Alex Canby spends several hours a week impacting the lives of youth at Alternatives for Youth, Inc. (AFY), a nonprofit organization specializing in helping youth succeed. Canby initially intended to teach a unit on martial arts to supplement the P.E. curriculum, but ended up transforming the P.E. program.

"What I enjoy most about volunteering is bonding with the kids," says Canby.

Canby uses martial arts as a way to connect with the youth. "Martial arts are a path to understanding for the kids. They want to learn to fight and be tough, but the end result is a greater transformation where they become better people, in good physical health."

Canby has learned a lot from his time as a teacher. "I have developed better communication and an understanding of what it means to be an at-risk youth."

His unique ability to breakdown social stigmas allows him to transform lives. "My goal is to change the nature of education, local and beyond. The current system fails to prepare people on life, you can't just grade and sort students, they need practical skills on how to live."

For information about volunteering with Alternatives for Youth, Inc. or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904.