THE GEN-I CHALLENGE

The Gen-I Challenge is a pledge for Native youth to do something positive for their communities. This can include organizing a community event, being active as a youth group or council, or simply serving as a mentor and positive role model – anything that creates a positive impact!

Who can participate?

The Gen-I Challenge is for Indigenous youth between the ages of 14 and 24 years old. Tribes, non-profits, educational institutions, after-school programs can also accept the Challenge by sharing how they plan to support Native youth Challenge Takers.

How does it work?

• • Step 1: ACCEPT the Gen-I Challenge. Tell us what issues you want to address and how you plan to tackle them through this simple online form. Taking the Challenge makes you part of the Gen-I National Native Youth Network, and adds you to the Gen-I Map.
  • Step 2: ACT. Within 30 days of taking the challenge, work with other youth in your community or at your school to do or plan something positive.
    • Examples include:
      • Completing a volunteer project with a local organization or charity;
      • Hosting a meeting with other youth to brainstorm how to address community issues; or
      • Becoming a mentor to a younger person.
  • Reach out to local tribal youth councils, urban tribal youth groups, or other Native youth organizations who can help. We’re also standing by to help you think through ideas!
  • Step 3: CAPTURE. Document your efforts through a short summary (3-4 sentences). Add photos and/or video to show us what you’re working on! Share your photos on the Gen-I Network.
  • Step 4: SHARE your story here and online using #IAmGenI. Click here for our collection of Gen-I stories.
  • Step 5: PARTICIPATE. Participate in the National Native Youth Network by creating an account on the Gen-I Network, check out the resources we share each week (Gen-I NOW), and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, & Snapchat @genindigneous.

Take it to the Next Level

• Become a Gen-I Ambassador for access to exclusive leadership opportunities.
• View a map of all the Gen-I Challenge Takers and Ambassadors.
• Check out the following list of organizations and institutions that were early Gen-I Challenge Acceptors!

American Indian Association of Illinois American Indian College Fund American Indian Higher Education Consortium Boys and Girls Club of America Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute Flying With Eagles Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health National American Indian Education Association National Indian Child Welfare Association National Congress of American Indians National Indian Gaming Association National Indian Health Board National Coalition of Native American College Placement Services Pitzer College Red Cloud Indian School Red Eagle Soaring United Indian Health Services United National Indian Tribal Youth United Tribes Technical College Schilling Media