Everybody Huddle Up!

Your Path to Deeper Impact

Everybody Huddle Up! is a youth-led initiative in Asheville, North Carolina, focused on strengthening civic engagement, policy literacy, and community accountability. It achieves this by utilizing Hood Huggers International’s Community Accountability Plan (CAP Framework) to align existing local frameworks.

You will meet monthly, organize and facilitate community events, and take part in local and regional trips each quarter. More than a club, EHU! is where emerging civic leaders develop their voices and turn ideas into action.

The core philosophy of Everybody Huddle Up! is that young people are not merely recipients of services, but capable organizers with valuable insights into community needs.

Download our Everybody Huddle Up! flyer.

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Ages 12-17

  • Monthly meetups

  • Regional field trips

  • Earn stipends

  • Mentorship + support

Program Overview

Everybody Huddle Up! brings together youth who are ready to engage with the real issues facing their communities. Through monthly meetings, hands-on event planning, and learning retreats, members build the knowledge and skills to become effective advocates and organizers.

Each participant receives support from HHF's leadership and case management team, helping balance advocacy commitments with personal, academic, and career goals.

Program Highlights

  • Civic engagement through monthly meetings and community events

  • Policy and advocacy training rooted in healing and justice

  • Event planning and facilitation at least once per quarter

  • Learning retreats to Cherokee, Charlotte, and Washington D.C.

  • Mentorship from HHF leadership and case management team

  • Stipends for meeting attendance and community event facilitation

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No experience is needed. EHU! is designed to meet you where you are and build your knowledge and confidence as a civic leader from the ground up.

  • No. The program is free to join, and members earn stipends for attending meetings and for organizing or facilitating community events and trips.

  • Your case manager will follow up and help you stay connected. Consistent attendance helps you get the most out of the program and maximizes your stipend earnings.

  • Events vary based on current community needs and member interests. Past examples have included neighborhood gatherings, advocacy campaigns, and civic education workshops. You will have a real voice in shaping what your cohort takes on each quarter.

  • Just yourself and your perspective. Your voice is the most important thing you can bring to Everybody Huddle Up!

Program Structure

Ages 12-14 Track

  • Monthly meetings | Quarterly community events and trips

  • Policy, civic engagement, advocacy, and community organizing

What You'll Focus On

  • Exploring community issues and policy solutions

  • Planning and facilitating community events and trips

  • Building marketing and promotional skills

  • Developing as a civic leader and changemaker

  • Connecting with advocacy networks locally and regionally

Support Every Step of the Way

Every Everybody Huddle Up! member receives support from HHF's leadership and case management team. Case management focuses on balancing your advocacy commitments with your personal, academic, and career goals, ensuring you have the guidance to grow as a leader without losing sight of what matters most in your life.

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Your Next Steps

The Path to Community Impact

Everybody Huddle Up! is part of a broader continuum of opportunity at Hood Huggers Foundation. As you grow, there are deeper programs ready for you:

  • Under Instruction Academy - Career exploration and foundational soft skills for ages 12-17

  • YouthBuild CORE-2 - Full-time workforce preparation and education

  • UI Long-Term Recovery Cohort - Hands-on construction training through community service

  • UI Referral Program - Direct job placement and career connections

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