NCCJ ANYTOWN Is a Nationally Recognized and Award Winning Diversity, Leadership and Social

NCCJ ANYTOWN is a nationally recognized and award winning diversity, leadership and social justice program for youth ages 14 - 18. Founded in 1957, NCCJ ANYTOWN is designed to educate, liberate and empower youth participants (Delegates) to become effective, responsible leaders and community builders. For six days, a diverse group of 60+ high school students come together to build a community based on respect, understanding and inclusivity. Through interactive games, workshops and discussions Delegates along with staff members explore the thoughts, opinions and experiences we all share on topics like prejudice, discrimination and hate. Through this dialogue, the Delegates are taken on a journey to create a model for an ideal community in which members move beyond tolerance to celebrating each other’s differences. It is the goal of NCCJ ANYTOWN to equip the Delegates with the knowledge and skills to transform their home communities into places where individual differences are seen as positive tools that bring people together instead of keeping them apart.

Since 1999, NCCJ ANYTOWN has empowered thousands of youth and adults to create inclusive, just and prejudice-free schools and communities. It is our hope that with this application you will join our ever expanding family of people who dare to imagine and work for a better world.

NCCJ ANYTOWN Dates: August 20– August 25

How to Apply: Complete all pages of the enclosed application form and return it to the NCCJ Office by June 9, 2017. If you are seeing this after the deadline, contact Michael Vidal (see below) as applications will be accepted until the session is full and we can guarantee diversity.  Please answer all questions in as much detail as possible. Incomplete applications will not be considered.  Enclose $50 registration fee WITH your application, payable to the “NCCJ of CT/WMA” with the applicant’s name on the memo line. If this fee is a hardship, contact Michael Vidal (information below). If you are not chosen as a delegate the registration fee will be returned. Please see FAQs section below regarding financial assistance. Mail, Email or Fax Applications to: NCCJ ANYTOWN 820A Prospect Hill Road Windsor, CT 06095 Phone: 860-683-1039 Fax: 860-683-1409 Email: Michael Vidal at [email protected] Frequently Asked Questions

Where is NCCJ ANYTOWN located? NCCJ ANYTOWN is located at the beautiful Greenwood Trails camp. Set in the picturesque Berkshires of Connecticut, Greenwood Trails' nature-filled camp grounds have all the elements to create fabulous summers. With over 100 beautifully wooded acres, complete with winding paths and hiking trails, our traditional camp setting welcomes campers to join in the fun. To see the camp go to: http://www.greenwoodtrails.com/index.php

What can I do to make my application stand out? Be honest! As much as we value the professional and extra-curricular activities that applicants bring to the table, we are more interested in learning about who you are, why you want to come to NCCJ ANYTOWN, what you hope to get out of it, and what you want to do with your learning after NCCJ ANYTOWN. Tell us about yourself!

Is the information that I provide on the application confidential? Yes. Only the NCCJ ANYTOWN Directors and NCCJ Youth Action Coalition (YAC) interns look at the applications.

How will I be notified if I have been accepted into the program or not? You will receive an email (at the email address you list on your application) notifying you of your acceptance by June 31, 2017.

How do I know what to bring to NCCJ ANYTOWN? If you are accepted into the program, you will receive an “Acceptance Packet” through email (at the email address you list on your application) that will include additional forms, a list of suggested things to bring, bus schedules and lots more information.

What kind of food will we get? Greenwood Trails has a full-service kitchen that prepares delicious meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and an evening snack. Each meal includes options for those who have dietary restrictions. You will be able to let us know if you have any food allergies or other specifications once you have been accepted into the program.

I’m nervous to come by myself. Will I be able to make friends? Absolutely! Most of the delegates come alone or only barely “knowing” other students from their school or community. As soon as you arrive, you will find yourself immersed in the friendliest, welcoming, warm and accepting community. Our staff will do all they can to make you feel comfortable. We do lots of activities as soon as you arrive to get you acquainted with each other and staff. Each delegate will be randomly placed in a cabin with other people staffed by two counselors.

