Between May 4 and June 4, we recognize National Returning Youth Month—a time to uplift young people transitioning back into community after incarceration.
At Big Thought, we believe every young person deserves to be met with dignity, not stigma. Returning youth are more than their past—they are creators, leaders, and voices with the power to shape what’s next.
Community plays a critical role in that journey. When we create spaces of belonging, invest in opportunity, and choose support over judgment, we open the door for real transformation.
#ReturningYouthMonth #CommunityInAction #YouthVoice #BigThought
Creativity took center stage in Fort Worth!
Big Thought’s C.A.M.P. (Creative Arts & Music Program) Showcase at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School brought together students, families, and community to celebrate the incredible talent of our young artists.
Through C.A.M.P., students are exploring music, art, and self-expression—building confidence, skills, and new possibilities along the way. We’re proud to continue growing our impact in Fort Worth and creating spaces where young people can shine.
#BigThought #FortWorth #YouthVoice #ArtsEducation #CreativeYouth
We recently co-hosted a dinner with SHRM Foundation at Café Momentum to explore what it takes for people not just to access work, but to truly thrive. The conversation kept coming back to one clear idea: talent is everywhere, but pathways are still too fragmented.
Thriving requires more than placement. It requires support, connection, belonging, and systems designed to help people stay, grow, and move forward.
Grateful to SHRM Foundation, Café Momentum, and the cross-sector leaders who joined us for such a meaningful conversation.
#FutureOfWork #WorkforceDevelopment #OpportunityYouth #EconomicMobility #CommunityImpact
Volunteerism is about showing up, making connections, and creating real impact.
Thank you to Ruth Jeremiah for sharing their experience as an Opportunity Exchange Summit volunteer and for being part of the work that moves our mission forward.
Volunteer with Big Thought today!
#BigThought #VolunteerMonth #GetInvolved
Creativity, line by line.
This National Poetry Month, Big Thought’s creative programming is creating space for young people to explore their voice through poetry—turning ideas into expression and expression into impact.
These aren’t just words. This is youth creativity in motion.
#NationalPoetryMonth #YouthVoice #CreativeExpression #BigThought
Youth voice matters—and so does making space to listen.
Big Thought’s Youth Advancement Leader, Ania Hodges, joined Something In Common: Reimagine Civic Life as a moderator, helping facilitate conversations between youth and adults about civic life, leadership, and community.
Here’s what she took away from the experience.
#BigThought #CommunityImpact #YouthVoice #Leadership
Civic life starts with conversation.
Jermaine Owens shares key takeaways from moderating Something In Common: Reimagine Civic Life—bringing youth and adults together to listen, learn, and lead forward.
#CivicEngagement #BigThought #YouthVoice #YouthLeadership #Dallas
Opportunity starts with access—and access starts with intention. We’re supporting the Build The Workforce: Workforce Development Summit to help connect people to real opportunities, strengthen recruitment efforts, and advocate for workforce development that moves communities forward.
Be part of the conversation. Be part of the change.
Register today. Click the link in our bio!
#WorkforceDevelopment #BigThought #Opportunity #CommunityImpact #BuildTheWorkforce
Volunteerism is about showing up with purpose and making space for young people to feel seen, heard, and supported.
As Sean Walker of The Fellowship Initiative (TFI Dallas) reminds us, this work is rooted in real connection and the kind of impact that lasts.
Be part of what helps move this work forward.
#BigThought #VolunteerMonth #GetInvolved
Youth voice isn’t something we wait for—it’s something we invest in now. This Youth Voice Week, we’re celebrating the power, perspective, and potential of young people everywhere.
Listen. Amplify. Invest.
#YouthVoiceWeek #BigThought #YouthVoice #DallasYouth #CommunityImpact #FutureLeaders
Big opportunities. Real-world access.
Students from St. Philip’s School & Community Center took learning beyond the classroom at Dude Perfect—touring studios, hearing from creatives, and stepping into the full content creation process. From game design to real-life production—this is what access looks like.
With a powerful close from Tracy "The DOC" Curry, students left inspired and ready to dream bigger.
This is the Dreams Experience Academy in action.
#BigThought #DOCCares #DreamsExperienceAcademy #YouthVoice #CareerExposure #FutureCreators
Youth voice isn’t the future—it’s right now.
Paris Wilson, Community Action Team member, shares her takeaways after speaking at Something In Common: Reimagine Civic Life—where youth and adults came together for real conversation and real change.
#CivicEngagement #BigThought #YouthVoice #YouthLeadership #Dallas
