FAQs

What is Change The Story?

It’s a social justice accelerator. We run a collaborative program where young activists lead faith community teams to build a social justice project that helps local communities.

WhY DO WE DO THIS?

We do this because we recognize that young activists need support to realize their dreams of a more just and equitable world. Additionally, we know that faith communities across the country often lack young adults in their congregations. By connecting congregations eager to put their faith into action with motivated young activists who lack resources and partners, we aim to build bridges between the two groups. Through these connections, we hope they will learn to interact in ways that can be applied to other relationships beyond our program.

THIS IS NOT A RECRUITMENT PROGRAM. No young activist is expected to join any faith community, and no faith community member is allowed to try recruiting their young activist.

What is the time commitment?

All participants attend a Launch Weekend (Friday evening, all day Saturday, and Sunday afternoon). After the Weekend Launch, teams build a projet over roughly six months. During that time they regularly meet at a mutually agreed-upon cadence that works best for the team members. This varies depending on the program. (Minimally once a month but some teams meet once a week).

What types of projects do you work on?

This depends on the Young Activist that each faith community is partnered with. Some of the projects include building a social justice library, building awareness for local Juneteenth festivals, and helping to connect patients of color with doctors of color to reduce medical biases.

How much does it cost?

It is completely free of charge for all participants. Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Endowment, we offer grants up to $10,000 for each project to make them viable and worthwhile to the community.