Can I leave NCCJ ANYTOWN early? No! We expect you to attend the entire residential program, every bit of all six days. If you cannot make the entire six days, please do not apply and consider applying another year when you are able to attend the entire residential program. No exceptions!

When do I have to pay the NCCJ ANYTOWN fees? The application fee of $50 is due WITH your application. The remaining balance of $450 must be mailed in prior to NCCJ ANYTOWN. Financial Aid is available to ALL applicants who need it, to get financial aid information please check our website and/or email Michael Vidal at [email protected]

I need financial aid, what do I do? NCCJ works hard to raise enough money so that we do not turn away any accepted applicant from the NCCJ ANYTOWN program. Financial Aid is given to Delegates on a sliding scale. Please ensure that you fill out the financial aid packet carefully. You will receive notice of your financial aid award with your acceptance packet. Accepted applicants receive either full or partial scholarships based on need and funds available in our scholarship fund.

Will my application and program fees be refunded to me if I am not accepted in the program? NCCJ will refund any fees paid for any applicant that is not accepted into the program, up to two weeks prior to NCCJ ANYTOWN.

What if I have been accepted and I cannot attend? Please let us know, as soon as you know, that you will not be able to attend so that we may allow the next person on our waiting list to take your spot. Each spot at NCCJ ANYTOWN is valuable in cost and experience, so we plan to have each spot filled. Your program fee minus the registration fee will be returned if you cancel by July 31, 2017. After this date, any last-minute cancellation will be $100.

I just graduated high school this year can I still apply? One of the primary goals of NCCJ ANYTOWN is to have the delegates return to their high schools and take actions steps to bring positive changes to their communities. With this said, depending on available spots and if you are 18 years of age or younger, we do accept applications from graduated high school students. Please send in your application and we will inform you of our decision. I am not enrolled in any high school; can I still apply? Yes, as long as you’re between the ages of 14 - 18 you are eligible to apply.

How can parents learn more about ANYTOWN? NCCJ will host a Parent Information Session, date and time will be provided upon acceptance in the acceptance packets. Parents can always call or email prior to acceptance if they have any questions.

I have more questions, what do I do? Just call us, our office staff will be happy to answer your questions. Contact information below:

NCCJ ANYTOWN 820A Prospect Hill Road Windsor, CT 06095 Phone: 860-683-1039 Fax: 860-683-1409 Email: Michael Vidal at [email protected]

What’s included in the fee?

Round trip transportation Three catered meals daily, plus evening snack 5 nights lodging and facility fees NCCJ ANYTOWN T-Shirt NCCJ ANYTOWN Knapsack NCCJ ANYTOWN Water bottle Journal Group photo 70 new friends Materials, programs, speakers & much more

Like us on Facebook @ facebook.com/NCCJAnytown @twitter.com/youthsayyes @ www.youtube.com/NCCJyescampaign Dates to Remember Early Bird Special – May 22, 2017 – Apply and pay in full by this date and we will waiver your $50 registration fee.

Priority Deadline for Financial Aid – June 9, 2017 – NCCJ works hard to raise enough money so that we do not turn away any accepted applicant from the NCCJ ANYTOWN program. Financial Aid is given to Delegates on a sliding scale. Please ensure that you fill out the financial aid packet carefully. You will receive notice of your financial aid award with your acceptance packet. Accepted applicants receive either full or partial scholarships based on need and funds available in our scholarship fund.

Apply and pay in full by July 3, 2017 and be entered into a raffle to win $100 off the NCCJ ANYTOWN Tuition!

Application Deadlines: June 9, 2017. Due to the high volume of applications, late applications will not be considered except if you have prior approval from NCCJ. Applicants are encouraged to apply early as available spots fill up very quickly.

NCCJ ANYTOWN Dates: Sunday, August 20 – Friday, August 25, 2017 (Delegates are expected to stay for the entire duration of the program. If you cannot attend for the entire week, please do not apply.)

