About Opening the World
Opening the World (OTW) was founded in 2012 and serves underprivileged, transitional age youth (ages 16 to 26) from culturally diverse backgrounds who have experienced trauma, relational conflicts, loss, substance abuse, homelessness, educational challenges, and poverty. Many have also been in the foster care or probation systems.
The OTW program connects these young adults with OTW senior peers who have lived through similar challenges but are now able to share their stories of struggle, hope, growth, and success.
Collectively, we serve our local and global communities through our volunteer work.
Younger Bay Area youth are also able to participate in our local educational events, community service work, and bonding events when appropriate.
Opening the World is a fiscally sponsored project of Community Initiatives.
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Every young person transforms their challenges into strengths to thrive as engaged citizens of the world.
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Opening the World equips diverse young adults in four key areas:
Addressing trauma by developing emotional intelligence and a sense of belonging
Community engagement through volunteer service abroad and locally
Career success through exploration, education, and training
Leadership development through hands-on, supportive opportunities
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We believe that building community and being of service to others not only prepares young people for a place in the changing global economy, but also creates young activists, community organizers, and change agents who, through compassion and service, will build bridges across the divide of our global community.
Although OTW participants may come from different backgrounds and/or cultures, they find common ground and a second family with each other.
What We Value
Community
Sharing common characteristics, interests, or experiences.
Leadership
Exhibiting moral and ethical courage. Setting an example.
Resilience
Ability to recover readily from illness, depression, or adversity.
Exploration
To travel (a region, area, etc.) for the purpose of discovery. To look into closely; scrutinize; examine. To investigate.
Change
To transform. To make the form, nature, content, future different from what it is now or what it would be if left alone.
Adaptability
Ability to learn and adjust to different conditions. Power to effect a constructive change in your life & the world.
Pride
Feeling honor in your accomplishments. Seeing value in yourself, having self-respect.
Honesty
Truthfulness, sincerity, or frankness. Freedom from deceit or fraud.
Courage
The fortitude to do that which is just, no matter what the cost. To face difficulty without fear; bravery.
“Opening the World has COMPLETELY enriched my life and changed my perspective. I'm forever grateful for these people.” -C.K.