During our orientation in October, we asked participants to share what they're excited to learn and share in their Next Up year. Here's what a few of them had to say.
"When I first heard of the Next Up program, immediately I knew it was something I was very interested in. Working in the social services field I have been witness to many of the injustices that many marginalized people face on a regular basis. Reading more into the Next Up program, I knew this was a perfect beginning point for me to engage in actively making changes within the system. I am excited to meet likeminded people, build my network, and begin learning about how to make effective changes in a very broken system. I am looking forward to starting this journey and am grateful for this opportunity!" Samantha Harris
"I have always had a dream of fighting injustice in my society. Being a black woman, I have seen my people deprived of so many opportunities. I wanted to be a fighter but I did not have the weapons to fight; which is why I joined Next Up. I joined this leadership program so I could sharpen my skills and develop the necessary skills needed to fight for my people. I believe that this is the start of something new for me and that this program would help me to better make a change in the society." Anjolaoluwa Obafisoye
"When I read the words 'progressive leadership' I knew Next Up was something I had to be a part of. I am so excited to be a part of a group of likeminded individuals looking to effect change in areas of social justice and environmentalism. Through Next Up, I hope to make lasting connections with fellow progressive change makers in my community. My activism centers around LGBTQIA issues and intersectional feminism and I want to learn how to inspire and motivate people to rally around a movement or cause, skills I look forward to learning through Next Up." Juliana Perez
