LPSC Jam Testimonials

Leveraging Privilege for Social Change Jam

Alumni Responses

"I loved everything. I wish zillions of people could go through these. I can already see practical ways that I will collaborate with at least nine people I met here and we will work from a foundation and community of trust. Most partnerships, organizations and movements that I've seen implode or become dysfunctional because they lack the community and informal relationship building that YES! is so good at cultivating. I feel rejuvenated and re-connected with the spirit of my work."
- Billy Wimsatt, 29, Founder, League of Young Voters

“ I have felt so privileged to be at the jam. I have learned that my mind, heart, and body need equal refueling of hope and vision. I have come here with a question of how and what. How can I live my life to fulfill my vision and values and what steps do I take in that direction? I have found those answers. I have met the people who can show me the way and I am taking those steps. Thank you to everyone for sharing your souls and for giving me a place where I could share mine. I want to spread the word that no one has to feel alone in this world.”
- Rebecca Jones, 29, Los Angeles, CA

“The Jam changed my life. It changed the way that I interact with myself on a deeply intimate and personal level. It enlightened me to a greater understanding of who I want to be and how I want to interact with others and the world around me. I am inspired and challenged to be more wholly myself and to be more real in my relationships with other people. That with the authenticity on the personal and interpersonal level, my activism and commitment to social justice will also go deeper, be more real and meaningful, and thus more powerfully enact change to bring about the world I want to be a part of. I am so grateful for this opportunity, this experience, this community, this organization, this movement… with all the love in my heart.”                                                                                                        — Meghan Tauck, 21, Resource Generation, Ithaca, NY

“The more time that gathers between me and the Jam the more I realize the breadth of what I learned. These days I borderline incessantly mention ‘when I was in West Virginia…’ The uniqueness of the Jam is that I did not learn from experts, panels or keynotes but rather through myself, as part of a community. It is a rare experience in our frenetic world and one that will continue to shape me. Thank you for providing me with such an amazing experience that has translated into real results in my personal and professional life.”
— Dev Aujla, 23, Founder & Director, DreamNow.org, Partner, aujCollections, Toronto, Canada

“(The Jam was) a time to question, pull off masks, center myself, be inspired, and love.  I have never been surrounded by so many incredible young people who live and breathe their radical center.  I felt gently and safely yet firmly and fiercely moved through an experience of reconnection with myself and a community of social changemakers for justice.  The Jam brought me into focus for myself and the work I am doing in the world.

- Lisl Schoepflin, 26, Panta Rhea Foundation, Oakland, CA

"Seeing so many peers struggling with tough questions and sharing their stories and passions helped me commit to taking a stand for my deepest values. The Jam lit a fire in me, which I carry proudly into the world. It is the fire of community, of justice, of love and hope. I've gained insights into what it's really going to take to build a world that we will be proud to give our children. The Jam invited me to commit all of my love and passion to building this world and provided the support to carry out this vision."
-  Daniel Carr, 21, Wilderness Awareness School, Ashland, OR

“I want to thank you for one of the most profound experiences of my life. I left the Jam with knowledge about the origins of my workaholism and commitment to change it; conviction that collaboration and work must grow organically out of trust; more awareness of and acceptance of my privilege; and trust in humanity and the ability for human connection to heal even the worst hurts… I know that the Jam community is where I can continue to confront myself, have true dialogue with others, love across historical divisions, and ultimately help each other change the world. In this process, my soul evolves.”                                                                                            — Jidan Koon, 32, Organizational Development Consultant, Oakland, CA

“My week at the Jam helped me to realize that I can't leverage privilege for social change by getting a great education, or designing communication satellites, or optimizing an investment portfolio, or facilitating establishment of a charitable lead trust. Rather, leverage comes from conversations - open, honest conversations with other passionate, visionary and transparent individuals like those the Jam attracts. Leverage comes from linking arms, building bridges, and inspiring movements toward common goals. My Jam experience was a beautiful balance of humility and empowerment.”

- Erik Falconer, 33, Falconer Group Family Wealth Management, Traverse City, MI