Word is Bond

Mission

Word Is Bond’s Mission

What if young Black men were empowered to their fullest potential?

Word Is Bond exists to answer that question—by equipping young Black men across Portland with the tools, experiences, and relationships to lead with confidence and purpose.

We serve youth ages 15 to 20 across the greater Portland metro area, building connection, leadership, and community through year-round programming. Young men hear about Word Is Bond through school outreach, social media, and—most powerfully—through their peers.

Our Programs

Rising Leaders

Rising Leaders is our transformative summer internship and rites-of-passage experience for young Black men ages 16 to 21, supported by our partners at WorkSystems. This six-week paid program blends personal growth with professional development. Ambassadors explore:

•  Public speaking

•  Goal setting

•  Financial literacy

•  Career pathways

•  Outdoor leadership and team-building

Level Up

Level Up runs September through May and offers high school ambassadors consistent opportunities to lead, grow, and connect. The program centers Black male identity, pro-social development, and career exploration. Highlights include:

•  Know-your-rights trainings

•  Mentor nights

•  Winter ski trip

•  Black history walking tours in February

Bottom Line for Portland

Beyond Portland: National & International Leadership

Word Is Bond is sending young Black men to Washington D.C. and Ghana, West Africa—and you can help make it happen. This year’s Give!Guide goal of $15,000 will directly support two transformative leadership journeys that take our ambassadors beyond the Portland metro area.

Civic Leadership Forum

Heading into its fifth year, this national leadership experience builds on a strong foundation of impact—made possible by past Give!Guide supporters. Ambassadors have met with U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley to discuss public policy, toured Historically Black Colleges including Howard, Bowie, Coppin, and Morgan State, visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture, and explored Baltimore and Philadelphia. This year’s funds will help send a new cohort to D.C. in March 2026.

Black Star Homecoming Expedition

The Black Star Homecoming Expedition sent 8 third-year ambassadors to Accra, Ghana for a two-week leadership and cultural exchange. Youth connected with local leaders, participated in service projects, visited a historic slave castle on the coast, hiked ancient forests, and explored Ghanaian history and culture in the capital city. This year, we’re hoping to add to the roster.

Funds raised through Give!Guide will be split between the Civic Leadership Forum and the Black Star Homecoming Expedition, helping young Black men lead with purpose—locally, nationally, and globally.

Quote

“Word Is Bond is an eye-opening experience that puts you in rooms you never thought you’d be in.”

—Simon, University of Oregon

“Word Is Bond gives young Black men professional development skills they can use for life.”

—Nigusu, McDaniel High School

“Word Is Bond offers a real look at Black history—and opens doors to powerful connections and future possibilities.”

—Jonathon, Mannahouse Christian Academy

“Just wanted to send a HUGE thank you to the entire Word Is Bond team. I think this has been the best summer of my son’s life. It’s been a tough year, and meeting all of you, learning, and hanging out has lifted his mood and confidence. He’s inspired—and I’m so proud of him.”

—Word Is Bond parent

Incentives

Word Is Bond is offering a special incentive from one of our generous community partners—Baby Doll Pizza.

•  Eight exclusive donors ($1,000 or more) will be selected to receive a walking tour of North Portland for your organization (up to 30 people), led by Word Is Bond community ambassadors. The one-hour tour includes the local history of Black Portland, live poetry readings, and insight from youth about the changes they want to see in their communities.

•  Support youth leadership by purchasing the Ambassador Pizza at any Baby Doll Pizza location. A portion of your purchase will be donated directly to Word Is Bond—fueling mentorship, storytelling, and community impact with every bite.

Partner(s)

https://babydollpizza.com/    Baby Doll Pizza: Baby Doll Pizza is teaming up with Word Is Bond to launch the limited-edition Ambassador Pizza, with a portion of proceeds supporting youth mentorship and leadership programs

.https://albinavision.org/.      Albina Vision Trust: We’re partnering with Albina Vision Trust to uplift youth leadership and community storytelling, with mentorship from Beckie Lee and shared promotion throughout the campaign.