Delegate Acceptance Notification: You will be notified by June 31, 2017. You will be notified through email (at the email address you list on your application).

NCCJ ANYTOWN Fees: Through our grants and fund-raising efforts we are able to reduce the program cost for each participant down to $500 from $1,500. NCCJ must receive the entire program fee of $450 (after application fee) prior to NCCJ ANYTOWN. If you would like to set up a payment plan, please contact Michael Vidal (information on previous page) to discuss.

Financial Aid: Full and Partial scholarships are available based on financial need. Please remember to fill out the financial aid form to be considered for a scholarship. NCCJ provides 80% of NCCJ ANYTOWN applicants financial assistance, so please do not let the program fees hold you back from applying!

Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their financial situation. Delegates must attend the entire program - no exceptions. SUNDAY, AUGUST 20 – FRIDAY, AUGUST 25 Please print legibly. Name: ______Date of Birth: ______Address: ______Your Cell Number: ______Parent/Guardian Cell Number: ______(city) (state) (zip code)

Email Address: ______School you attend (if any): ______

Have you ever applied to NCCJ ANYTOWN before? ______

What grade will you be in September 2017: 9th 10th 11th 12th GED College

Have you ever participated in the NCCJ Bridges Program? T-Shirt Size: If yes when and where? ______S M L XL XXL

How did you learn about NCCJ ANYTOWN? ______

To ensure diversity at NCCJ ANYTOWN, please complete the following demographic information. It is important that you circle something in each section. This information is confidential and will not be disclosed or used for any other purposes. A) RACE D) GENDER IDENTITY  African American / Black  Woman  Asian / Pacific Islander  Man  Latino (a) / Hispanic / Chicano (a)  Transgender / Gender Variant  Indigenous/ Native American  Gender Non-Conforming  White / European American E) SEXUAL ORIENTATION  Biracial / Multiracial  Heterosexual B) RELIGIOUS IDENTIFICATION  Gay Please use the line provided to list specific religion  Bisexual  Agnostic  Lesbian  Muslim  Pansexual  Atheist  Queer  Jewish  Questioning  Buddhist  I identify as:______ Pagan / Wiccan / Druid F) DO YOU QUALIFY FOR FREE AND REDUCED  Christian LUNCH? C) I have a disability?  Sikh H) Do youYes speak any languages other than English?  YES  I Identify as:  NoNo  NO  Yes If yes, please list: ______If yes, please list: ______Please answer all questions below on a separate piece of paper to complete your application. There is NO right or wrong answers. Be honest and provide as much detail as possible.

1. What would you like to get out of your NCCJ ANYTOWN experience? Why?

2. Please describe a time when you have experienced or witnessed prejudice, discrimination, or some other “ism” (for example: racism, sexism, ageism, etc.). Provide detail including how you felt, what you saw, what you did or why you didn’t do something and how that event made you see yourself or others in a new light.

3. Please talk about one social issue that interests you and one you want to know more about. Describe the social issue, and tell us why it matters to you. If applicable, also tell us what you have done so far to learn more about it and/or take action on it.

4. Have you ever attended any other programs that address diversity, leadership and youth empowerment? Please share what your experience was like.

5. Anything else you want us to take into consideration? ______We ask that each applicant obtain an endorsement from a teacher, counselor, principal, mentor, supervisor, clergy, or another non- relative adult. By endorsing this student, I agree that they are physically, emotionally and mentally capable of participating in NCCJ ANYTOWN which challenges participants to discuss their experiences and attitudes about social justice, oppression, privilege and systematic change.

Name: ______Phone number: ____

Position/Organization: Email: ______Signature: ______Date: ______By signing below, I certify that all information in this application is true and correct: Applicants Name: Email: ______Applicants Signature: Date: ______

By signing below, I give permission for the young person named above to apply as a delegate for the NCCJ ANYTOWN 2017 Program: Parent/Guardian’s Name: Email: Parent/Guardians Signature: ______Date: _____