TOGETHER WE TRANSFORM
Together we lead
Lorem Ipsum
INTERGENERATIONAL LEADERSHIP
A fundraiser for
Social-Emotional Learning
Youth-Led
COMMUNITY CHANGE
COLLECTIVE
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.
“The Rebels for Peace have truly made me a believer in their vision! The implementation of this school-based, social and emotional curriculum for our 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade boys has been amazing. The facilitators have exceeded our expectations and proven themselves, time and time again, with their commitment to executing the curriculum and building the rapport with our students. They are supporting our kids in learning, reflecting, enhancing their behavior management, improving self-control and conflict resolution. I am so thankful that we are in alignment and partnering to answer the desperate call to pour into the mental health of our youth. Truly, Thank You for your service, Rebels!” – Counselor, Chicago Public School
In 2023 alone, we doubled our staff and jumped from serving 160 to 700 elementary school students per year. With your help, we plan to grow our reach in 2024 to impact 1,200 4th-8th graders in underserved communities across the south side of Chicago.
Healthy minds create healthy societies, and the Rebels for Peace are leading the way.
Together we Lead, Together we Transform.
A different approach to conflict, division and mental health
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.
As a Chicago Public Schools vendor, we’re currently serving 700 4th-8th-grade students across 6 schools. The demand for our services is growing, and we’re determined to expand to 10 schools, serving over 1,200-1,400 students in 2024.
However, to make this ambitious expansion possible, we need additional funding. This distinctive approach requires more mentoring, supervision, and support of our youth leaders to ensure they effectively deliver the curriculum and transform lives.
Where your dollars go:
$6,250 sponsors one class for a whole year
$25,000 sponsors a whole school (100 students in grades 4-8) for a whole year.
We started the Rebels for Peace to show people the amazing power we have within ourselves, that the solutions we seek are found in the mind. To educate them on that even in their darkest times we can still find the light within ourselves without any external factors. That we don’t need to act with violence, spend hours at therapy or take any prescription drugs to heal the pain that we may feel inside. We believe change happens from the inside out, no external solutions will fix the issues in our communities without that understanding. We must all change as ONE unit, and you can be part of the solution by supporting that visionDajohn White, Youth Leader and Co-founder of the Rebels for Peace
More about One Solution
One Solution is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, that has been in operation since 2016, with a
mission to solve societal challenges by helping individuals, communities, and systems to change from within.
Since our founding, we have hosted global conferences and worked on grassroots projects with a focus on shifting consciousness, improving mental health, and empowering youth as accelerators of social change. We believe young leaders have the unique ability to think BIG and impact both the older and younger generations.
Previous projects include a young leaders fellowship in Israel and Gaza, wellbeing in schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo, working with the juvenile justice system in Portland, Oregon, and youth leaders working in elementary schools in south side Chicago. While we have worked in different fields and locations, our headquarters and current focus is Chicago.
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, 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]
