Leadership
Why Train Young Leaders?
Enhance employment opportunities
By teaching key life skills and soft skills, we set the teens apart from peers who don’t have the same training. We prepare them for a work environment and increase their chances of doing well in the job market.
Reverse the cycle of violence
Like many at-risk communities, the one we serve has a history of violence–which means there’s a lack of good role models. By “growing up” leaders to be good examples within the community, we aim to flip the dynamic of violence. We give the younger kids positive role models who are present in the neighborhood 24/7 (even when we’re not there).
Expand other programs
Student leaders gain experience by running our programs. As the need arises to expand our services, we can hire more teens to help with additional participants. This increases the number of jobs we can offer and keeps more of the funds we raise going directly to the communities we serve!
How the Program Works
Water Walkers provides job training, work experience, mentorship, and community. The process begins by each teen participating in all other pillars of programming. Each participant is encouraged to grow as a leader in the community by sharing resources, expanding their own education, volunteering to assist others, and modeling appropriate choices and behaviors.
Additionally, monthly workshops cover a range of topics, including college preparation and financial literacy. These sessions build confidence, develop the ability to make positive decisions, and create a network of connections around Nashville.
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Hassan
Age 18
Testimonial: Henry
Testimonial: Nikki
Another example is *Nikki whose family moved to the community in 2019. Her sisters soon became involved with Water Walkers. Not wanting to stay in the house while her sisters were having a good time, Nikki decided it was time to try Water Walkers for herself. She recalls going to the lake and rock climbing as some of her early experiences.
She has enjoyed the various outdoor activities, saying, “I tube with the best people ever… Sometimes, we’ll go out and learn about bugs, trees, and nature and stuff; that’s like biology.” She has also benefited from help received with her school work. “My grades are off the roof now,” she proclaims proudly. She credits the Water Walkers’ education program with helping her stay more focused, especially in math.
When Nikki turned 15, she applied for Water Walkers’ Leadership program. She has enjoyed those experiences because she gets to participate in all the activities and help younger kids stay safe and have a good time. Regarding her involvement with Water Walkers, Nikki says, “Being around the kids has made me so happy… It feels like a family… being here is really happy!”
Nikki
15-year-old
Bobby
16-year-old
Testimonial: Bobby
“I love my job here at Water Walkers. One day I had to miss school because of a doctor’s appointment. School was over when I got out of my appointment so I walked to work (so I wouldn’t miss Water Walkers).”