Anytown Leadership Program, Inc.

Anytown Leadership Program is a human relations organization dedicated to embracing, educating and empowering leaders to cultivate inclusive communities. We envision a just and equitable society that celebrates, appreciates and affirms all people.

Anytown Leadership Program is a nationally-recognized, award-winning leadership and diversity program for teens ages 14-19. Anytown addresses widespread cultural competence gaps by educating young leaders about the value of diversity and inclusion and teaching participants to recognize and counter stereotypes, bias and bigotry. Our approach to creating change can be summed up in three words: understanding through sharing.

Every year, we bring diverse groups of Arizona high school students together for a weeklong residential learning experience. Through interactive workshops, simulations and discussions, participants explore topics like prejudice, discrimination and systemic oppression.

Anytown is the only program of its kind, intentionally bringing together unlike teenagers with diverse beliefs and backgrounds to learn appropriate and effective methods of discussing difficult topics such as racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, ableism and more. Anytown changes hearts and minds by bringing diverse people together to engage in respectful, productive dialogue - an essential step in moving past conflict and division. By advancing those conversations, we build and nurture empathy and understanding.

Teens who experience Anytown leave the program equipped with the tools to increase their ability to foster inclusion, respect and peace among all members of society.

Testimonials

"This camp has been undeniably one of the best experiences I've ever had. Being able to have these discussions has challenged my views and helped me learn. The ability to hear out other people/ group experiences and stories was so powerful in a way I've not really seen before. From learning about my privilege to finding communities I belonged in/ to, it meant so much to me.
- Anderson Conkle, Horizon Honors, Class of 2022

"Anytown has been the thing that has had the greatest impact on my life. It is why I became a teacher and has helped me beyond measure in that role. I would not be the teacher I am without Anytown.
Beyond that, are the friendships I have made that have lasted a lifetime. There is something very special about sharing the Anytown experience with others."
- Matt CaseTeacher, Class of 1997

"Anytown is the experience that we all need. It is truly eye-opening to the oppressions that people face and the steps that we collectively must take to protect one another. I can confidently say that I am leaving Anytown a better person. This programming should be given to every person - whether they are a teen or an adult."
- Corin Friese, Sunnyslope High School, Class of 2022

"Great experience. Life changing! I went on to become a journalist and whenever there was some racial unrest in the Valley. The Anytown grads ,who were now adults in leadership roles in the community, stepped up to promote calm and appreciation of diversity. It worked!"
Carol Osmond-Brown, Class of 1957