Civic Engagement and Democracy Building
Kinston Teens was founded because young people and everyday residents were missing from the decisions shaping our city, schools, and neighborhoods. We work to change that.
Our civic engagement efforts focus on building long-term civic participation—not just turnout every few years. We particularly engage young people, Black residents, seniors, low-wealth community members, and others who have historically been disengaged or disenfranchised from voting. We conduct nonpartisan voter education, leadership development, and direct outreach that meets people where they are. Our work includes:
Nonpartisan voter registration, education, and Get-Out-the-Vote efforts
Door-to-door canvassing, phone and text banking, and rides to the polls
Youth-led voter engagement events during Early Voting and on Election Day
Civic education workshops focused on local government, public meetings, and advocacy
Post-election community conversations about “what comes next” and how to stay engaged beyond the ballot
Youth Empowerment & Leadership Development
Youth leadership is the core of everything we do. We invest in young people as organizers, planners, storytellers, technologists, and community builders. From elementary-aged students to college interns and young professionals, we provide pathways for youth to grow skills, earn income, and lead real projects that impact their community. Our youth empowerment work includes:
Youth Leadership Summits and leadership trainings for elementary and middle school students
Paid internships and training programs for high school and college students focused on civic engagement, digital skills, and community development
Youth Leadership Council and youth representation in organizational decision-making
Monthly youth gatherings that create safe, supportive spaces for connection and growth
Workshops in public speaking, conflict resolution, disaster preparedness, climate resilience, and community planning
Community Health, Climate Resilience & Mutual Aid
East Kinston is a climate-impacted community shaped by flooding, food insecurity, and decades of disinvestment. Kinston Teens works alongside neighbors to meet immediate needs while building long-term resilience. Our work includes:
Mutual aid efforts providing food, toiletries, and emergency supplies
A community “Blessing Box” and shared refrigerator stocked with free essentials
Disaster preparedness education, community surveys, and support for emergency readiness
Partnerships focused on health education, environmental justice, and climate resilience
Community-driven solutions to food insecurity, including gardens and future cooperative models
We believe resilience is about building systems of care, trust, and self-determination before disaster strikes.
Community Beautification & Development
Kinston Teens believes that strong communities are built through care for place, people, and shared assets. Our community development work focuses on transforming neglected spaces into community-owned resources while engaging residents—especially youth—in shaping their neighborhood’s future. This work includes:
The Adopt-A-Street Program, engaging volunteers in ongoing neighborhood clean-ups
Vacant lot and property transformations into gardens, gathering spaces, and community assets
The development of the East Kinston Neighborhood Hub as a center for programs, services, and organizing
Youth and resident-led neighborhood planning and visioning
Strategic real estate and land-based projects that promote long-term community stability and ownership
Our focus areas are deeply connected. Civic engagement strengthens leadership. Leadership fuels community development. Digital access expands opportunity. And strong neighborhoods create the conditions for people to thrive.