At Community Tampa Bay, we believe that when young people see the world through each other’s eyes, they are mobilized to change it for the better. We’re only 10 days away from Giving Tuesday, and we’re continuing to highlight the very people whose worlds have been changed by dialogue, empathy, and action, through our programs like ANYTOWN®, our signature summer leadership program.
Inspired by our popular ANYTOWN® icebreaker “In My World…,” each of their stories begin with this same simple phrase, but reveals something extraordinary — a world that’s kinder, more just, and more inclusive because of Community Tampa Bay and your support.
Nala first connected with our programming after participating in Stetson Law’s 2024 Pathways to Justice Academy, a weeklong teen civic engagement summer program. Nala, along with a handful of others from the Pathways program, participated in our 2024-2025 Advocacy Academy program and she was eager to attend ANYTOWN® in summer 2025. Read below to learn how her mother’s world, in addition to her own, has been changed and impacted by these programs!
Racquel, Nala’s mother: “In my world, it’s essential that my daughter grows up with the values of empathy, understanding, and community. The Advocacy Academy program has played a powerful role in shaping her into a more open-minded and compassionate individual. Through this program, she has been surrounded by a well-rounded, supportive community that encourages dialogue, celebrates differences, and uplifts every voice. The week she spent attending the ANYTOWN® program was transformative. It allowed her to build genuine relationships with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering a deeper understanding of culture, identity, and heritage. This immersive experience not only strengthened her sense of self but also expanded her capacity to appreciate the unique journeys of others. I truly believe that the Advocacy Academy is a program every teenager should experience. It provides a safe and inspiring space where young people can find belonging, cultivate empathy, and grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens. More than anything, it builds a lasting spirit of community that continues to positively influence their perspectives long after the program ends.”
Nala: “In my world, the ANYTOWN® experience was one of the most eye-opening experiences I ever had! Over the summer, I had the opportunity to attend the week-long ANYTOWN® program, and it truly changed the way I see the world. It helped me become a more reflective and open-minded person, allowing me to better understand and appreciate people from different backgrounds and experiences. At first, going into the program was something completely new and outside my comfort zone, but by the end, I had built a real family there, one that I still stay in touch with today. If I could, I would do the program over and over again because of how meaningful and eye-opening it was. I loved the experience so much that I want to be a counselor at the next camp!”
On December 2nd, Giving Tuesday, you can support our mission of cultivating changemakers and leaders who are more open-minded, understanding, empathetic, and want to better their communities. Your gift makes experiences like ANYTOWN® and Advocacy Academy possible for young people across the Tampa Bay region.
