Ambassadors of Promise, Agents of Change

This past weekend, I caught a glimpse of the promise that lies within our youth.

UrbanPromise International has just launched our newest program, Ambassadors of Promise, which provides the opportunity for youth from UrbanPromise sites to spend their summer working at another UPI affiliate. This year, Camden and Wilmington each sent a student to UrbanPromise Miami, where they will be helping to lead their newest camp, meeting with executive leadership, and developing legacy projects to be implemented upon their return home.

As I sat in the airport with Pedro and Steven, waiting with them for their flight to Miami, I reflected on all of the time and effort it has taken to get here, the hours spent coordinating housing and transport, and the daunting process of launching a brand new program.

Steven and Pedro, about to take flight

Steven and Pedro, our first Ambassadors of Promise

It has not been easy, but after meeting Steven and Pedro, I am sure that it has all been worth it.

It takes a certain amount of bravery to be the first to do anything, and these two are our pioneers, choosing to spend a summer in a different city, far away from family and friends. I met with them last Friday for a brief orientation prior to their departure, and as we discussed summer schedules, flight details, and expectations for the trip, I was deeply impressed by both their passion and commitment.

Pedro started at UrbanPromise as a camper, and then later was employed as a StreetLeader. Steven’s family has been a part of UP Wilmington for years, and three years ago, he started as a StreetLeader. After displaying exemplary leadership skills, he was promoted to the position of TeamLeader, where he now oversees other employed teens. Both speak with such pride when asked about their sites and their roles within the UrbanPromise family.

During a break, the boys were swapping stories of past AllCamp days, of favorite interns and memorable campers and it reaffirmed my love for the vision behind UrbanPromise International: to pour into young leaders so that they themselves can embody change. I came to Camden because I liked the ideas of sustainable development and empowerment. In my year here, I’ve met incredible men and women with big dreams and the passion to call them into being.

However, it was through these two teenage boys that I was struck by the power of what we do.  I saw in them the future of UrbanPromise, the next interns, camp directors, and project leaders. I have no doubt that these two will lead lives of passionate purpose and I am honored to get to be a small part of their journey. --Margaret Wooten