Nate Pruitt

About Nate Pruitt

While the work I do is often described as being with \"underprivileged youth\" I defy that statement. The term is too often used as a static reality when it is dynamic. Changing this notion is a major reason why I am called to do what I do. I\'m not involved in a worthless cause, I\'m part of a great movement with many other passionate people the world over to bring hope to the hurting. Programs where I am involved are participatory in the reduction of school dropouts and the advancement of diploma completion that can potentially lead to degree completion. Through mentoring and involvement gang and drug involvement decrease. Teenage pregnancy decreases. The ability to thrive in difficult situations increases. These are the things I do: Where groups are exclusionary I bring a culture change, drawing those on the fringe into the center of the group until all know they are welcome and worthy. Young people who arrive feeling their voice doesn\'t matter, or that they don\'t have a voice, leave realizing that they are significant and that their life is purposeful. I run programs and build groups that defy excuses, and overcome obstacles previously unimaginable. There is a determination to become involved with the whole of the community, to bring forth a sense of responsibility, and to engender a willingness to serve and give back. When speaking at events I find it important to be open and accessible to those who attend where possible. So I prefer having the option of accessibility at some point, rather than merely functioning with the sanitary distancing a stage provides. In this regard, there can be a direct meaningful connection with participants.

Experience

1. Link Mentor

   LEAD Public Schools

   Mar 2019 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

Education

• Trevecca Nazarene University

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Theology and Religious Vocations

  2010 — 2010