Since 2016 YMOC has empowered over 2,250 Young Men in middle school and high school with 80 empowering workshops, 4,500 meals, $15,000 in financial stimulus, countless resources, and priceless tools. This year we are more optimistic as ever as we celebrate the “9th Annual Greater Des Moines Conference For Young Men Of Color” on Saturday, October 26, 2024, 9:00AM-3:00PM at Drake University, Olmsted Center.
OUR MISSION
Utilize arts & culture to
empower underprivileged/over-challenged Youth
OUR VISION
A thriving society where all Youth are healthy, optimistic, prosperous, and inspiringly expressive
OUR PURPOSE
Counter systems and cultures that challenge society's H.O.P.E. for the future.
OUR VALUES
Health, Opportunity, Prosperity, Edutainment
PLEDGE
Today I know I matter
My choices are mine and mine alone
If I am to succeed
I must take responsibility for my actions
I am more than you can see
I am the product of something divine
No one can put me down, unless I let them
Because today I know I matter
OATH OF OPTIMISM
Our Kids will NOT be...
victims of society,
casualties of systems or isms, underprivileged or over-challenged, because they will have the privilege of possessing the tools to control their own actions, environments, situations and outcomes.
Recent Media Coverage:
https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/2023/01/21/many-shades-colour-event-hip-hope-change-girls-lives/69821206007/ https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/valora-james-co-chair-hip-170819772.html https://www.weareiowa.com/video/news/community/hip-hope-many-shades-of-colour-leadership-retreat/524-5b62864c-d792-4d41-b769-347f26a4b22f https://uw-media.elpasotimes.com/videos/opinion/2023/01/20/valora-james-co-chair-hip-hope-incs-many-shades-color-young-womens-conference/11089450002/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFkK2SovePk https://www.weareiowa.com/article/news/community/hope-hope-inc-2021-conference-shades-of-colour-i-am-me/524-1702e1cf-fe40-4096-89bf-59c4d3e45422 https://www.beaconjournal.com/videos/entertainment/arts/arts-in-iowa/2021/02/23/hip-hope-msc-promo-short-1-f/4501774001/ https://amescsd.org/2021/03/many-shades-of-colour-young-womens-conference/ https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/living-well/adventure-iowa/2020/03/06/many-shades-colour-young-women-conference-coming-des-moines/4975939002/