Our Core Values
The guiding principles that define our mission and drive our commitment to transforming urban youth and communities
Street Credibility
Our founder, Ferome "BIG ROME" Brown's greatest drawing power is his authentic street credibility. Known and recognized throughout the community, he brings a no-nonsense approach while maintaining a "keep it 100" attitude.
"Keep it 100" - A street term meaning to keep yourself real, true, honest, and stick to who you are, no matter what anyone else thinks. This philosophy garners immediate trust from youth.
This authentic approach allows youth to confide and be real with us at all times, creating genuine connections that prevent violence and build lasting relationships.
Visible Presence
We believe in being present, not just visible. UYC has been a mainstay within the Northside community for years - we don't hide. Gangs recognize who we are, and community members know where to find us.
Community-Based Operations: By residing within the community, we serve as a direct resource for timely interventions and successful conflict mediation.
Our visibility allows us to maintain open communication lines at all times. Gang members often approach our staff on the street to confide, vent, or simply talk - opportunities that are crucial for preventing violence.
Success Rate: Our visibility contributes directly to our 92% success rate in mediating conflicts and preventing violent incidents.
Absolute Accountability
We take accountability extremely seriously at every level. Each youth understands that we don't make excuses for them, nor do we expect them to make excuses for themselves.
No Excuses Policy: We understand the challenges urban youth face, but we believe in empowering them to rise above circumstances through sustainable engagement strategies.
Our role as change agents is to guide and lead each youth as they commit to making positive shifts in their lives. We provide the tools, support, and structure needed for success.
Our Promise: When a youth commits to change, UYC will STAY with them through the entire process - from initial intervention to long-term success.
Unwavering Commitment
Without continual growth, progress, and development, words like improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning. We're committed to each youth's individual growth journey.
Transformative Focus: We're determined to help restore confidence, provide a sense of belonging, and cultivate a will to live among urban youth.
We develop ongoing plans that create significant structural shifts in life trajectories. Some call this ambitious, others impossible - we call it necessary, and the time is now.
This commitment isn't temporary or conditional. It's been and always will be UYC's fundamental promise to the communities we serve.
Founded on Lived Experience
Urban Youth Conservation is organized and founded by men who spent much of their early lives as members of gangs. These individuals escaped that violent and unforgiving lifestyle and now share a calling to reclaim their community.
UYC is uniquely positioned to reach gang-involved, high-risk youth because our leaders have walked in their shoes. We can genuinely walk alongside them as they follow the path to more positive and constructive roles in their community.
Our lived experience isn't just a background story - it's our most powerful tool for transformation.
Our Guiding Principles
Authentic Relationships
Building genuine connections based on trust, respect, and mutual understanding.
Community Protection
Actively working to create safer environments where youth can thrive.
Sustainable Growth
Fostering development that creates lasting positive change.
Collective Responsibility
Everyone plays a role in community transformation and youth development.
Our Values in Action
Years of Consistent Community Presence
Successful Conflict Mediation Rate
Youths Guided Toward Positive Change
Accessibility & Availability
Our Commitment to You
Urban Youth Conservation is committed to each youth's individual growth and development. We are determined to help restore their confidence, give them a sense of belonging, and a will to live while developing an ongoing plan that will cause a significant structural shift in the possible trajectory line for inner-city youth as a whole.
Some may call this too ambitious, and others may say it is impossible, but we say it is necessary and the time is now. This has been and always will be UYC's commitment.
We don't just believe in change - we create it, sustain it, and live it every day.