Create Conversations
A Strategic Partnership in Workforce Development & Community Safety
Create Conversations is a transformation platform that brings together business owners, educators, government officials, community leaders, and residents to drive authentic conversations and implement actionable solutions that empower student success, reduce youth violence, and build sustainable communities with a viable workforce for long-term growth.
Our primary focus is workforce development, student mentorship, youth violence reduction, and the building of sustainable communities designed for long-term growth.
We believe that true community transformation starts from the ground up by investing directly in our future. Through targeted workforce development and dedicated student mentorship, we equip students with the tools, skills, and guidance necessary to thrive in tomorrow’s economy. Concurrently, we are deeply committed to youth violence reduction, creating safer environments where families can flourish. By uniting these critical initiatives, we are not just solving today’s challenges; we are actively designing sustainable, resilient communities built for enduring generational growth.
Our Mission & Impact
The CREATE CONVERSATIONS program is dedicated to empowering the next generation of workforce-ready leaders. Preparing them to be successful employees, innovative young business owners, and productive citizens. Research consistently shows that students with mentors are more likely to:
- Develop strong character and leadership skills
- Enroll in college and pursue higher education
- Enter the workforce with confidence and career readiness
- Contribute to long-term community stability
Specifically, youth with mentors are 55% more likely to enroll in college. They also have 50% fewer violent-crime arrests and are 46% less likely to use drugs. This intensive four-year program empowers 150 student leaders annually through four integrated pillars. The Four “P”s.
The Collective Mentorship Model
The Four “P”s. This intensive four-year program empowers 150 student leaders annually through four integrated pillars.
National Proving Ground
Augusta, Georgia serves as the pilot city for this initiative because of its challenges and opportunities reflect those faced by mid-sized cities across the United States.
Success in Augusta will create a scalable blueprint for national deployment.
Investment Strategy
Our Comprehensive Program Budget: $1,115,000
Category | Allocation | Percentage | Description |
Core Student Program Costs | $150,000 | 13.5% | Covers admission into the program and essential core curriculum materials for 150 students at $1,000 per student. |
Leadership Enrichment & Program Enhancements | $170,000 | 15.3% | Funds specialized workshops, experiential learning trips (twice annually), and project micro-grants that provide students with invaluable real-world experiences. |
Staffing & Personnel | $670,000 | 60.1% | Supports our 10 FTE core team who manage 5 cohorts of 30 students, deliver curriculum, and provide dedicated mentorship. |
Infrastructure & Overhead | $125,000 | 11.2% | Ensures a professional, sustainable organization, covering office space, professional services, technology, and operational essentials. |
GRAND TOTAL | $1,115,000 | 100% |
This funding secures the core professional team required to successfully launch, manage, and operate the program from day one. It establishes a strong staffing foundation that enables immediate execution, supports strategic planning, ensures consistent program delivery.
This funding supports essential infrastructure, technology, and program resources to ensure a high-quality experience for student leaders. Core staffing will be fully onboarded only after at least 50% of enhancement funding is secured to ensure program readiness and accountability.
Partnership Opportunities
Create Conversations offers multiple partnership levels, allowing individuals, organizations, and corporations to contribute to a shared vision of workforce development and community safety.
Program Deliverables
- Video Podcast Series: Monthly conversations on leadership, education, entertainment, and youth impact, professionally filmed and streamed. The Marketing/PR Coordinator will promote episodes across channels, amplifying reach.
- Digital Publication: “Conversations”: A quarterly publication highlighting leaders, students, and community outcomes. The Marketing/PR Coordinator will lead content curation, editing, and distribution.
- Community Roundtables: Interactive gatherings featuring key stakeholders. The Lead Program Facilitator and Part-Time Facilitators may contribute to content and facilitate student discussions.
- Online Community Engagement Platform: A centralized hub with episode archives, resources, and a partner directory. The Marketing/PR Coordinator will manage content updates and ensure platform engagement.
- In-School Program Delivery: Structured conversation guides and activities delivered to schools across 5 cohorts. Lead Program Facilitator and Part-Time Facilitators are directly responsible for curriculum delivery and student engagement.
- Comprehensive Impact Reports: Detailed reports on program effectiveness, student outcomes, and community impact. The Impact & Data Coordinator will design data collection methods, analyze results, and prepare reports for stakeholders and sponsors.
