R.A.D.I.C.A.L.S stands for: Respecting Accepting Differences In Courage And Love Sincerely 

14 stands for two things : FOR TEEN  and the minimum age is 14 to join (unless your freshman status at age 13). 

 

14 Radicals Mission Statement:  

To provide a diverse social atmosphere for teens outside of school, which will promote respect for diversity, empowerment and citizenship while meeting the psychological, educational, social and artistic needs that are unique to teens, in a teen culture environment.

 

14 Radicals Vision Statement: 

To help create 14 Radical organizations in all cities, states and international locations to operate in and serve their teen community while providing opportunities to interact with teens from other 14 Radical organizations across the nation and around the globe.

 

Why are we different? 

Our society typically establishes organizations and clubs that target youth based on:  

• Religious affiliation:  Youth groups targeting specific religious denominations.  
• Socio-economic statuses: These well-intending organizations target youth typically located in low income neighborhoods. While their mission is noble, their modality further segregates their target group from other youth who are of a differing socio-economic status. Their membership is limited because most teens do not want to be affiliated with an organization that classifies them as socio-economically disadvantaged.
• Physical Sports/athletic ability. Further alienating youth who are neither interested nor able to participate in sports. 
• Intellectual abilities: private schools/gifted programs further alienating those students with different learning styles, interests, and abilities.

 

Failure to meet the needs that are unique to teens

Most programs designed to meet the needs of teens have historically targeted one of the above target groups. This lack of interaction and lack involvement with teens from all socio-economic, religious, cultural and racial groups further fosters a lack of respect for diversity, whereby enhancing feelings of alienation and negative stereotyping.  

Another reason many organizations  fail in their attempts to meet the needs of teens, is because they are not narrow enough in their targeted market. Most organizations say they serve youth, but elementary, middle school, and high school age youth are very different psychologically, biologically and intellectually. No specific organization can effectively meet the needs of all youth based on different interests and needs that are age specific.

The Solution

Teens need to be able to function in a diverse world and we need to provide the outlet to help them do so, while also meeting other needs that are unique to teens. We have the impetus and means to accomplish the goals of our programs. Our programs are  based upon sound research. These programs will reduce tension amongst the varying groups and foster harmonious relations. 

 Two key ingredients are necessary to reduce tensions that already exist between different groups:  

1.      Common goal or purpose

2.      Repeated interaction and exposure with differing groups.  

14 Radicals is scientifically designed to reduce negative stereotypes and prejudices.  The organization offers teens the opportunity to unite  for a common purpose (creating there own teen center). In so doing they will learn appreciation and respect for diversity, form harmonious relations with people from different backgrounds, and meet their interest and needs that are unique to teens in a teen culture environment  Teens will get to interact daily with a larger amount of teens from other surrounding high schools. They will have the opportunity to come together with teens from all over the world. Because of our Community Service Award of Excellence (CSAE) program, our teens will be encouraged to participate in volunteer activities throughout their community and be rewarded through our recognition program  for outstanding community service. 

Our programs are accessed from our World Wide Web presence. This is where we are able to easily communicate and interact with teens from anywhere in the world. Teens can join online and utilize our programs from their own computers, as well as, meet at our designated locations. So teens can get involved no matter where they live and be a part of all our programs.  

At teens.14radicals.com, all teens will be able to unite with other teens to create harmonious relations and take advantage of our wonderful programs while helping to fulfill 14 Radicals mission and vision.

 

President and Founder  

Margo Kelly lived in a metropolitan area, where gang violence and youth problems were prevalent. She decided to move because the problems had become so pervasive. She received the vision for this unique organization upon her move years ago with her daughter (who at the time was 8).  She set out to establish an organization dedicated to eliminating prejudice and social stereotyping which foster violence and alienation.  Margo Kelly holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Communication Studies, a Minor in Leadership Studies, is a Certified Mediator, was a Facilitator for race relations, and has received her Certification in Nonprofit Management through Duke University. She has diligently researched and explored her vision to generate support and make it a success.  Several years in the making has gotten 14 Radicals to this point. Now that the passion has become a reality we need your support and involvement to accomplish the international success we are striving for.