Home | About| Programs | Students | Links | Contact us
Frequently Asked Questions
How to sign up for newsletters and email announcements?
What is Cultural Leadership?
Why was Cultural Leadership created?
Who may participate in Cultural Leadership?
What part do parents play in the program?
How much does it cost?
What are the outcomes for students in the program?
What kinds of successes have you had?
What is Cultural Leadership?
Cultural Leadership is a nonprofit educational, leadership program for High School students that is producing a future generation of young people who will know what it means to have a relationship based on respect and cooperation and will work to fight racism, anti-Semitism and all forms of discrimination. Our students learn to dispel stereotypes and promote dialogue, cooperation, understanding and mutual respect between all peoples and learn to be change agents – the next generation of civil rights activists. Cultural Leadership students participate in a year-long program of: educational classes and cultural activities to teach them about their own and each other's race, religion, culture, and history and about institutional racism, power, privilege and prejudice; study/travel to places of significance in the U.S. - NYC, DC, Atlanta, all over Alabama and Mississippi, Little Rock and Memphis; learning how to fundraise, speak in public and facilitate diversity workshops; public speaking about the program and facilitation of discussions on issues of racism, diversity, and discrimination.
Why was Cultural Leadership created?
Racial tensions exist in St. Louis and other communities. Examples of mistrust, disrespect, intolerance and misunderstanding abound. According to a report entitled Racial Equality in the St. Louis Region: A Call to Action, St. Louis is one of the most racially segregated metropolitan areas in the country. It is a challenging and complex problem that is firmly entrenched in our region. Cultural Leadership was created to replace prejudice with facts, ignorance with knowledge, and suspicion with friendship among Jews and African-Americans. Cultural Leadership is modeled after a successful program in Washington, D.C. St. Louis is a community that desperately needs racial healing and greater understanding.
Back to the Top
Who may participate in Cultural Leadership?
Cultural Leadership is open to high-school sophomores and juniors of Jewish and/or African descent in the St. Louis region who have demonstrated maturity, an interest in the community and leadership potential. Up to 28 students are chosen to participate.
What part do parents play in the program?
Parents/guardians meet approximately every six weeks while their children are in the program. They experience some of the highlights of students' programs. This parallel curriculum is designed to help parents better support their children and guide them through the changes the students undergo. However, participation in these programs is not required.
How much does it cost?
Each participant must contribute $280 to help offset the tremendous cost of feeding, housing, and transporting them during the three-week summer trip.
What are the outcomes for students in the program?
After completing the program, students join an ever-growing national network of youth committed to fighting ignorance, teaching understanding, and promoting lifelong learning.
The primary outcomes we intend are...
- develop leadership skills as change agents and bridge builders to prevent and dismantle racism, discrimination and oppression;
- dispel stereotypes, break down racial and cultural barriers, and promote cooperation, mutual respect, understanding and dialogue between people of color and whites, and indeed between all peoples;
- build a positive coalition of young people who will know what it is like to have a relationship based on mutual respect and will work together;
- teach them skills to communicate across differences and make effective public speeches to share the mission and vision of Cultural Leadership; and
- develop a model for other social action groups who want to solve problems in their communities.
What kinds of successes have you had?
We have seen successes in several areas. Most directly, the students who graduate from Cultural Leadership emerge better educated, more tolerant, more curious, and more confident in themselves. And our students get involved... A Jewish alumnus is a member of a Latino empowerment group. A Black alumna is on the board of Hillel at her college. A group of alumni organized a diversity roundtable at their high school. Other students are starting tutoring programs and voter education efforts. As a program, Cultural Leadership is also enjoying recognition by the community. We have been featured in print, radio, and TV reporting; have received a proclamation from Mayor Slay; and have earned several community awards.
Home | About| Programs | Students | Links | Contact us
| Cultural Leadership 225 Linden Ave. St. Louis MO 63105 (T) 314-725-3222 - (F) 314-727-1122 www.culturalleadership.com |
Cultural Leadership exists to create a more just and equitable community by educating high school students to recognize and resolve issues of privilege and injustice through the lens of the African American and Jewish experience. Our students develop leadership skills, build relationships, facilitate dialogues and create change in their circles of influence. |