One Spirit Partnered with Heart Bridge
Heart Bridge recently contributed funds to One Spirit to send these young ladies, Larissa and Ashanti from Allen to One Spirits partnership location in Hampton Beach, NH. It will be quite a change of scenery and pace! We can't wait to see what they get up to while there. To learn more about our employment program or make a donation to support participants like Larissa and Ashanti, please check out our website or send us a message! One Spirit takes care of many necessities for these young adults like airfare, work clothes, and daily living expenses. Every donation counts and is appreciated!
THE UNITY NATIONAL CONFERENCE
The National UNITY Conference is an impactful five-day youth-led annual event held every July in a pre-selected region of the U.S. About 2,500 Native youth and advisors are expected to attend the 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota (July 8 – 12). The National UNITY Conference complete with general sessions, regional caucuses, workshops, career/education fair, and fun evening activities provides hands-on leadership development activities and where the National UNITY Council conducts elections and its annual business meeting. The national conference is a place where Native youth voice is encouraged and valued. All activities are planned with safety in mind. In addition, UNITY offers unique youth programming through its UNITY Fire and UNITY Drum. The UNITY Fire, which burns 24-7 during the annual conference and led by alumni fire keepers, is used for social and prayer purposes and has provided conference attendees an opportunity for support, healing and spiritual nourishment. The fire is meant for all beliefs and religions to share their “Good Medicine” with other participants. The UNITY Drum, also led by alumni, is an open drum with roots in the southern style of powwow singing. All youth singers are encouraged to bring their drumsticks to join in. While youth leaders meet, advisors and adults who work with youth are also involved in intense training and networking activities. Adult training may include building rapport, peer-to-peer sharing, conflict resolution, approaches to youth work, and more.