Learn
Monthly Learning Circles
The Monthly Learning Circles are a six-part, cohort-based experience designed for Baltimore’s youth-serving leaders to grow, reflect, and collaborate. From January to June 2026, participants will join one of two learning tracks — Soul Rebels Professional Development or Echoes of Change (Storytelling) — each offering focused skill-building and community connection. As part of the learning lab, the Circles ensure that Baltimore’s Youth Master Plan is grounded in equity, imagination, and practical tools for action.
Who It’s For
Grassroots leaders, youth workers, nonprofit staff, board members, and community partners seeking to deepen their skills in equity-centered practice, healing-centered leadership, or storytelling for impact.
Part of BCYF’s the learning lab: building skills, connection, and power for Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.
Impact from Past Events
The 2025 Learning Circles demonstrated powerful impact:
- 100% participant satisfaction (83% “very satisfied”).
- 91% built three or more new professional connections.
- Confidence in nonprofit infrastructure rose from 5% to 52% “very confident.”
“These sessions taught me how to tell stories that reflect our real impact—not just our history.” — Storytelling Track Participant
Contact & Social
Event Details
- Dates: January 15, February 12, March 19, April 16, May 7, June 2, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
- Location: Baltimore (in-person with some virtual options)
- Format: Monthly cohort sessions with two tracks to choose from
- Cost/Registration Info: Free to attend; stipends available
What You’ll Gain
- Clarity: Learn practical tools for equity-driven practice or powerful storytelling.
- Connection:Join a cohort of peers committed to strengthening Baltimore’s youth ecosystem.
- Inspiration: Explore approaches that honor lived experience and amplify authentic voices.
- Momentum: Apply new strategies to your work and advance the Youth Master Plan.
Agenda Snapshot
Across six monthly sessions from January to June, participants will move through a structured learning journey blending reflection, peer exchange, and applied tools. Two track options allow leaders to tailor their experience:
- Soul Rebels Professional Development Series:
This multi-part training provides tools for youth-serving programs to build trauma-informed, equity-focused, healing-centered approaches. Participants are introduced to three key concepts — equity, trauma-informed approaches, and healing justice — and supported in applying them across their work. Led By New Orleans Youth Alliance. - Echoes of Change (Storytelling): A six-session training series that helps youth-serving organizations expand their impact through narrative. Participants will learn to craft authentic stories rooted in lived experience, use storytelling as a tool for advocacy, and build organizational cultures that amplify youth and community voices.
Speakers / Facilitators
Sessions are facilitated by experienced practitioners in equity-centered youth development, healing-centered practices, communications, and storytelling.
Supports Available
- Free registration for all participants
- Stipends for grassroots organizations
- Session materials and take-home resources
