a non-profit organization in Beijing, China. Anytown gave me a passion for helping others, a drive to make change, belief in myself as a leader and a second family I know I can always call on. Having been on both sides of the process, I see how NCCJ has helped shape me as a leader and how the students they work with can literally change before your eyes in a week on the mountain. It doesn't hurt that Anytown is also consistently one of the most fun experiences I've ever had. It may sound cliche, but NCCJ really does inspire and encourage young leaders, and I certainly would not be where I am today without it.
I have been part of Anytown for the last seven years and hope to do it again this year. I began it as a sort of half hearted volunteer but now it is a passion. To see these young people change and become advocates for justice just gives me heart for the future. Nothing says it more than to hope my grandchildren come to Anytown in another 4 years. They certainly deserve the best, and Anytown is that!
NCCJ's signature program, Anytown, is designed to transform the lives and leadership skills of young adults by impacting their thinking and behavior regarding bias, bigotry, and racism. This is exactly the type of life and society-changing program we need across North Carolina, our country, and the world. And NCCJ does this with an incredibly talented staff, supportive board, and donor/advocate base. I'm proud to support NCCJ and with my partner, plan to do all we can to ensure it makes an even bigger impact.
It is a privilege and honor to chair the NCCJ Board this year. NCCJ creates an environment where transformation happens, one heart and one life at a time. The focus of NCCJ is on providing time and space for all types of people to come together to share, to listen, and to learn from and about each other. The mission, vision, and purpose of NCCJ are not grandiose, but their combined impact is simply grand. If I were to describe NCCJ as glorious some would say "that's a little over the top", but the actual definition of glorious is something of great weight and value. I think that describes NCCJ pretty well!
My daughter's experience as an Ambassador has opened her heart and opened doors for her to contribute to her community. We will look back one day and credit NCCJ as the catalyst for my daughter's transformation into a leader and agent of change.
NCCJ is a phenomenal organization in our community. ANYTOWN is one of the many organizations that NCCJ offers, going to ANYTOWN was an irreplaceable experience for myself as well as many of my peers. When I think of an organization that breaks down barriers, addresses bigotry, and combats health than NCCJ is the first that comes to my mind. If I was asked to rate NCCJ there wouldn't be a value high enough.
NCCJ is a phenomenal organization. They are active in the community fighting hard everyday to help breakdown barriers and help students and community members succeed. ANYTOWN is one of many great programs offered by NCCj, and it has changed not only my life but the lives of many in the community. I would highly encourage any parent or care giver to look into ANYTOWN and NCCJ not just for their child but also for themselves.
To help break down the barriers of hate, misunderstanding and equality, there is no better diversity program in America than NCCJ. I have been so impressed by the alacrity and impact they make in our community every day. One of their community programs, ANYTOWN, allows high school students to learn more about each other to help increase a better understanding among people of different religions, cultures and backgrounds. As a community leader, I look forward to the continued work of NCCJ in our community as we continue to "Hate hate". I have so much respect and am grateful for the staff and leadership team at NCCJ.
NCCJ is an incredible organization that provides invaluable resources to our community. It works to foster change and understanding for people of all ages, giving them the tools they need to not only better themselves but take their experiences out into the world and make a real, positive impact. The dedication from the staff and volunteers is fantastic; they work for and with NCCJ because they truly love, respect and care about the organization and its mission, and that affection and commitment can be seen in everything the organization does.
I first came to NCCJ as a high school student who had a bunch of answers and just wanted to see what the folks there claimed to know about diversity and leadership. I experienced ANYTOWN as a delegate and then as a counselor and I can say that this experience moved me from a place of "enlightened closed-mindedness" to a much more open place of acceptance, love, and friendship. NCCJ is the perfect place for young people and adults to begin and carry on the conversation about how to break down the barriers that divide our communities and our world. Greensboro and the places in the world where lives have been touched by NCCJ are so much better for their existence.
I have had the privilege of working as a volunteer with this wonderful organization for several years. The ANYTOWN program made a difference in my life and my daughters life. Having an opportunity to serve as an ANYTOWN advisor gave me the opportunity to see 1st hand how the program has a lasting impact on our young people. It challenges and teaches them how to effectively fight bigotry and racism in their schools and communiites! Our communit if fortunate to have such an awesome program that promotes diversity!
