“LFW has impacted my life in various ways that I wouldn’t have even fathomed… I expected to meet some interesting individuals, gain international exposure and have some inspirational and insightful chats, but it was more than I imagined. My experience was challenging at times, but it humbled and amazed me to see how much I can impact others. The leadership skills and bonds formed from the journey has encouraged me to break barriers and challenge myself to seek greatness, while creating an enduring legacy for my family.” - Maurice Rodgers, 2018 LFW Fellow
LFW accepts support in many forms, and there are lots of ways to help us bring experiential learning and leadership skills to young Black men. Corporate partnerships, individual donations, and volunteer mentoring for LFW fellows are all ways that individuals and organizations can get involved.
LFW accepts support in many forms, and there are lots of ways to help us bring experiential learning and leadership skills to young Black men. Corporate partnerships, individual donations, and volunteer mentoring for LFW fellows are all ways that individuals and organizations can get involved.
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Donate
50% of LFW’s funding comes from individual donations. This year, your contribution will help LFW launch our partnership campaign, expand our program to include schools in several new states, and increase the number of Fellows we can accept into next year’s cohort, as well as covering the in-country and operational costs of the program. Your gift helps make so much possible. Does your employer have a donation matching program? Check with your HR department to find out if you can double your contribution to LFW today! As of April 2023: NKWA Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for our organization. Their EIN# is 46-5558879. All donations are tax-exempt under their 501(c)(3) tax status. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "NKWA Foundation" (with "Leaders of the Free World" or "LFW" in the memo line) and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, P.O. Box 353, Chicopee MA 01021 Questions? Email [email protected]. |
2018 LFW Roderick Nash
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Sponsor
LFW launched our sponsorship program in 2020, and we are excited to build relationships with corporations interested in investing in their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Black Male Achievement. We partner with companies whose values align with our own and are interested in making positive, impactful change. Each sponsorship goes directly to helping us fund impactful international experiences. The cost of teaching, mentoring, and travel for one LFW Fellow is $5000. This covers in-country costs like food, transport, and accommodations , airline tickets , and materials, administrative, & programming costs . By participating in the LFW sponsorship program, your company will not only contribute to the personal transformations of our Fellows, you will help create a more globally engaged society. Email us at [email protected] to join. |
2018 LFW Fellows: (L to R) Eddie Jones jr, Roderick Nash, Pearson Owens (LFW Board), Jordan Allison
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Mentor
LFW is more than a study abroad program; we help our Fellows set goals, build professional networks, and begin to see themselves as future leaders in their communities. Our mentorship curriculum is designed to help LFW Fellows reach their fullest potential as students and as future leaders. We partner with Black men in every industry to serve as mentors and positive role models for the leaders and change makers of tomorrow. As an LFW Mentor you will:
Mentors are responsible for supporting the success of their cohorts. Mentors are expected to meet bi-weekly with their cohort remotely via web-based video conferencing; take part in monthly mentor debrief calls to discuss any challenges, successes, and updates; utilize their learned experiences and professional expertise while offering constructive feedback to facilitate Fellows' growth; and travel with their cohort to Ghana to participate in international experience portion of the program. Mentors commit to up to 10 hours of mentorship a month for the duration of the program and are responsible for their own travel expenses. LFW Mentors are each paired with two Fellows to help guide their LFW experience. Mentors and Fellows meet at least every other week during the course of the program to talk about the Fellows' academic, professional, and personal goals, and explore strategies towards reaching each. We may try to pair Fellows with Mentors in similar fields to their intended major/profession, however, we find that cross-disciplinary thinking is often an asset in college and the professional world. We welcome Mentors from every industry, as well as government, academia, and Nonprofits/NGOs. Mentorships run the full length of the LFW program, and past Mentors are always welcome to serve in future cohorts. We welcome Mentors who self-identify as Black men in order to provide positive role models with similar backgrounds as our students. Individuals from other identity groups are welcome to get involved in other ways. |
L to R: Maurice Rodgers, 2018 LFE Fellow and 2020 Mentor, Eddie Jones Jr. 2018 LFW Fellow
L to R: Marcus Vilme (2018 Fellow and current Board Member), Maurice Rodgers (2018 Fellow and 2020 Mentor), Ben Stewart (LFW Board Member), Lavar Thomas, (LFW Cofounder)
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Share Your Travel Story
Our travel stories series highlights the first-time travel experiences of Black men. We believe the impact of these experiences are transformational and that these stories are powerful. We want to encourage and inspire more young men of color to travel and to share their stories.
Have a Travel Story? We want to know how your experience changed your life. Click HERE to tell us your story!
As of April 2023:
NKWA Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for our organization. Their EIN# is 46-5558879. All donations are tax-exempt under their 501(c)(3) tax status. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "NKWA Foundation" (with "Leaders of the Free World" or "LFW" in the memo line) and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, 276 Bridge St. Springfield, MA 01103
NKWA Foundation serves as the fiscal sponsor for our organization. Their EIN# is 46-5558879. All donations are tax-exempt under their 501(c)(3) tax status. Checks for Leaders of the Free World should be made out to "NKWA Foundation" (with "Leaders of the Free World" or "LFW" in the memo line) and mailed to: Leaders of the Free World, 276 Bridge St. Springfield, MA 01103