The Amala Foundation in Austin is Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders
The Amala Foundation unites people from all walks of life and inspires them to grow as individuals and as leaders in service to humanity. They’re headquartered in Austin too, and we think they’re a great non-profit you should know about.
The Amala Foundation
Since 2001, the Amala Foundation has offered over 6,000 youth a unique blend of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) programs and cross-cultural connection aimed at providing the next generation of leaders with a model of inclusion, compassion, commitment and service to their communities.
What do they do?
A lot of incredible stuff, really. From youth summits to camps to leadership training, Amala’s programs promote personal growth, clear communication, deep listening, compassion and an ethos of service.
Amala’s programs focus on young individuals, including refugees and immigrant youth, many of whom have experienced war, abuse, neglect, extreme poverty, child labor, and gang violence; and provide them the opportunity to unite with peers from vastly different backgrounds and participate in meaningful dialogue, community building exercises, and leadership development.
“Give what you want the most.”
Amala’s programs are open to all youth, regardless of their ability to pay; and 80% of their participants receive scholarships.
Source: Amala Foundation
Why does it matter?
At a time when the world is experiencing an alarming increase in violence, fear and division among countries, religions, races and political beliefs, it is imperative that all people, including youth, are provided opportunities to engage and interact with people from different cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds.
This is true in all communities, including Austin.
Consider these facts:
- Austin is one of the most economically segregated cities in the nation.
- Austin public schools were rated “intensely” segregated by the University of Texas.
- Austin is the only large city in the U.S. with a declining African-American population.
- In 2014, 18% of Austin’s high school students missed days of school due to depression and anxiety, and 23% reported an inability to cope with their negative emotions.
- Austin is a resettlement city, with roughly 12,000 refugees currently living, working, and going to school.
In short, our city is segregated, many young people in our community are suffering, and few initiatives exist to integrate citizens from all backgrounds in Austin. And yet, The Amala Foundation served more than 1500 youth from 40 different countries in 2015.
Furthermore, research shows that SEL programs such as Amala’s have proven extremely successful in helping youth:
- Heal from trauma and abuse and develop a positive identity.
- Reduce conduct problems and emotional distress.
- Improve social-emotional skills and personal attitudes about self and others.
- Enhance academic performance and reduce drop out rates.
Source: The Amala Foundation.
Do you think we should empower young people?
Get started right here:
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