Make a Difference Today
YBMW's current focus is on community members who are most at risk for negative outcomes and most able to succeed despite their circumstances, namely young men and women ages 13-24 living in urban locations. This cohort is most likely to fall prey to dangerous influences that all too often lead to social marginalization, poor school performance, criminal activity and prison. The absence of hope often makes perilous paths, including gang life and addiction, seem like the only possible future.
In spite of these influences, within this marginalized population, there are young people who are motivated and capable of rising above difficult circumstances. Our goal is to find these sparks, engage and mentor them, so that urban youth can not only succeed themselves, but also share the path to success with their peers and community, by example and by becoming mentors themselves. YBMW aims to generate a culture of “can-do” in Tacoma where young people are the prime movers.
MISSION STATEMENT
Our Roots
Young Business Men & Women (YBMW) is a non-profit that engages at-risk urban youth challenged by negative influences and socio-economic factors that too frequently cut short options and opportunities for success. Our programs mentor youth, provide role models, build teamwork and cultivate leadership among peer group and throughout the community. We also support development of body and mind for physical and educational achievement in order to guide youth toward becoming positive contributors in their families and communities. YBMW not only promotes achievement among our engaged individuals, we also empower them to pass on the art of success on to their peers.
ACTIVITIES
Making A Difference
This program fosters a culture of teamwork and leadership that learns from experts and mentors and is self-perpetuating among peer-groups.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
AND ADVOCACY
This program recruits area young people to learn and apply new skills through community service, while educating young men on the consequences of gang life.
BODY AND MIND DEVELOPMENT
Believing that a conditioned body helps condition the mind, we channel the energy of youth into fitness programs and sports. This helps settle and focus young minds for application in study and fosters an increased interest in education.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Out entrepreneurship program cultivates initiative in urban youth by demonstrating the rewards of earning money legally and through the satisfaction of work and developing successful business models.
YOUTH SPEAKERS BUREAU / GAVEL CLUB
Public speaking builds confidence, sharpens the ability to think critically and provides young people a forum for communicating and networking.
