MENTAL HEALTH
A fundraiser for
LEADERSHIP
YOUTH
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Social-Emotional Learning
Transformative
PREVENTION
VIOLENCE
THE SOLUTION
PART OF
Become
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Improving Mental Health and Decreasing Violence for the Next Generation
Healthy minds = healthy societies. Our mission is clear: to improve mental health, unite human beings, and foster intergenerational leadership: paving the way for a more peaceful and resilient Chicago.
By donating to us you directly support our 2 cornerstone programs.
1. Rebels for Peace Youth Leaders – A transformational leadership program for south side Chicago youth ages 16-25 designed to improve mental health, uncover resilience, and teach them how to mentor the next generation. Armed with the power of their mind and unwavering commitment to unity and peace, the Rebels for Peace are improving their own lives and leading the way for the next generation to not only survive but THRIVE.
2. The Mini Rebels for Peace – An interactive, engaging, and evidence-based Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program taught by the Rebels for Peace youth leaders to 4th-8th grade students in south side Chicago public schools that decreases conflict, violence, and behavioral issues by increasing mental health, resilience, and problem-solving capacity.
In 2024 we have served 863 students. With your help, we plan to grow our reach in 2024 to impact 1,00 4th-8th graders in underserved communities across the south side of Chicago.
Our children need people they can identify with, connecto to, and see themselves in. That’s who the Rebels for Peace are. It’s not just a program that is done TO our students, it is done WITH our students, and that’s what our youth need.
Why your support matters
While focus on youth mental health has increased in recent years, it has not always been presented in an accessible way where kids can effectively engage with it. The Rebels for Peace program has a different approach. We deliver youth-led Social Emotional Learning experiences that are evidence-based, engaging, and that kids actually want to be part of. Our program is unique, as it’s not delivered by traditional educators but by young leaders aged 18-25 from the south side community. Our facilitators offer a deep level of understanding and relatability that gives them the credibility and skills to listen to the kids and more effectively bring out the potential they have inside.
Here’s what Principals are saying about our impact in our schools:
The Rebels for Peace have been a godsend for our kids. They autentically connect, offering emotional support, empathy, boosting self esteem and consistency. The impact on the school culture is huge! The kids aren’t gung ho about fighting anymore.
ABOUT REBELS FOR PEACE
Rebels for Peace is a youth-led initiative with the mission to bring relatable, transformational and sustainable mental health and violence prevention services to youth in underserved communities. We serve as an inspiration for the youth to discover how to deal with mental health issues, depression, anxiety, lack of motivation, stress, violence, conflict, and more.
This is not your standard Social Emotional Learning program or youth mentoring.
This is long-term sustainable change.
I’ve been with the Rebels for Peace for a year now, and it really changed my actions and helps me not fight and control my anger. Every day I rush through my day thinking “Please hurry up for Wednesday to come!” cause that's our day with the Rebels. The Rebels for Peace really changed the way I live.
– 4th grader, Chicago Public Schools
Why we do what we do
Frequently asked questions
Why Chicago?
Chicago has a long history of segregation and division (north side/south side, white/black; rich/poor), high crime and gun violence, systemic inequality, and the economic issues that stem from these challenges. Years of skyrocketing crime have not been improved by increasing police presence, incarceration, politics and other short-term or security-based measures. While there is a mental health crisis among youth across America, it is particularly severe in locations like South side Chicago where the exposure to violence and other trauma is so prevalent and the opportunities to
influence the larger societal structures are so limited.
The University of Chicago Medical Center’s fourth Community Health Needs Assessment(through 975 targeted surveys) found that South Siders rank mental health as the area’s top concern for both children and adults.
While the focus on youths’ mental health has increased, it has not been presented in an accessible way where kids can effectively engage with it at scale. The Rebels for Peace program has a different approach. We deliver youth-led Social Emotional learning experiences that are evidence-based, engaging, and that kids actually want to be part of.
Our facilitators have credibility and the skills to listen to the kids and bring out the potential they have inside.
Why youth-leadership?
Our strategy to address the pressing mental health challenges in South Side Chicago communities is centered around uncovering and fostering youth leaders who will serve as catalysts for change. These youth leaders are trained in social-emotional learning (SEL) curriculum and then deliver engaging and interactive lessons to younger students within the Chicago Public School system.
Our approach revolves around empowering these leaders and encouraging them to “pay it forward” by imparting their knowledge and skills to their peers.
Why do you focus on Resilience, Wellbeing and Social Emotional Learning.
The world as a whole is divided into camps, conflict & polarity is on the rise, and our mental health is getting worse. External solutions are being created but they don’t take into account the hearts and minds of people to make them stick and work for the long term.
We need a revolutionary shift of hearts and minds. Through our unique and proven model of change, we point people to their innate well-being & and resilience, enabling community change from within.
Is my Donation Tax-deductible?
Yes, your donations is tax deductible, Rebels for Peace is fiscally sponsored by the One Solution Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, and you will receive a donation receipt sent to you immediately after your donation has been made
What happens after my donation?
After the donation you will become part of the One Soluton and Rebels for Peace family, and get quarterly updates on our progress.
We believe in communicating clearly where your donation is going, but also don’t want to overwhelm your inbox. If you have additional requests of followup you can email us at [email protected]
