“You don’t have to go anywhere or be anyone different to do extraordinary things. You can be an extraordinary person. Those capacities are already within you and already within your community. And the Bronx is a place where that’s possible.” – Adam Green, Executive Director of Rocking the Boat
We are proud to be a community bank in the Bronx, New York—especially since it means we get to partner with values-aligned community organizations like Rocking the Boat!
Rocking the Boat is a nonprofit that serves people of all ages right here on the Bronx River. We spoke with Adam Green, the Founder & Executive Director, about how they got started and what’s coming up for the 2022 season.
In 1995, influenced by his experience teaching kids about the Hudson River aboard the Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Adam developed a program that used the process of building and using wooden boats as a way to educate and empower young people from underserved communities. Adam realized that the Bronx River was a tremendous natural resource that held a lot of opportunities, especially for New Yorkers in the Hunts Point, Longwood, and Soundview communities.
“We’re here because of the natural resources and because of the opportunity that those natural resources offer to the human resources—the people,” says Adam.
Rocking the Boat offers public programs like free community rowing and youth development programs in boatbuilding, sailing, and environmental science. Participants explore the natural environment of the Bronx River, contribute to its restoration, and increase community access to it. They also go on sailing trips to explore other areas in or near the city. Through Rocking the Boat, participants develop valuable skills, have fun, gain self-confidence, and contribute to an inclusive community of students, apprentices, alumni, and staff.
An essential aspect of Rocking the Boat’s impact is serving as a platform for young people to develop a sense of purpose and pride.
“It’s that feeling that they can put their energy into something, actually get a result out of it, and know that that energy was worth applying. It reminds youth they have inherent value,” says Adam.
Rocking the Boat also offers participants the support of licensed social workers for social and emotional needs. They help youth graduate from high school, apply to college, overcome obstacles to attaining a college degree and map out a path for reaching their long-term goals.
Young people learned about possibilities that they didn’t know existed before their experience at Rocking the Boat – including internal growth opportunities. Adam beautifully sums it up:
“You don’t have to go anywhere or be anyone different to do extraordinary things. You can be an extraordinary person. Those capacities are already within you and already within your community. And the Bronx is a place where that’s possible.”
We couldn’t agree more! Rocking the Boat’s 2022 season kicks off on March 7th, and there are still spots available — it’s perfect for 9th & 10th graders looking to get their hands dirty and explore something new. Learn more and sign up here!
Learn more about Rocking the Boat. New to the city? Looking for a bank in NY? We’ve got you covered: check out our personal checking account & personal savings accounts. We’re honored to serve New Yorkers by offering one of the best savings account online!