Mission Statement
Our mission is to curate and cultivate Oasis-es throughout the city of Chicago to unite youth across neighborhood boundaries ultimately dismantling Dream Deserts.
Vision Statement
To build a network of youth worldwide to push a culture of peace and move communities forward in unity.
Dream Desert
What Is A Dream Desert?
The system youth fall into when they're unable to follow their dreams (passion) because of the lack of resources, knowledge, passion and sometimes life circumstances.
Lack Of Resources
low amount of opportunities or infrastructure present in communities for youth to follow their passion
Lack Of Support
No mentorship or guidance available for youth and their passion
Lack Of Knowledge
Educational resources, fellowships, learning opportunities are all unavailable
Life Circumstances
Issues can vary from youth homelessness to dealing with grief
Our History
TGiMovement was founded by Devonta Boston because he saw a need in his community for genuine youth development and community development. Devonta, someone who has been in over 30 programs with multiple organizations noticed that there wasn’t a program that catered to his or other youth’s self-interest or passion. Devonta became passionate about creating safe and inclusive spaces that allowed youth to showcase their talent and cultivate and nurture their passion. TGi stands for Tranquility, Gratitude, and Innovation.
Tranquility – Learning more about self, teamwork and learning about mental health, and how to practice self-care
Gratitude – respecting and acknowledging predecessors and their success and being willing to give back to the community and the less fortunate.
Innovation – Cultivating and nurturing passion, creativity, leadership, and talent.
TGi’s motto has become “Free Your Dream | Free The Community” over the years after creating the term Dream Deserts. Dream Deserts is the system youth fall into when they’re unable to follow their passion due to lack of Support, Knowledge, Resources, and sometimes Life Circumstances. We knew it was our mission to create spaces known as The Oasis. The Oasis-es are spaces where youth can connect with one another across neighborhood boundaries cultivating Talent, Leadership, Bonds and Passion. TGi has been creating spaces known as The Oasis for youth between the ages of 13 – 24 since 2017.
Originally, TGiMovement began as just a social organization in 2014 at Gage Park high school. Over the years it has evolved it continues to grow into something more beautiful. Before Devonta knew it he was doing youth programming with his friends, created his own clothing line, created a community pop-up shop model, developed the term Dream Deserts, and much more.
Oasis
What Is An Oasis
An Oasis are safe an inclusive spaces where youth can connect with one another across neighborhood boundaries cultivating leadership, talent, bonds and most importantly passion.
Leadership
Undergoing leadership development opportunities and being positioned be take on leadership responsibilities in projects, their communities and in life.
Talents
Opportunities being present to allow youth to showcase/ work on their talents.
Bonds
Curating spaces where youth can build relationships and learn from one another.
Passion
Investing in youth's dream. whether it be through hosting open mics to create space for young artist or connecting someone with entrepreneurial resources or connecting someone with a mentor.