How the innovative Youth Ambassadors program shapes lives and grows a more sustainable world

Story & Photographs By Virginia Holman

When you’re sitting in traffic on Market Street, shopping at the new Publix or Aldi, or visiting one of the local microbreweries, it’s easy to forget that Wilmington is a booming coastal town surrounded by substantial rural areas. Country life has many pleasures — one of which is privacy — but it can also be isolating, especially if you’re short of resources. Say you live in Whiteville, and you’re looking for a new job, but don’t have reliable computer access or transportation. Say you are single parent in Delco and need support and education about conflict resolution and parenting. Perhaps you want to get your GED diploma or obtain basic computing skills. If you live in Columbus, Brunswick or Bladen counties, one of your best bets is to call Men and Women United for Youth and Families…. READ MORE

West Fraser wood product company hosted a Pre-Employment Skills Training (HRD) Class at the Tri-County Job Center. The students learned essential workplace skills. In addition, they learned proper interviewing techniques and prepared a professional resume.

The Youth Ambassadors explored grassroots solutions that make our communities more resilient, more equitable and more powerful.

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Ransom Activity Center
Address: 2694 General Howe Road, Riegelwood, North Carolina

GREETINGS FELLOW YOUTH-SERVING PARTNERS

Men and Women United for Youth & Families, CDC cordially invites you to be a special guest at our Second Annual LENS-NC Partnership Meeting.

About This Gathering

This gathering will introduce MDC/LENS-NC to other agencies in our SE NC region and the technical support they provide to youth-serving organizations like us, that work with those who have IEPs or 504 Plans, are academically challenged, or experience social & racial discrimination in the school systems.

Together we will identify and address their challenges, and explore opportunities to amplify effective strategies for change through advocacy in their classrooms and schools; at the community, district, and state levels.

Special Guests

• Family Support Network of Southeastern NC, who will speak about individual education plans and other services they offer
• Parent Advocate, Mrs. Nyisha Powell, who will speak on her role as a parent of an autistic child

What to Expect

• Great conversations
• Meaningful networking
• Valuable information

This partnership will continue our work within the schools and community to enrich the lives and learning environment for our youth. So, come with an open mind and be prepared to offer your lessons learned and best practices.

Registration Information

Please register using the QR code below:

For More Information

Please contact:
Coleen Andrews on/before March 28th
(910) 742-4611

Presented by Men & Women United for Youth & Families and LENS-NC (Learning for Equity: A Network for Solutions – North Carolina)

Date: Friday, August 1, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: BCC Teaching Auditorium
Address: 7418 NC HWY 41W, Dublin, North Carolina 28332

GREETINGS FELLOW YOUTH-SERVING PARTNERS

Youth Ambassadors for a Better Community, under the leadership of Men and Women United for Youth and Families, cordially invites you to be a special guest at our Second Annual Grow & Gather: Rural Food Justice Summit 2025.

About This Gathering

This one-day summit is focused on exploring food systems, rural food justice, and community resilience through youth-centered dialogue, learning, and connection. Join us for a powerful day where young voices lead meaningful conversations around food justice and community resilience in our rural communities.

We believe that when youth are empowered to discuss and address food justice issues, they become catalysts for positive change in their communities. This summit provides a platform for learning, networking, and developing actionable solutions.

What to Expect

• Youth-led conversations about food systems and justice
• Community resilience workshops and discussions
• Meaningful networking opportunities with like-minded organizations
• Learning sessions focused on rural food justice initiatives
• Connection building between youth and community partners

This summit will continue our work within rural communities to address food justice issues and create sustainable solutions. Come with an open mind and be prepared to share your experiences, lessons learned, and best practices in supporting youth leadership around food justice.

Important Requirements

We ask that each participating group be accompanied by at least one staff member or adult representative to support youth participation and ensure a safe, productive environment for all attendees.

Registration Information

Please register using this LINK.

Once registration is submitted, media release forms and permission slips will be shared via email.

For More Information

Please contact: Chelsea Jackson
(910) 874-6789
cjackson@menwomenunited.com

Presented by Youth Ambassadors for a Better Community under the leadership of Men and Women United for Youth and Families 🌱