Bringing Arizona teens together since 1957
As Arizona’s oldest human relations organization, Anytown was born out of the belief that respectful dialogue between people from different backgrounds can bring about positive change in our communities.
Why we exist
Anytown Leadership Program is a human relations organization dedicated to embracing, educating and empowering young leaders to cultivate inclusive communities.
Where we’re headed
We envision a just and equitable society that celebrates, appreciates and affirms all people.
Honest conversation changes communities
Anytown is built on the belief that honest, open dialogue is the cornerstone of a just society, and a crucial step toward breaking down the barriers that separate us. Our programs are designed to:
Build trust
Grow trust, mutual understanding and respect among people of different backgrounds.
Celebrate difference
Deepen appreciation for the diversity in our schools and communities.
Grow leaders
Build citizenship, personal responsibility and leadership skills.
Empower young people
Increase self-confidence and a sense of personal power.
Bridge conflict
Strengthen the skills to work through conflict with empathy and respect.
Our story
Anytown grew out of nearly a century of people refusing to be bystanders.
- 1927
Leaders refuse to be bystanders
At a time when the Ku Klux Klan was directing vicious bigotry at people who were Catholic, Jewish, Black or immigrants, leaders from different faiths, including Jane Addams and Charles Evans Hughes, founded the National Conference of Christians and Jews (NCCJ). They mobilized people against violence, ignorance and exclusion, and helped expand the definition of “who is an American.”
- 1957
Anytown launches in Arizona
The first Anytown Leadership Camp in Arizona brings teens of different backgrounds together for a week of breaking down barriers and building community.
- 1958–2009
Decades of growth
Every high school in Arizona was invited to nominate two students to attend. At its height, Anytown ran up to eight camps each summer and welcomed 500 to 700 teens a year, who brought what they learned back to their schools and communities.
- 2009
A pause
The economic crisis hit nonprofits across the country hard, and Anytown closed its doors.
- 2014
Alumni bring Anytown back
Led by Sandy Fromm, dedicated and passionate alumni brought Anytown back to life. They knew firsthand how Anytown changes lives, and they believed the next generation of Arizona teens deserved that same experience.
- Today
Growing into the next chapter
Our camp program is up and stronger than ever. Through Anytown at School, we’re bringing Anytown into middle schools and high schools across Arizona. And our Anytown Youth Council keeps alumni developing their leadership skills all year long.
One of a kind
With a history reaching back nearly 100 years, Anytown is a leadership program that intentionally brings together teens of different races, ethnicities, religions, genders, orientations, socioeconomic backgrounds and other identities to learn effective, respectful ways to talk about the things that divide us.
We’re also proud to be part of a national network of Anytown and human relations programs through the National Federation for Just Communities, where we connect with and learn alongside fellow affiliates across the country.
Anytown today
Anytown Leadership Camp
Our flagship weeklong summer camp for Arizona high school teens.
Learn about camp →Anytown at School
Workshops and programs that bring the Anytown experience to schools and students.
Bring Anytown to your school →Anytown Youth Council
Alumni who keep the Anytown spirit going all year and help shape the program.
Meet AYC →Be part of the next chapter
Meet the people behind Anytown, or find a way to get involved.
Meet Our PeopleGet Involved