The sentence “I Am…” is the most powerful phrase that you can say.  It is a declaration, an affirmation, or a negation over your life.  IAWA youth learn that what you say is what you think, what you think is what you feel, and what you feel is what you become so words have power.  

We use “I Am” statements as a way to introduce ourselves, connect with others, and declare to the world our truth, while owning our power.  These shirts are inspired by the personal “I am” statements of members of our community.  We hope their stories and the strength of their “I am” inspires you. We hope when you wear your shirt you also inspire others.  

100% of the profits from these shirts goes towards I Am, We Are’s operations, helping us continue to further our mission.  At this time, we are offering unisex t-shirts for $32, women’s cut t-shirts for $32, and masks for $16. Please share your “I Am” story and photos wearing your shirt with us on social media @iamweareyouth or info@iamweareyouth.  Thank you for your support.

I Am Because We Are

The South African philosophy of Bothu (Ubuntu) or “I am because we are” is not only the inspiration for our name but also the undercurrent for all of our programming.

I Am A Masterpiece

“I Am A Masterpiece” was the theme for our 4th Annual Art Reception and Auction. We celebrated the masterpiece in the making and work of art that is each of us. Embracing what makes us beautiful and our imperfections with grace and gratitude allows us to also lovingly see the humanity in those around us.

I Am Here

“I Am Here” was the 5th Annual Reception and Art Auction’s theme. In 2020, we virtually came together in the spirit of gratitude and appreciation to celebrate all that we had overcome. Joy is an act of resistance! The fight for peace is not only a battle on the streets but an internal battle of the mind and soul. It is our enduring hope that creates a new tomorrow, because We Are Here.

I Am A Light In Dark Places

IAWA’s Founder and Chief Executive of Hope, Meisha Lerato Robinson, recognizes that one of her spiritual gifts is her light. She has adopted as her personal mission to embody light and love in order to be a catalyst for liberation.

I Am True To Myself

Alumni Ambassador Milisi participated in our pilot program in the Royal Bafokeng Nation. She credits IAWA with teaching her to “accept the person that she is, to believe in herself, and to trust in herself.” She also learned how to work with other people. One of her favorite quotes is “to thine own self be true.”

I Am Powerful

I Am Powerful is Alumni Ambassador Rorisang’s personal mantra. She participated in our pilot program in the Royal Bafokeng Nation. Through IAWA Rorisang “learned who the real Rorisang is and who she wants to become.” She is confident and no longer shy after participating in IAWA.

I Am Love

Alumni Ambassador Betty participated in our pilot program in the Royal Bafokeng Nation. She was the inspiration for “I Am Love” because she shared with us that IAWA taught her not only to love herself but also to love others. These lessons have helped her as a mother to love her baby girl.

I Am An Audacious Dreamer

The inspiration for “I am an audacious dreamer” is Alumni Ambassador Tsholofelo. Tsholofelo participated in our pilot program in the Royal Bafokeng Nation. “IAWA is one of the most amazing things that ever happened to me,” reflected Tsholofelo when she hosted our 5th Annual Reception and Art Auction. “It made me see the world with a better perspective and a positive mind. It helped me to achieve a lot of the goals I set for myself because we practiced that we had to prepare ourselves for the future and a better tomorrow.”

I Am Proud

June is Pride Month, and IAWA is celebrating our LGBTQ+ family with our new, rainbow "I am proud" design. IAWA loves all our ambassadors, board members, supporters, and community members, and we want to show our love and support with this new design.