LEAD's mission is to develop the leadership skills of low income teens empowering them to address community problems and change the world. LEAD unique in our area. It is free to low income families and their teens ages 12-17 years old. LEAD teaches leadership skills, public speaking, facilitation, history of world change movements. self-confidence, trust and teambuilding.

We accomplish this through weekly evening groups, Saturday adventure trips, community service, public speaking and week long overnight camping trips. Once a week LEAD meets to have dinner, build friendships, learn about oppression and world change, listen to guest speakers, and have fun. Fun is a key element to LEAD and so is outdoor adventure. LEAD serves low-income teens who often don't have the resources to experience the outdoors through such activities as white-water rafting, horseback riding, rock climbing, hiking, skiing, or scuba diving. Each LEAD group goes on one full-day adventure trip a month. We also do a half-day community service project or cultural event once a month. In June, each group takes off for a week long river camping trip. This year the groups will enjoy the Deschutes River and the North Umpqua River.

Teens who enroll in LEAD must be willing to follow or work towards following the 3 Committments -- 1. stay in school and graduate (this inclues home schooling), 2. obey the law (This includes smoking cigarettes and drinking alcohol. We make three exceptions to this -- individuals who are undocumented, homeless folks who camp, and participation in non-violent civil disobedience) and 3. identify and follow a life assignment.

LEAD is like a second family to many of the teens in the program. It is a safe environment striving to be free from, racist, sexist, homophobic, ageist, and hurtful behavior. This accepting environment promotes sharing thoughts and feelings with the group. The group provides a supportive place for the teens to learn about themselves, each other and their community. LEAD strives to inspire teens toward positive world change.

For more information about how we work with teens at LEAD, please see the following information about program specifics:

• Evening Group Description
• The LEAD Philosophy
• The 3 Committments
• Outdoor Adventure
• Life Assignments