Leon Theodore is fundraising
Changing Perspectives, Changing Lives!
Last year, I created the Change Your Perception Initiative (CYPI) as part of my work in Dallas to positively impact the future of Black and brown students. This is a travel abroad study program: we’re giving participating students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit new countries and explore other cultures.
But I need your help to make this a success.
I created this program because when I was a teenager, my life seemed stuck in a rut. All I knew was all I knew. I didn’t think a kid like me could have a life like I saw on television – the freedom to travel the world, to ‘be anything I wanted to be,’ to escape what seemed inescapable. All of that changed with one experience, one person who believed I could be anything I wanted.
“I never thought I would be where I am today!” I say this consistently. If you understood my background and history, you would say the same thing. But ONE experience changed things for me, and I saw there was more than what was right in front of me. I can truly say, I’m grateful for the person who exposed me to the world, and it drives me to do the same for others. I want to share that life-changing experience with as many young people as I can.
Here’s How We Do It: The Change Your Perception Initiative
In August and September of this year, our team is seeking to travel to Stuttgart, Germany, with 19 student ‘ambassadors’ (aged 16-17) for a week-long convening of education and exploration, called SCORA 24. Alongside 300+ students from 3 other countries, these ambassadors will explore and reflect on topics like future technology and AI, racism, antisemitism, inclusion, self-perception, and community building.
Changing the perspective of one individual can change the trajectory of an entire community. For many Black and brown scholars living with the trauma of being “undervalued” by society, their experiences can result in seeing the world from only one perspective. This program will break the cycle by giving scholars a global perspective, hands-on leadership experiences, and the opportunity to be a part of critical conversations they’re usually only impacted by.
Your donation will make this possible by helping us cover travel costs for students to and from Germany, and for skills-building classes before and after the trip (in Dallas). We're trying to raise $3,000 per student.
We’ve already heard from young people who are excited to be part of the CYPI travel program:
*I want to participate because I’m passionate about cultural awareness and how it helps us resolve conflict. I hope it will teach us how we can make an impact and create peace.
*I want to see the world and grow my circle of friends with kids from other cultures.
*I want to get a new perspective of kids my age from other countries
Your donation has the power to ignite hope, to increase students’ awareness and mindfulness, so they can empower themselves and positively impact their families and communities. ONE experience can transform more than just one life!
Please, give today to support our travel abroad program – and help more students expand their worldview to become catalysts for lasting change!
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Your donation will go to the Texas Center for Justice and Equity (TCJE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000. TCJE’s Dallas-based program seeks to help students of color thrive!
**Learn more about the Change Your Perception Initiative here: TCJE: CYPI Travel Initiative
**Follow updates and get more information on our dedicated Facebook page here: CYPI Travel Facebook.
**Learn more about SCORA 24 here: SCORA MEET 2024.
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