Sail2Change

I am a board member of Sail2Change and have witnessed up close the tremendous effort that the volunteers and donors put into fulfilling the organization’s mission to improve community equity by empowering our youth through access, opportunity, authentic relationships, and alternative outdoor education.

Sail2Change is a well-organized and transparent nonprofit organization. There are so many ways we work to build community by inspiring historically underserved youth to become the best version of themselves. I am honored to be a part of Sail2Change and love seeing the results.

Sail2Change has provided me with lots of opportunities. They have helped me find a sense of belonging and improved my mental wellbeing. They also helped me academically through tutoring. Without Sail2Change I wouldn’t know how to sail and wouldn’t be able to help kids like me. Sail2Change is a program that helps kids to be the best version of themselves by giving them chances.

We started with Sail2Change a few years ago. Sail2Change, literal to the name, steered my youth's learning and social experiences towards a brighter more confident future. Through sailing and mentorship, I observed a change in my youth's communication, confidence and care for the environment. She not only learned how to be a part of a community and team, she has become a competent and kind leader. We feel so fortunate and grateful to be a part of the Sail2Change family.

Our children were very fortunate to attend this sailing camp this summer. Having never sailed before, they were thrilled for this new and exciting learning adventure. The camp was well organized, professional, and emphasized water safety and fun. The instructors were engaging and inclusive and our children were very comfortable in this adventurous learning environment. This was camp was truly a highlight for our kids this summer.

My daughters participated in their sail camp this summer and LOVED it. This is a great organization trying to make a difference in the student's lives and the community as a whole. Without programs like this, my daughters could not have participated. They are both aspiring mariners now that want to get out every weekend and one daughter has begun to research marine careers for herself. Their instructor was a past participant of the program and was motivated, skilled and empathetic. I highly recommend this organization; they get stuff done quickly and efficiently with limited resources.

Our kids have had an opportunity to participate in Sail2Change the last two summers. This is a very well run program. The staff and coaches are great. The training is spectacular. I had no concerns leaving my kids in their hands. Our kids learned so many new skills and got to work with a diverse population of kids. Sail2Change gave them experiences they wouldn’t have never gotten had they not had an opportunity to participate in the program.

My son was given the opportunity to participate this summer and he loved it! He learned a lot and had so much fun. Water can be intimidating and this was a great way to build his confidence and develop new skills. I can’t recommend Sail2change enough!

I began my journey with Sail2Change four years ago. They gave me the tools to learn how to sail in my first summer with them and each year after I have had the opportunity to teach the new classes. Sailing is now one of my favorite activities and through Sail2Change I know that I love teaching it.

Over the course of several years, I have had the privilege and the pleasure watching the participating youth learning new skills, making new friends, and having the best summer time experience with Sail2Change. The staff of Sail2Change and their partner, Willamette Sailing Club, and all the coaches have created an incredible program that makes the kids wanting to come back for more and happy parents, knowing that their kid is in good hands.

This nonprofit offers unique maritime experiences for youth and teens. It’s an opportunity to build skills, enjoy new adventure, great friendships, build mentorship, and so much more. They even offer continued education and support for youth to find a maritime career. Please support Sail2Change and the youth who want this!

I have been with the organization since the beginning and will continue to support how I can! Thank you for the amazing opportunities this nonprofit brings to the community.

This org and sailing camp program are outstanding! What an opportunity for youth to build self esteem and confidence while learning new skills. My son thoroughly enjoyed himself and wants to keep sailing as a lifetime hobby. I can't say enough good things about the program and the director, Alex.

Our 11 year old son had a blast and learned many skills over the week he attended camp. I can’t recommend it enough.

The youth who have taken advantage of all that Sail2Change offers have blossomed over the last few years. It's been amazing to watch their journeys, and see them grow in confidence and ability both at school and on the water. S2C is run by a passionate group of people who are truly doing their best to listen to the needs of their current youth, and the community at large.

The impact that Sail2Change has on the youth that participate is truly outstanding. The mentoring programs are wonderful and the sailing lessons are extraordinary!

I highly recommend this organization. I have had the honor to work along side the BOD and team since the beginning.

Phenomenal organization empowering and embracing our youth. I am amazed at the program and its ability to thrive in our community - thrilled to be a part of Sail2Change!

I have recently joined the board of directors for Sail2Change and feel excited about the work that is being done in this organization. Last summer was a great success with offering 2 sailing camp sessions for youth. I am honored to be a part of a team that is working to provide our local youth with opportunities to spend time together learning, compromising, negotiating and resolving issues that arise when trying something new with new peer groups.

The sailing program, monthly events, job readiness, career guidance, and mentorship that Sail2Change offers are based on the needs assessments filled out by our community. I am glad to be apart of an organization that cares about the youth in our community!

My son was able to participate in this program during the summer. The people were really nice to work with and he learned a lot!

I want to commend the Sail2Change nonprofit organization for the amazing work it is doing for underprivileged youth in the Portland metro community. Sail2Change provides unique experiences that foster solid foundations for confidence, managing risk, and an appreciation for the natural world.
In 2019, this nonprofit arranged for two weeks of sailing instruction plus two weeks of outdoor survival training for approximately 15 at-risk teens. These kinds of experiences challenge these young men and women to work collaboratively, while teaching respect for others abilities, both in strengths and weaknesses.
As 2020 rolled around, Sail2Change was faced with the restrictions of the current pandemic. Even then, these dedicated Sail2Change partners managed to provide nine students with sailing lessons and an introduction to backpacking.
Looking forward to 2021, the organization has conducted a survey of students and parents. Results of the survey indicate a strong desire for the Sail2Change programs to emphasize career development for youth in the program. Hence, organization staff and volunteers are building upon its sailing instruction program to focus on education in the maritime industry. Plans for job-shadowing, internships, and working with the Job Corps in Astoria are in the works, with a goal of creating a smoother pathway for a maritime career for youth who otherwise would never have such an opportunity.
For all the reasons above, I heartily recommend Sail2Change as one of the best nonprofit organizations in the Pacific Northwest.
Susan Stevens

Sail2Change is a excellent organization with a unique and meaningful mission. Sail2Change provides marginalized communities with extraordinary experiences that they may not otherwise have access to. Through these experiences, kids learn collaboration, creative problem solving, personal empowerment, appreciation for nature, sustainability, and empathy; helping to set them up for success and building a foundation for their professional aspirations.

This organization and its people work tirelessly to remain true to the mission. The world needs more organizations like this one to help level the playing field and prepare our youth for more complex challenges that await them in adulthood.

I've worked with many non-profit founders over forty years and Dieter, the founder is the most self-aware leader I have met in some time. He wants the best for the community and recently pivoted on some programming, due to evolving needs for youth at risk in the Portland, OR area. What an exciting mission and great folks leading it!

-Jule Meyer, Principal Consultant with Parkman Foundation Serviceshttps://www.parkmanfoundationservices.com/

Off and on I have been part of this great organization. With the mission of helping troubled youth. I hope in the future that I can be part of their success.

Sail2Change is a wonderful organization that provides disadvantaged youth in the Portland area with the opportunity to learn sailing free of cost. The organization's staff is extremely dedicated and display a level of compassion and willingness to adapt that is hard to find in nonprofits. I feel privileged to be able to work with them.