There is a deficit in character and community-focused education in this country, a problem heightened in low-income areas where empowering, actionable training is unequally distributed. Through Youth Revive’s programs, youth become character-driven, wanting to rebuild, reconnect, and revive their community, ultimately becoming active and caring local leaders  

Founded by Adrian McConnell—a former youth pastor with firsthand experience of the challenges in under-resourced Kansas City neighborhoods—Youth Revive was born after Adrian recognized the urgent need to empower youth with the skills necessary for community development .

Youth Revive’s Ignite Me Action Curriculum comprises modules with six critical components focused on character development and community engagement:

• Examine Community: Youth analyze their surroundings through community surveys or asset mapping to understand local individuals, institutions, and spaces.

• Identify Key Issues: Youth identify personally relevant issues, focusing on the most salient challenges through root-cause analysis .

• Research: Youth conduct primary and secondary research to gather evidence for their issues and propose solutions .

• Plan for Action: Youth develop strategies and tactics to address their proposed solutions .

• Taking Action: Youth draft and implement a plan to take action on an identified issue and its root cause .

• Reflection: Youth present their work at CAP Day, receive feedback, and identify partners for project implementation

As a result of engaging with Youth Revive, young people develop a stronger sense of community character. They participate in ongoing education and advocacy campaigns that can lead to meaningful change. They believe in their power to make a difference in their neighborhoods and demonstrate the willingness to accept personal, social, and economic responsibility for their own actions. They become character-driven leaders who work to reconnect, rebuild, and revive their surroundings.

Youth Revive and Rising Blazers share a vision for youth and community engagement. This collaborative effort is stirring change and moving our communities in a direction that motivates every resident.