Staffing Plan
The staffing structure is designed to significantly support the program’s multifaceted activities, including monthly gatherings, a video podcast, in-school program with cohorts of 30 freshman, the Rise Network Summit, and extensive community engagement. The total Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) is 10.0, with an estimated annual staffing budget of $670,000.
Role | FTE | Cost | Key Responsibility |
Program Manager | 1.0 | $85,000 | Oversee all operations, budget, and strategic partnerships. |
Community Engagement Director | 1.0 | $70,000 | Builds and maintains relationships with schools and 100 Community Partners. |
Sponsorship & Development Coordinator | 1.0 | $70,000 | Manages all grants, sponsor relations, and fundraising efforts. |
Program Coordinator | 1.0 | $55,000 | Manages logistics, scheduling, and communication for the 5 cohorts and monthly gatherings. |
Founder/Host | 0.5 | $60,000 | Visionary leadership, moderation of monthly gatherings, and content creation. |
Production Team (Contract) | 1.0 | $60,000 | Video, audio, editing, and digital distribution for the monthly podcast series. |
Lead Program Facilitator | 1.0 | $65,000 | Trains part-time staff and leads the 5 cohorts in schools, ensuring curriculum delivery. |
Part-Time Facilitators (4) | Contract | $40,000 | Delivers the curriculum directly to students in the 20 schools. |
Impact & Data Coordinator | 0.5 | $30,000 | Tracks program metrics, collects data for impact reporting, and supports grant reporting. |
Marketing/PR Coordinator | 1.0 | $50,000 | Manages social media, public relations, and the “Voices of Change” newsletter. |
Administrative Assistant (Lead) | 1.0 | $45,000 | Office management, HR paperwork, and executive support for the Founder/Host. |
Program/Partner Assistant | 1.0 | $40,000 | Direct support for the 100 Partners and the 20 School sites (logistics and data entry). |
Total Staffing | 10.0 | $670,000 |
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Partnership Tiers
- Community Supporter — $1,000
- Executive Leadership Partner — $2,500
- Leadership Development Partner — $5,000
- Strategic Leadership Partner — $10,000
- Community Leadership Partner — $25,000
- Visionary Leadership Partner — $50,000
Every contribution supports the unified funding goal and strengthens the program’s impact.
Marketing Channels & Campaigns
- Radio & Podcast Features: Appearances on local talk shows and youth panels – Secured and coordinated by Marketing/PR Coordinator.
- Email & Community Network: Monthly “Conversations” newsletter – Developed and distributed by Marketing/PR Coordinator.
- Hashtag Campaigns: #CreateConversations #RiseWithRoz – Designed and executed by Marketing/PR Coordinator for community engagement.
- Video Podcast Series: Professionally filmed in studio and streamed on YouTube + Facebook Live.
- Social Media: Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, Facebook (short reels + quote graphics) – Managed and optimized for engagement by Marketing/PR Coordinator.
- Local PR: Partnership with Augusta Chronicle, WJBF, Metro Spirit, and Augusta CEO – Strategically managed for maximum media exposure by Marketing/PR Coordinator.
How Your Investment Creates Impact
Your partnership directly supports critical program activities that drive student success:
- Empowering student leaders through mentorship and leadership exposure
- Funding workshops, curriculum development, and skill-building programs
- Supporting community leadership events connecting students with decision-makers
- Producing national thought-leadership content and impact reports
C-Suite Partnership Impact Delivery
Each partnership level translates into measurable program outcomes:
- Mentorship logistics and leadership engagement coordination
- Curriculum development and workshop planning
- Cohort program design and violence-prevention initiatives
- Community partnership recruitment and leadership events
- National storytelling platforms and long-term strategic operations
All investments are pooled to strengthen the program foundation and ensure sustainable implementation.
Why Partner with Create Conversations
Across all partnership levels, participants benefit from:
- Clear program structure with minimal operational burden
- Transparent reporting and measurable outcomes
- Authentic leadership engagement opportunities
- Alignment with workforce readiness and community development goals
Conclusion
The staffing and budget plan for CREATE CONVERSATIONS provides a robust and well-distributed team capable of executing the program’s mission and achieving its stated goals. The strategic inclusion of program delivery, impact measurement, marketing, and crucial administrative support ensures that both the direct service delivery and the strategic communication aspects of the program are adequately resourced. This comprehensive approach positions the organization for sustained growth and profound community impact.
Start the Conversation
We welcome the opportunity to share more about our work and explore partnership opportunities that align with your commitment to leadership, stewardship, and community investment.
For inquiries, please contact us directly at 929 845-8499