About Us

---

At SAY, our mission is to empower Somali and minority youth and women through education and capacity-building initiatives. We strive to provide comprehensive support, encompassing educational assistance, skill development, and emotional guidance. By nurturing their potential, we aim to equip them with the tools and confidence to overcome challenges and become active contributors to their communities. 

Our vision is to create a future where every member of our community, regardless of background, can have the opportunity to thrive. We envision a society where education catalyzes empowerment, unlocking doors to limitless opportunities for growth and success. Through our efforts, we aspire to foster a culture of inclusivity and support, where youth and women are empowered to lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful contributions to society.

SAY's enduring dedication to collaboration with the community and organizations serving its constituents is ingrained in its very foundation. Since its establishment in 2008, prompted by the concerns of Somali college graduates in Rochester, Minnesota, who identified concerning trends of gang membership and increased rate of drug use. SAY has remained steadfast in its mission to empower and uplift the lives of all community members. Through a comprehensive array of after-school programs offering academic support, emotional guidance, essential life skills, and parental education, SAY has emerged as a beacon of hope within the community. Acknowledging the pivotal role of parental engagement, SAY has fostered impactful partnerships with key stakeholders such as the YMCA, Rochester Community & Technical College, Mayo Clinic staff, and the Girls Scouts to address challenges ranging from discrimination to cultural identity crises, ensuring a holistic support network for Somali parents. Amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, SAY showcased its adaptability by providing vital information and forging partnerships with local advocates and healthcare institutions to provide essential support to vulnerable populations. Collaborative efforts with esteemed institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics underscore SAY's unwavering commitment to education and preventive healthcare, particularly in increasing immunization rates among the East African community residing in the Metro area. With a vision centered on empowerment and community engagement, SAY remains dedicated to paving the path toward a brighter future, where every Somali youth has the opportunity to thrive and flourish.

In 2008, a group of Somali college graduate youth in Rochester, Minnesota, witnessed a concerning trend emerging among Somali youth—increasing involvement in drug use and gang activities. Recognizing the urgent need for positive alternatives, they founded Somali Active Youth (SAY) with a vision to empower and transform the lives of Somali youth.

Over the years, SAY has evolved into a beacon of hope within the Somali community, offering after-school programs that provide academic support, emotional guidance, and practical life skills. Recognizing the importance of parental involvement, SAY extends its support to Somali parents, helping them navigate the challenges their children face, from discrimination to cultural identity crises.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAY demonstrated its adaptability and commitment to community welfare by providing vital information and support to the Somali community through televised broadcasts. Recognizing the heightened vulnerability of minority groups, SAY partnered with MN Somali Advocates to offer group support for those grieving the loss of loved ones and collaborated with healthcare institutions to improve access to healthcare services.

Through collaborations with renowned institutions like the Mayo Clinic and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, SAY has played a crucial role in educating the Somali community about preventive healthcare measures, particularly emphasizing the importance of child immunization to prevent additional health crises.

Driven by a vision of empowerment and community engagement, SAY continues to pave the way for a brighter future where every Somali youth can thrive, armed with the necessary skills and support to overcome obstacles and fulfill their potential.