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Our Mission
The Congregation of Black Naturalists (CBN) is dedicated to helping individuals—especially BIPOC and refugee youth—experience growth, healing, and leadership development through culturally grounded wellness, nature connection, and community engagement.
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Our work begins with healing through self-love, love for others, and love for nature. We believe that when young people feel supported, connected, and valued, they are better able to grow into confident leaders who care for their communities and the environment.
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CBN uses sports, environmental education, mentorship, and community programming to create opportunities for youth to build confidence, strengthen their physical and mental well-being, and develop a meaningful relationship with nature.
Through partnerships with local organizations, we use soccer as a powerful platform to bring youth together while promoting leadership development, health and wellness, and educational pathways—including opportunities in environmental stewardship and conservation.
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Our Vision
We envision a future where youth from underserved communities have equal access to nature, sports, education, and leadership opportunities—and where the next generation grows up understanding their role as caretakers of the earth and leaders in their communities.
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By helping youth develop confidence, connection, and purpose, we hope to inspire lifelong environmental stewardship and community leadership.
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Projects
Let's Grow
CBN is dedicated to empowering underserved community members to reclaim their connection to the land, take control of their health, and cultivate food sovereignty. Through our project Let’s Grow, we support local gardening efforts that provide individuals and families with the knowledge, resources, and space to grow their own food. We believe that growing food is more than just sustenance—it is an act of self-determination, resilience, and healing.
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CBN distributed over 1,000 native Oregon plants to the Salem community and surrounding areas, strengthening local biodiversity and restoring ecosystems. Additionally, we have played a key role in managing Washington Elementary’s garden since its establishment, providing administration, transportation, and hands-on garden care. By fostering access to fresh, culturally relevant foods and promoting sustainable growing practices, we help individuals reconnect with the earth that nourishes them while building healthier, more self-sufficient communities.
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​Rescue & Nourish
CBN exists to ensure food equity and fight food waste. Access to healthy food is a fundamental right, and no one deserves to go hungry. It is unfortunate that despite having enough food to feed everyone, nearly 40 percent of the food supply in the US goes to waste. The majority of this waste occurs upstream at farms, where edible food is left to rot. Additionally, stores also throw away tons of food each year. In Oregon, 11 percent of the population is food insecure. Moreover, BIPOC experience food insecurity at 2-3 times the standard rate. At CBN, we are working hard to address this issue. We partner with farms, stores, and other organizations to rescue nourishing produce for our local communities.
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Soccer for Change
CBN builds innovative youth soccer programs for underserved communities. We create exceptional programs that focus on addressing community specific needs. We use soccer as tool to address social challenges and to empower youth. Our high-quality programs are affordable and free for those that need it most. They emphasize technical skill mastery, teamwork and collaboration, lifelong health and wellness, and leadership development. By creating a well-structured and supportive environment, we shape leaders on and off of the field and prepare the youth for success in life. We have proudly partnered with several community leaders and organizations to serve over 270 youth. ​​​​​​
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