Our   Leadership Pathway

The CFK Legacy Youth Initiative is one program with three leadership levels. As youth grow in leadership, responsibility, and service, they have opportunities to advance through the program.

Level 1 – CFK Kids

Ages 10–19

Learning. Growing. Belonging.

CFK Kids is open to youth beginning at age 10. Participants attend quarterly activities that combine fun, leadership, service, and personal growth while building friendships and learning Dr. King's principles.

Participants enjoy:

• Quarterly leadership and enrichment events

• Community service opportunities

• Team-building activities

• Learning Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence

• Conflict resolution and positive decision-making

• Character development

During their first year, youth are encouraged to demonstrate leadership, responsibility, service, and commitment. Those qualities help determine whether they may be invited to join the Youth Advisory Council.

Level 2 – Youth Advisory Council

Leadership Team

Leading. Serving. Inspiring.

The Youth Advisory Council is a select leadership team made up of youth who have demonstrated commitment through participation in CFK Kids.

Youth Advisory members:

• Attend monthly leadership meetings

• Plan and lead youth initiatives

• Mentor CFK Kids participants

• Organize community service projects

• Serve as ambassadors in their schools and community

• Promote Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence

• Practice conflict resolution and peaceful problem-solving

Youth Advisory members help shape the future of the CFK Legacy Youth Initiative while serving as role models for younger participants.

Level 3 – Next Generation Leaders

Age 20+

Leading Tomorrow's Leaders

After aging out of the Youth Advisory Council at age 20, participants become Next Generation Leaders.

Rather than leaving the program, they continue serving by:

• Mentoring Youth Advisory members

• Helping plan CFK Kids activities

• Leading youth initiatives

• Coordinating community service projects

• Investing in the next generation of leaders

• Promoting Dr. King's Six Principles of Nonviolence

• Teaching and modeling conflict resolution

Next Generation Leaders help ensure the CFK Legacy continues by preparing future leaders to serve with purpose and compassion.

I Am CFK Legacy

Being part of the CFK Legacy Youth Initiative means making a commitment to yourself, your community, and the principles of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Every participant is encouraged to live by these four statements:

✔ I Am Somebody

✔ I Choose Me

✔ I Choose Nonviolence

✔ Somebody Loves Me

These statements remind our youth of their value, their purpose, and their responsibility to lead with respect, compassion, and courage.

Start Your Leadership Journey

Whether you're looking to make new friends, serve your community, build leadership skills, or prepare for your future, there's a place for you in the CFK Legacy Youth Initiative.

Building Leaders. Transforming Lives. Changing Our Community. That's the CFK Legacy.

Chairperson: Tabitha McRunnels • (662) 397-4690

Executive Director: Shanae Shoemaker • (662) 231-3274

Email: committeeforking86@gmail.com