A young man in a black shirt stands on a stage and gives a speach.
Photo by Oshaine South.

Soapbox Nation

Mikva Challenge, in partnership with Ford’s Theatre, presents:

Black lettering that reads "Soapbox Nation"

Sunday, May 21, 2023, 6pm

Join us for Soapbox Nation – the culminating event of Mikva Challenge’s Project Soapbox Program!

We believe that the first step to being an active and engaged citizen is to stand up and speak out on an issue that you care about. 

Project Soapbox is Mikva Challenge’s public speaking program that calls young people to speak out on issues that affect them and their communities. These powerful speeches have lasting, transformative impacts on classrooms, schools, and communities.

Along the way, Mikva supports teachers with curriculum, invites community leaders to listen to speeches and give feedback, and facilitates citywide and regional events. Every year, the program culminates with Soapbox Nation, a showcase of the speeches from around the country that the speakers’ communities chose to elevate.

We invite you to this evening’s celebration of the power of youth voice! We hope these speeches expose you to new perspectives and ideas, spark conversations, and inspire you to take action!

Register

About Mikva Challenge 

Red lettering that reads "Mikva Challenge"

Mikva Challenge is a civic education organization and we know better decisions are made when all voices are heard. We clear a path for young people, especially those from underrepresented communities, to use their voices and discover a passion for serving their communities.

Our Mission is to develop youth to be empowered, informed, and active citizens who will promote a just and equitable society.

Our Vision is a stronger, inclusive democracy that values youth voice.

Our Values are youth voice, civic education, community, equitable inclusion and reflection and growth.

Our programs create authentic civic experiences that are collaborative, rooted in project-based learning, and are relevant to the everyday lives of students. We create environments for students to develop a powerful sense of civic agency and to work for meaningful change in their schools and their communities, fostering a feeling of connection and purpose.