As a board member, I am proud to be a part of this organization. The impact it has in the Triad community is tremendous as well as the voice that it provides for so many different people. My involvement as a Co-Director of their flagship human relations leadership program, ANYTOWN, has given me the chance to witness first hand the change that is possible in communities, workplaces, and schools when we take the time to get to know each ourselves, each other, listen and work to understand. An investment in NCCJ is not a charity donation, but rather a proven investment in the future of our community as a place where all are welcomed and included, not just some.
Our community is so fortunate to have NCCJ promoting diversity and understanding within our wonderful rainbow of people on our planet. They are not afraid to tackle difficult issues and they know how to activate quickly when needed. Their educational programs are so effective for all ages. I don't know of another organization that embodies, embraces and advocates such a diverse population. This have been a very divisive year in North Carolina, from the Amendment One fight to the presidential election, with many promoting bigotry and hatred. Thank goodness NCCJ is here to fight that. A donation to NCCJ definitely provides an amazing return on investment.
I have been apart of NCCJ since 2009 and I love everything that NCCJ stands for. Their mission is to help fight bias, bigotry and racism and I couldn't agree more with their actions to pursue this goal. I was introduced to Camp ANYTOWN by a friend and when I went I fell in love with everything about it. I noticed that I became a more open person than I even was before and welcomed everyone with open arms. NCCJ has helped so many students and my peers than I could even imagine and helped introduce me to some of the greatest people around. I have volunteered with them since 2009 and I always feel like I am making a wonderful difference in the world. I would not trade that whole experience for anything in the world!
As a high school principal, I can qualitatively say NCCJ wa instrumental in changing the climate of the school. We had experienced a serious racial incident that tore the school apart. Following the incident NCCJ provided several unity days and a "Unitown" wherein we took a total of 180 students to an off-campus site to build leadership skills to fight racism, bigotry, and prejusdice. Angelo Kidd, Western region Superintendent of Guilford County schools.
NCCJ of the Piedmont Triad is an important and significant partner with Guilford County Schools, and we are most appreciative of the services and support NCCJ provides. NCCJ is very active in working with students and staff on creating more positive, supportive and inclusive school environments. School climate has a huge impact on student learning and achievement as wel as well-being. On a personal note, my daughter attended Any Town and is an active volunteer with the organization. NCCJ has increased her awareness of important community issues and has provided an avenue for getting involved in social justice advocacy. NCCJ has also provided a great network of other young people who are interested in and committed to fighting bias, bigotry and discrimination. Nora Carr, chief of staff, Guilford County Schools.
Hello! I am a HUGE fan of NCCJ. I have had the privilege of working with NCCJ since 2008! I love volunteering with them. I was attracted to NCCJ because of their Anytown summer Program. I went in 08 as a delegate and I have been there ever since. This organization changes lives. I have seen students come in one was and leave out a better person. They even changed my life for the better! Its amazing what a group of dedicated individuals can accomplish! This is the BEST organization I have ever seen. NCCJ will continue to do great things in the community with or without recognition because helping others and spreading awareness with what they are passionate about. I look forward to watching NCCJ continue to grow as time progresses!
My wife and I became involved with NCCJ of the Piedmont Triad after two of our children experienced the outstanding summer leadership program, Anytown. They returned with eyes wide open to the lives of others who suffer from bias, bigotry or bullying -- and with a commitment to be change agents. As volunteers and board members for twenty years, we are delighted in the growth in capacity, professionalism and capacity of NCCJ. NCCJ's positive influence on middle- and high-school age students is remarkable, and happily the organization has developed programs to keep those young minds involved and engaged in making a difference.
I have been involved with NCCJ of the Triad for over 25 years. I am a current Board member. The work they do with our youth to teach the lessons of inclusion and to fight bias, bigotry and racism is awesome. I have observed their work and experienced the impact it has had. They truly transform the lives of every person they touch. David Moff, Greensboro North Carolina
Being a former principal allowed me to see first hand the problems that our young children face each day. I am happy to be a board member of an organization whose mission and vision is to help students understand the importance of working together and eliminating hate. NCCJ is a wonderful organization that is all about bringing individuals together from different backgrounds to find common ground. I am proud to be involved with this wonderful life changing organization.