The MVMNT. empowers and uplifts underserved youth as a means to combat oppression, marginalization, and threats to their safety. To that end, the organization focuses on skill-building, civic and community engagement, arts education and the curation and facilitation of safe spaces for its constituents.

REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATION: THE MOVEMENT

Founded in January, 2019- the movement began as a Registered Student Organization on the campus of Illinois State University. The organization served as a safe space for students on campus to discuss pressing maters on campus as it pertained to race, equity and the overall safety of students.

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION: THE MVMNT.

The transition from Normal, IL to Chicago, IL in the height of COVID pushed the organization to shift its focus from campus-wide student advocacy to city-wide youth advocacy. Now, as a 501 c3 non-profit recognized as The MVMNT., the organization remains rooted in its love for serving the community in meaningful and transformative ways. Our most recent project primarily focuses on introducing the organization to Chicago through programming, events and community engagement.

SAVE THE YOUTH

Launched in 2024, the Save the Youth project serves as a dynamic introduction of the organization to Chicago by offering programs and events that align with its mission, providing youth with access to arts, mentorship, and leadership development. Designed to recruit and empower Chicago’s young people, the project also supports families by providing essential resources during back-to-school season and throughout the holidays, ensuring continued engagement and meaningful community impact.

SAVE THE YOUTH PROJECT

The Save the Youth Project is built on three key components that ensure we actively live out our core values.

Community Engagement goes beyond service, we not only show up to support our communities, but also listen, learn, and gather feedback on what is most needed and desired.

Programming is our response to that feedback, using our resources to create opportunities, experiences, and solutions that bring community needs and ideas to life.

Collaboration reflects our belief that we move further together. We partner with organizations and leaders creating transformative impact in unique ways, seeking those who share our values and understand that our best work is done in unity.

Community Engagement

We take a different approach to community engagement by showing up in ways that are both meaningful and transformative. We create events and services that build genuine relationships, inspire connection, and make others want to give back, creating experiences that feed the soul of both those receiving support and those providing it.

Through community engagement initiatives such as Owt n About: Santa’s Helpers, Street Threads, and our Back to School Drive, we proudly show up for our community when support is needed most. Whether during the holiday season or the start of a new school year, we remain committed to serving families, meeting essential needs, and creating moments of care and connection.

Programming

Our programming is built with youth at the center, shaped by the voices, ideas, and needs of those we serve. Through consistent community engagement, relationship-building, and direct feedback, we create opportunities and experiences that truly reflect what young people want to see in their communities and futures.

Our current program, PTWCO Pt. 2, gives students hands-on experience in the creative and business process of launching their own fashion collection. From graphic design and promotional events to learning how to generate consistent revenue, participants are empowered to invest in their talents while stepping into the role of real designers and entrepreneurs.

Collaboration

Collaboration is our commitment to investing in those who are setting the standard for our youth. We partner with creatives, leaders, and visionaries who embody the bold thinking and originality we encourage in our students. By working alongside them, we give young people the opportunity to see firsthand that their ideas matter and their visions are valid.

REDEAUX, Illinois State University, Guitars Over Guns, Brilliance and Excellence, Comer Children’s Hospital, UCAN, and Chicago State University are just few of the organizations we’ve had the honor of partnering and building with. Through collaborative events, service initiatives, and impactful programming, we have worked together to maximize resources, stay rooted in our mission, and create meaningful opportunities that uplift and support our youth.

HAPPENING NOW

During the winter season, we hosted a clothing and toy drive and distributed roses to community members for Valentine’s Day as a way to uplift those who may have needed extra love and support.

As we move into the summer, we are creating new opportunities for youth and young adults to get involved with our program. We are currently offering service internships for Illinois State University students that provide graduation credit through volunteerism and community-based work. We will also be hosting a sneaker and clothing giveaway to help students prepare for the new school year at the end of the summer.

ILLINOIS STATE CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNSHIP

Are you a Criminal Justice student looking for a meaningful way to connect with your community while gaining hands-on experience? We are now accepting applications for our Summer 2026 Service Internship for students based in Chicago. Click the link below to learn more and apply today!

STREET THREADS

As we prepare for our Back-to-School Clothing Pop-Up Shop, we are collecting gently worn sneakers to be restored and redistributed to youth for the upcoming school year. We’re asking our community to take a fresh look through your closets and donate pairs you no longer wear or plan to wear anytime soon.

Sneakers are meant to be worn, appreciated, and enjoyed, not left collecting dust. Your donation can help a young person step into the new school year with confidence, style, and the essentials they deserve. Every pair donated will be thoughtfully placed into the right hands and given a second life where it matters most. Donate your unworn sneakers today and help us make a real difference!

For donation pick-ups or drop-offs message us @themvmntchicago on Instagram.

 MEET THE BOARD

Our board is made up of passionate, experienced leaders who share a deep commitment to uplifting Chicago youth. With backgrounds in youth care, education, advocacy, leadership, finance, equity, and community service, our team brings a diverse range of skills and perspectives that help guide our mission and create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Together, we are dedicated to building safe, empowering spaces where youth feel seen, supported, and inspired to grow. United by service and driven by impact, our board works to create programs and initiatives that strengthen the next generation and the communities they call home.