Our youth, the most vulnerable members of society, face pressures and stress at a level unknown in modern times.
Bullying. Racism. Peer pressure. Climate change. Wars. Homelessness.
Violence. Gangs. Drugs. Abuse or neglect at home. Food insecurity.
Mental health issues. Pandemics. Poverty. How can we deepen
resilience in children so they can thrive despite such overwhelming
obstacles?
After a successful career as a dancer and choreographer,
founder Liz LeGrande donated everything she owned to charity and moved
to Bali, where she vigorously studied meditation and breathwork. Upon
returning to the states, she traveled the nation on a mission to
empower teenagers through the healing powers of movement and
meditation. LeGrande visited nearly 100 public schools throughout 22
states, meeting with some students in state-of-the-art performance
halls and air-conditioned computer labs overlooking lush gardens and
waterscapes. Then, just a few miles down the road, she worked with
students in crumbling cinderblock classrooms, hardscape playgrounds,
and nothing but bleakness visible through grimy windows. Those
disadvantaged educational environments communicated a dire message to
the students, “You’ll never amount to anything.”
The economic disparities and multiple social crises she saw in the schools burdened her. “What can I do to ensure that all students receive the tools they need to thrive?”That burning question led Ms.LeGrande to create The Global Village, to empower students to develop emotionally and socially regardless of their economic circumstances.
We have assembled a team of community leaders, educational experts, pediatric behavioral health professionals, and equity-focused organizers. Together we develop projects to maximize impact, leverage scientific data, and provide mentor networks designed to support, expand, and redefine possibilities for our youth.We need your help to make this dream, a reality.
