About Us

Who we are:     

Teen CHARGE is a dynamic student leadership group committed to empowering young people and creating positive change in our community. Using the idea of “sparks” we encourage teens to explore and utilize their passions, skills, and hobbies- which in turn leads to a wealth of positive outcomes, including: higher self-esteem; fewer risk-taking behaviors; and greater hope for the future.

Mission Statement: Teen CHARGE’s mission is to empower youth to use their “sparks” and serve their communities, while actively promoting 3 key topics: healthy relationships, substance abuse prevention, and mental health awareness. We believe that by engaging in community service and harnessing the power of personal strengths, our members can drive positive change and create supportive environments for their peers.

Key Aspects of Teen CHARGE:.

1. Exploring Interests and Passions

  • Self-Discovery: Teens are encouraged to explore a variety of activities, hobbies, and topics that inspire them, from arts and technology to sports, social issues, or environmental sustainability. This helps teens understand what they are passionate about and how they can leverage those interests for personal growth and community impact.
  • Passion Projects: Teens identify projects or initiatives that align with their passions, whether it’s making a video, creating art for a cause, or starting a social media campaign. This hands-on approach helps teens translate their interests into tangible efforts that benefit others.

2. Leadership Development

  • Building Confidence and Skills: Teen CHARGE provides teens with the tools to develop strong leadership skills, including effective communication, decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration. By stepping into leadership roles, teens build self-esteem and become confident in their abilities.
  • Leadership Opportunities: Through various activities and initiatives, teens take on leadership roles where they can lead by example, plan events, and guide their peers. This empowers them to step up, take responsibility, and learn what it means to be a leader in their communities.

3. Role Modeling for Peers

  • Leading by Example: Teens in the program are encouraged to model positive behaviors and attitudes, demonstrating qualities like kindness, respect, responsibility, and integrity. As role models, they set a positive example for their peers in school and their wider social circles.

4. Community Service and Social Impact

  • Engagement in Community Service: Teen CHARGE promotes hands-on community service, where teens can participate in local volunteer efforts, support charitable organizations, or organize community events. This empowers teens to make a direct and meaningful impact in their neighborhoods and beyond.
  • Service Projects: Teens are encouraged to create and lead group service projects, whether it’s organizing a donation drive, hosting an awareness campaign, or volunteering at local shelters. These projects allow teens to see the results of their efforts and understand the importance of giving back.

5. Providing Feedback to Local Youth Programming

  • Youth Advocacy: Teen CHARGE gives participants the opportunity to engage with and provide feedback to local youth programs, helping to shape and improve youth services in their communities. Teens can serve as youth representatives, offering insights on what programs are working well and what could be improved.
  • Surveys and Discussions: Teens participate in discussions, surveys, or focus groups, where they share their perspectives on existing programs, their needs, and ideas for future initiatives. This feedback helps organizations design better programs that reflect the needs and interests of young people.
  • Program Design and Collaboration: Teen CHARGE encourages teens to collaborate with local youth organizations to create new programs or initiatives that address gaps in services or support areas they feel passionate about, such as mental health, substance use prevention, or career readiness.

6. Developing Advocacy and Civic Engagement Skills

  • Advocacy for Change: Teens learn how to advocate for causes that matter to them and their communities. They are empowered to speak out on important issues, whether it’s through organizing campaigns, creating petitions, or participating in community meetings.

7. Building a Supportive Peer Network

  • Collaborative Learning: Teen CHARGE fosters a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among participants. Teens work together on projects, share experiences, and learn from each other. This creates a supportive network where they can lean on each other for motivation and inspiration.
  • Social Connections: The program encourages teens to form friendships with like-minded peers, offering a safe space to discuss challenges, share ideas, and collaborate on community-focused initiatives.

By blending self-exploration, leadership training, community service, and advocacy, Teen CHARGE gives teens the opportunity to grow personally and professionally, while making a tangible difference in their communities. Through role modeling, feedback to local youth programs, and hands-on projects, teens become empowered leaders who inspire change and positively impact the lives of others.

Join Teen CHARGE today and be part of a dedicated community that empowers young leaders to charge forward towards healthier relationships, substance-free lives, and improved mental well-being. Together, we will lead the way to a brighter, more compassionate future.

Where we came from:

Teen CHARGE was birthed from another peer-to-peer education group known as Pure Passion for Fashion (P2). For 14 years, P2 taught the importance of positive decision-making, self-image, and healthy relationships. P2 was famous for its annual fashion show, but also excelled in cultivating student leaders. If you are interested in learning more about the history of P2, please visit www.purepassionforfashion.org.

The Home of Teen CHARGE:

Teen CHARGE is fully funded through the generous contributions of Wedgwood Christian Services. Wedgwood Christian Services is a social service agency located in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  They have been dedicated to helping youth and families live productive, healthy and fulfilling lives for more than 50 years. Wedgwood’s distinctively Christian, professionally excellent Community, Education and Residential programs have transformed the lives of more than 11,000 youths and families in West Michigan every year. They offer more than 35 programs that address needs such as: substance abuse, mental health, human trafficking, sexual behavior issues, school expulsion, job readiness, STDs and teen pregnancy, and others.  Wedgwood offers one of the largest continuums of care in the state of Michigan, and is a 501C3 agency, accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc.

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