About Us
BOLT (Build Our Lives Together) is a nonprofit that works to cultivate, support, and empower grassroots leaders to drive community-led change.
Our vision is for every neighborhood to thrive, led by the people living there. We focus on elevating BIPOC residents of low-income neighborhoods to lead the change. We strongly believe this work has to be intergenerational, which is why we work with both community leaders to build their capacity and public school youth to build a pipeline of leaders with lived experience.
Our mission is to cultivate, support, and empower grassroots leaders to drive community-led change.
Our Vision
We dream of a future where neighborhoods that face racial and economic injustices are instead thriving, led by the people living there.
By investing in residents instead of outside stakeholders, we know that future can be a reality. We are creating a people-powered movement for change. When we achieve our vision, our organization will cease to exist because it will mean that our participants have everything they need and will pass down the resources gained, through generations, in their communities.
Our Guiding Principles
See problems as opportunities
We believe that changing the world starts with the belief that it is possible. We don’t stay stuck talking about problems every day - instead, we treat every problem as a chance to learn, grow, and drive positive change. Pursuing a growth mindset means that, rather than letting obstacles hold us back, we build a plan to move forward and find meaningful solutions.
Be curious and always ask, "Why?"
We believe that curiosity drives real understanding and meaningful change. Our job isn’t to prescribe solutions or impose beliefs; it’s to listen, learn, and uplift the voices at the grassroots level. By always asking “Why?” and digging beneath the surface, we discover the roots of the challenges we face. As coaches, we create spaces for open exploration, encouraging diverse perspectives to come forward. As bridge builders, we connect people who may not always agree, fostering dialogue and understanding. Our commitment to curiosity means we embrace complexity and seek common ground, empowering our communities to grow together.
Be candid and assume good intent
We believe honesty and trust are the foundations of collaboration and growth. We practice radical candor, sharing ideas and feedback openly and respectfully, even when the conversations are challenging. We ask questions before jumping to conclusions, making sure we fully understand each other’s perspectives. By assuming good intent, we build trust, recognizing that everyone is working toward a shared goal. This commitment to openness and understanding creates a space where people feel safe to express themselves, learn, and collaborate effectively for the benefit of our community.
Deliver outstanding experiences
We work to create exceptional, unforgettable experiences—nothing less. We know that high-quality impact lies in the details, and we take the time to ensure our work reflects this. Our goal is to be known and trusted for crafting meaningful, impactful moments that spark transformative change in our communities. We hold ourselves accountable to this commitment, measuring our success by the experiences and growth of those we serve. By setting a high standard, we build a legacy of trust and excellence in everything we do.
Do the right thing, not the easy thing
We believe in acting with integrity, even when the right path is the hardest one. We hold ourselves accountable to our communities and to the people who have shaped us—our grandparents, our children, and our neighbors. Our goal is to make them proud by standing up for what’s just and fair, even when it requires extra effort or courage. By choosing what’s right over what’s easy, we strengthen our community’s foundation and build a future grounded in respect, honor, and responsibility.
For the people, always
Our purpose is rooted in service to our communities. We are here for the people, always—driven by a deep respect for where we come from and a commitment to those we serve. We never forget our roots or the reasons that brought us to this work. Staying humble and grounded, we remain focused on uplifting the voices, needs, and aspirations of our neighbors. PhillyBOLT exists to empower our communities, ensuring that everything we do is for the people, with unwavering dedication.