ANYTOWN ALABAMA
Anytown Alabama is a teen leadership summit that brings together area high school students from across the Birmingham metro area and surrounding counties. Anytown Alabama was started by the NCCJAL in 1989. NCCJAL is a human relations organization dedicated to fighting bias, bigotry and racism in America. NCCJAL have been collaborating partners in bringing Anytown Alabama to the community since 2011.
Testimonials
Camp Anytown was a life changing experience that guides me to this day. As a rising junior at West End High School at the time, Camp Anytown gave me a week long, energy filled, thought provoking, judgment free space to learn about and appreciate others while they did the same with me. It was so impactful, that I felt that every child in Birmingham should attend. My personal goal was that when I grew up and had children, I would strongly encourage them to participate. Two years ago, my oldest child, Cedric D. Sparks, Jr., had his Anytown experience. He loved it just as much as I did. I relived my experience through him. We are now father and son Anybuddies!
"
"
-Cedric D. Sparks, Sr., Chief of Staff
Office of Mayor Randall L. Woodfin
City of Birmingham
I’m tempted to say that Anytown Alabama opened my eyes to the world around me, but in reality, it showed the issues of the world through my local community. By sharing experiences among one another, discord and confusion begin to transform into acceptance and understanding. The conversations and open-mindedness created an environment of friendship and respect. These conversations gave me a greater appreciation for the differences in cultures and beliefs of these strangers, and this appreciation helped turn these strangers into friends. As a result of my experience at Anytown Alabama, I have a greater understanding and better appreciation for dialogue and collaboration between young people, which will lead to a world of greater acceptance for others
-Jack Steinmetz, Anybuddy 18'
Anytown was an amazing experience for me. It was an opportunity not only for personal growth but also for self-education. I learned how to be a better advocate and ally in my community, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Between the counselors, anybuddies, and guest speakers the environment was constantly full of energy and respect. I never would have been able to tackle issues within my community so confidently without the tools Anytown equipped me. We came as strangers, and we all left as friends. I recommend Anytown to anyone considering applying or otherwise.