faq

KinCultivate welcomes individuals of diverse backgrounds to participate in our programs and initiatives, recognizing the importance of creating spaces where everyone's perspectives are valued and contribute to empowering Black youth. We believe that by fostering understanding of our history, culture, and experiences, non-Black participants can play a crucial role in supporting and affirming our Black youth. However, it's important to note that we also provide essential affinity spaces exclusively for Black youth, fostering cultural pride and a sense of belonging in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Rooted in the belief of the "it takes a village" notion, we strive to ensure that all members of our community, regardless of background, can contribute to the empowerment of our Black youth while acknowledging the specific needs of our Black community. If you have any questions about eligibility or inclusivity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for clarification.

At this time, KinCultivate is in the process of developing a volunteer program to provide opportunities for community members to get involved. While we do not currently have a policy in place to accept volunteers, we are actively working on creating a program that will include an interest form and background checks. We encourage you to join our mailing list to stay informed about volunteer opportunities as they become available. By subscribing to our newsletter, you'll receive announcements about upcoming programs, events, and ways to get involved with KinCultivate's mission of empowering Black youth in the Willamette Valley region of Oregon. Thank you for your interest in supporting our work!

KinCultivate relies on a combination of funding sources to support our programs and initiatives, including grants, donations, sponsorships, and fundraising efforts. We are grateful for the generous support of individuals, organizations, and community partners who share our commitment to empowering Black youth and strengthening our community.

To stay updated on KinCultivate's upcoming events and activities, please subscribe to our newsletter, follow us on social media, or check our website regularly for updates. We also encourage you to join our mailing list to receive notifications about new programs, volunteer opportunities, and other news.

At KinCultivate, we recognize and affirm the diverse experiences and identities within the Black community. "Youth of African descent" refers to individuals who identify as Black, African, African American, mixed-race, biracial, or otherwise connected to the African diaspora. This includes individuals with partial or total ancestry from any of the Black racial groups of Africa. We welcome youth from various cultural backgrounds and nationalities, embracing the richness of their heritage and identity.

It's important to note that our definition of "youth of African descent" extends beyond nationality, physical appearance, or other identities. While we often use the term "Black" interchangeably with "of African descent," our commitment remains unwavering: to create an inclusive space where all youth who identify with our community feel a sense of belonging. We are dedicated to serving and supporting every individual who considers themselves part of our community, regardless of their individual experiences or backgrounds. If you have any questions about eligibility or inclusivity, please don't hesitate to reach out to us for clarification.

Absolutely! KinCultivate highly values collaboration with organizations and community groups that share our dedication to empowering and supporting Black youth. We are proud to have collaborated with and maintain ongoing partnerships with groups such as the Linn-Benton NAACP branch, Greater Albany Public Schools, Albany Pride, the Alliance of Black Nurses Association of Oregon, Linn-Benton Community College, and more.

We aim to collaborate with organizations and businesses led by individuals from marginalized backgrounds whenever feasible. We also place a strong emphasis on building genuine, enduring relationships rather than purely transactional ones. Despite occasional capacity limitations within our small team, we are still eager to explore potential partnerships with organizations that share our mission and values. We firmly believe in the power of collective action and working together to create positive change. If your organization is interested in partnering with us to make a difference in the lives of Black youth, we encourage you to reach out to us. Together, we can create a meaningful and lasting impact. Please don't hesitate to contact us to discuss potential collaboration opportunities.

We underwent a rebranding process to better align our name with our mission and vision for the future. While our organization's name has changed, our commitment to serving and empowering Black youth and their families remains as strong as ever. We're excited about this new chapter and the opportunities it brings to further our impact in the community.

Affinity spaces and programs for marginalized groups are not discriminatory. These spaces provide critical support and empowerment to people who face systemic barriers and discrimination. Specifically, Black affinity spaces provide a safe space for Black people to share their experiences, form communities, and develop resilience in the face of racism and oppression. These spaces encourage healing, affirmation, and positive racial identity development, all of which contribute to greater social inclusivity and equity.