Running Rebels Community Organization

In 1980, at the age of 19, Victor Barnett saw many of the young people of Milwaukee being pulled into the street life of gangs, crime, and violence. He used basketball as the tool to engage, mentor and guide youth towards an alternative path that would ensure their future success. From this vision and action, Running Rebels Community Organization was born. Today Running Rebels is a mentoring organization that serves 2,500 youth annually.

The Running Rebels Community Organization engages the community, youth, and their families, prevents involvement in gangs, drugs, violence, and the juvenile justice system, intervenes and guides youth by assisting them with making positive choices, and coaches youth through their transition into adulthood. We accomplish this through building relationships with youth and providing the resources and skills necessary for them to become thriving, connected, and contributing adult members of our community.

Running Rebels Goals

• Create safe after-school and summer environments for Milwaukee’s youth
• Prepare youth for future careers and businesses
• Improve academic performance through tutoring and mentorship
• Avoid negative police contact and involvement in the corrections system
• Provide youth with a sense of belonging and unity within their community