Oasis/Community IMPACT (OCI) is a grassroots, youth organizing initiative that works with young people in East Nashville to empower them to take control of their future and the future of their schools and neighborhoods. Youth working with OCI, known as Youth Mobilizers, address the educational and economic issues that are important to them and hinder the chance of success for themselves, their families, and the entire community. Youth Mobilizers address these issues through peer education, community research, public speaking, and advocacy. Along the way, Youth Mobilizers develop their own critical leadership skills, not just through leadership training, but from on-the-job experience.

“Those who live in low-income neighborhoods often get used to living in the conditions that they live in instead of trying to change them. I believe that any neighborhood can be changed if the residents believe.” –Youth Mobilizer

Youth working with Oasis/Community IMPACT have:

· Developed valuable leadership skills including research and writing skills, public speaking and advocacy, community and self awareness, and many more.

· Surveyed over 700 public high school students and held focus groups to learn about their access to college counseling in their schools.

· Written a researched report called College Access: from the Inside Out to bring the student voice to the issue of educational equality. (Download report at www.Teenedge.com)

· Facilitated over 30 educational and economic workshops for residents of all ages of the East Nashville community.

· Researched the issues of predatory lending, fast tax schemes, banking, credit and identity theft.

· Coordinated and led a youth rally for school funding at City Hall.

· Written over 200 letters to local officials to advocate for fully funding public schools.

· Advocated to the Board of Education to protect guidance counselors from budget cuts