Changing Destinations mission is to prepare youth locally and globally to thrive as leaders and global citizens, equipped to positively impact their communities and the world. We envision a world where youth are prepared to lead with confidence in diverse communities; motivated to actively seek innovative solutions to improve the world around them; and have the skills and knowledge needed to be highly effective global citizens.

 

The reality of structural racism in the United States must be understood through our nation’s shameful history of persecution through slavery, as well historical policies, practices, and violent behaviors that still plague our nation. Violent crimes and acts of terrorism committed against Black and Brown people has not been fully addressed. The deep racial, ethnic, economic, and educational inequities still exist because too many people have not acknowledged the long-term devastating affects their ancestor’s crimes have had on the Black population especially. Conversely, they have not accepted responsibility for the economic divide although they are direct beneficiaries of generational wealth gained from discrimination (Slavery, Black Codes, Jim Crow, Redlining, etc.). Changing Destinations aims to foster dialogue among its youth and encourage action toward fulfillment of the 13th Amendment, "We hold these truths to be self-evident, THAT ALL [People] ARE CREATED EQUAL; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

 

Therefore, it is our moral and ethical responsibility as an organization to address issues of racism through our Global Citizenship Education initiatives and activities. Our efforts are not politically motivated, but educational in nature. We will engage youth in necessary conversations to help them understand and confront injustice, inequality, anguish, and suffering that structural racism and violence creates locally and globally. We endeavor to teach our diverse network of students and empower them with the knowledge and skills needed to be morally responsible influential leaders and effective global citizens equipped to make the United States and the world a more just and peaceful society.

 

We Condemn Racism, Violence, and Social, Educational and Economic Inequality. We Promote Tolerance, Peace, Justice, Equity, & Equal Opportunity for All!

 

Sasha E. Buter

Executive Director

 

Rose Varner-Gaskins

Founder