Mikva Challenge

Mikva Challenge

Non-profit Organizations

Chicago, IL 2,139 followers

We support youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society.

About us

Mikva Challenge develops youth to be informed, empowered, and active citizens and community leaders. We do this by engaging youth in action civics, an authentic and transformative learning process built on youth voice and youth expertise. Core Values: Our values challenge the status quo. Traditional schooling emphasizes adult lectures and students as passive learners. Mikva Challenges adheres to the following core values when implementing our mission: We believe that by providing high quality programming in under-resourced communities and schools, we can eliminate the civic achievement gap. We believe that if youth voice is included in decision-making that policy makers will make more informed decisions. We believe that the best way to learn democracy is to do democracy. We believe action civics is an essential tool to help young people develop the skills, knowledge, and attitudes to be informed, empowered, and active citizens. We believe youth are not apathetic, and that by inviting them into the political process they will become powerful and thoughtful citizens. We believe that Mikva Challenge always needs to be nonpartisan to allow young people to formulate their own opinions and choose the candidates and issues they want to support. Vision: Mikva Challenge envisions a world where: Citizens are informed, empowered, and active Youth voice is valued in decision making Civic leaders reflect the nation’s diversity Action civics is prioritized in education

Industry
Non-profit Organizations
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Chicago, IL
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
1997
Specialties
Youth Engagement, Teacher Training and Professional Development, Civic Education, and Leadership Development

Locations

Employees at Mikva Challenge

Updates

  • View organization page for Mikva Challenge, graphic

    2,139 followers

    We are incredibly proud of Mikva Challenge youth Sanaa Fedrick, Eddie Bautista, and teacher Kelly Fischer for sharing their powerful insights on why youth involvement in civics and the electoral process matters during the recent WTTW/Chicago PBS virtual panel “Chicago Voices: Youth and Civic Engagement.” Moderated by Chicago Tonight’s Joanna Hernandez, this conversation highlighted how young leaders are making real, lasting change in their communities. If you missed it, be sure to check out the recording and hear how these voices are helping make democracy a verb! Watch the panel replay here: https://lnkd.in/efAKGYGK #YouthVoices #CivicEngagement #DemocracyIsAVerb #MikvaChallenge #ChicagoYouth #ActionCivics

    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Mikva Challenge reposted this

    View profile for Daria Hall, MPA, graphic

    Social Change Strategist | DEIJ Advocate | Communications Exec

    Congrats to Mikva Challenge as it celebrates 25 years of service focused on developing the next generation of civic leaders to be active, informed and empowered citizens building a more just and equitable society. I look forward to the next 25 years as Mikva continues to grow to reach even more young people who will use their voices to serve their communities. ❤️ #democracyisaverb #youthvoice #powersharing #communitybuilding

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
      +10
  • Mikva Challenge reposted this

    View profile for Berto Aguayo, graphic

    J.D. | Executive Director, Increase The Peace | Incoming Associate, K&L Gates

    I was honored to speak at the 25th Anniversary of Mikva Challenge and help them reach their goal of raising $500,000 for youth civic programs! Mikva Challenge gave me the opportunity to work in an Alderman’s office when I was in high school—an experience that transformed my life. It sparked my transformation from a youth facing challenges to a life of civic service. Seventy-six years ago, in 1948, Abner Mikva was turned away from a similar opportunity after visiting his local ward committeeman. He was told, "We don't want nobody nobody sent." Abner went on to serve in all three branches of government, mentor hundreds of civic leaders—including Justice Elena Kagan and President Barack Obama—and establish Mikva Challenge, with the mission of providing youth opportunities to get involved in civic life. I spoke yesterday as a grateful benefactor of one of those opportunities, the same kind of opportunity that Abner was once denied. Thank you, Mikva Challenge, for 25 years of empowering youth and transforming lives. If you'd like to learn more about Mikva and support their goal of reaching 2 million youth by 2034, click on the link below: https://lnkd.in/gwdYgfXg #MikvaChallenge #DemocracyIsAVerb

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • Mikva Challenge reposted this

    View profile for Jordyn Middleton, graphic

    Williamson Distinguished Scholar at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Honors Carolina Scholar

    There is so much power in community! This past weekend, I had the incredible honor of celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Mikva Challenge. Over the last six years, this organization has been a beacon of empowerment for me and countless other youth, illuminating the strength of our voices and the profound impact we can have on the world around us. Mikva Challenge is dedicated to ensuring youth are informed and active citizens who are committed to fostering a just and equitable society. For a quarter of a century, they have championed a vision of a stronger, more inclusive democracy that truly values youth voices. Serving as the emcee for this momentous celebration was a privilege I will always cherish. A heartfelt thank you to Verneé Green and the Mikva Challenge Family for this amazing opportunity. I am excited to continue the legacy of Mr. Mikva and ensure that Democracy is a Verb.

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
  • View organization page for Mikva Challenge, graphic

    2,139 followers

    What an incredible night at Mikva Challenge’s 25th Anniversary Benefit, Democracy is A Verb! We were proud to honor David Hiller former President & CEO of the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, with our Changemaker Award for his unwavering support of youth civic engagement. We also recognized champions—founders, donors, educators, alumni, and board members—who have been pivotal in empowering over 300,000 young people to shape their communities. As we look ahead, we’re more committed than ever to expanding our reach to 2 million youth annually by 2034. #CivicEducation #YouthVoice #DemocracyInAction #Changemakers

    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
    • No alternative text description for this image
      +5
  • View organization page for Mikva Challenge, graphic

    2,139 followers

    Today, we’re excited to see all of our amazing alumni! But we’re also eagerly anticipating tomorrow when we host the Mikva Challenge 25th Anniversary Benefit. Join us for a spectacular evening as we celebrate 25 years of empowering young leaders and advancing democratic engagement. We can’t wait to see you there!

    • No alternative text description for this image

Similar pages

Browse jobs