The Unity Project
Empowering communities of young people to initiate social change.
The Unity Project is a program that operates in Charlotte in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools. A group of 12 students from each Unity school is selected to represent the diversity of their community. They then embark on a wilderness expedition designed to assert their common humanity, to develop their courage and compassion as leaders, to establish a democratic forum within which to discussion challenging issues, and to create a model community within their crew. Upon returning home, the group forms a Unity Club to organize and implement projects addressing issues that affect their community. Objectives
Students are recruited to represent the diversity of their school or youth group and the wider community. Preparation occurs by community-building within the group, introducing students to diversity issues, briefing students for their wilderness course and getting physically fit. Phase II: Wilderness Course High school students undertake a seven-day wilderness course. During this time, students develop personal qualities they need to become community leaders and create a learning culture within which issues of diversity and social justice can be positively addressed. This community of 12 offers a model from which students can analyze their community back home and imagine a more inclusive and just future.
Upon returning to their schools, Unity students organize and participate in community projects that apply their new skills and initiate meaningful social change. Support A teacher, counselor or other school staff member acts as the school’s Unity Advisor. The Advisor’s role is to recruit students for the wilderness course and Unity Club, and support students through the design and execution of their projects. The Advisor is supported through all phases of the Unity Project by the NCOBS Unity Curriculum and the Charlotte Program Coordinator. We strongly recommend that every coordinator takes an NCOBS Educator’s Course. |
"I regard it as the foremost task of education to insure the survival of these qualities: an enterprising curiosity, an indefatigable spirit, tenacity in the pursuit, readiness for sensible self-denail, and above all, compassion." -Kurt Hahn, Founder of Outward Bound
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The Four Pillars
Physical Fitness
Building the physical and emotional stamina to meet challenges.
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Craftsmanship
Modeling quality and intention in one’s actions.
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Self-Reliance
Being resourceful, recognizing and applying personal strengths.
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Compassion
Selflessly engaging in the welfare and dignity of others.
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