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NOCCJ's History of
Anytown
Anytown is NOCCJ's oldest and premier youth leadership program.
Established in 1956 during school desegregation, the fundamental
premise of Anytown has remained the same: to bring together
youth from communities of isolation, volatility and/or
segregation to learn about one another, break down stereotypes,
and learn how to create change. Today, Anytown programs are held
in over 40 cities across the country. The program has been
experienced by more than 25,000 youth since its inception, and
has been featured on the Today Show and Oprah, as well as in the
Christian Science Monitor, Business Week, and many local
publications across the country annually.
What is Anytown?
Anytown is anything but a typical summer camp experience. During
six intense days, diverse teams of youth from high schools in
Orleans, Jefferson, St. Tammany and St. Bernard Parishes and its
surrounding areas will come together to challenge racism,
sexism, ageism, classism, ableism, homophobia, xenophobia and
other forms of discrimination in themselves and in their
communities. In small discussion groups, students challenge
their personal biases, explore the sources of these patterns,
and learn techniques for overcoming them. Through interactive
workshops, youth develop their cognitive understanding of
oppression and connect it to their personal experiences. In
experiential activities, youth gain valuable leadership skills
involving problem solving, group dynamics, conflict management,
coalition building, cross-cultural communication and advocating
for change. The program culminates in strategy sessions where
student teams create an action plan to address inequity and
division in their home schools and communities.
Anytown enhances and
develops:
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* Leadership
skills |
* Citizenship |
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* Diversity
awareness |
*
Interpersonal relations |
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* Intergroup
understanding |
* Community
building skills |
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* Self-esteem |
*
Inter-religious and cultural respect |
Why Anytown?
Anytown has operated nationwide for almost fifty years and has a
strong track record of transforming lives and changing
communities. In New Orleans, one of the most diverse cities in
the world, it is critical that youth learn to appreciate
diversity and fight against bias, bigotry and racism. Bullying,
slurs, and violence are everyday occurrences in our schools.
Youth need training, skills and knowledge that are often not
part of the classroom curriculum.
"I learned that with the way the world is today, it's going to
require us - being the younger generation - to take the
initiative and make changes happen and not wait for others to do
it." --Anytown Graduate
"The challenge was to take responsibility for your thoughts and
beliefs without defending or justifying yourself. No one was
honored or condemned for how they felt." --Anytown Graduate
Where is
Anytown?
Anytown takes place at the Feliciana Retreat Center in Norwood,
Louisiana. It's a one week long program.
What Happens at
Anytown?
• Discussion groups and
interactive workshops
• Personal growth and
cultural awareness
• Action planning to
create positive change
• Recreational
activities
• New friendships with
people of diverse backgrounds'
• Campfires and songs
• Skits, art, and
dancing
How much does
Anytown cost?
The actual cost of Anytown is $250 per delegate. The total cost
includes round-trip bus transportation, meals, lodging, training
materials, an Anytown t-shirt, and a follow-up networking
package. Registration to participate requires an initial $25
registration fee. NOCCJ provides scholarships andfinances the
balance, depending upon the generosity of individuals,
corporations, and foundations.
If you would like to make a donation towards this program please
contact our office to donate. If you have any questions or would
like to apply, please submit the Anytown Application to info@noccj.org.
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