The Encampment for Citizenship, founded in 1946 by Ethical Culture Leader Algernon D. Black and Alice ("Nanny") Politzer, a prominent civic leader, offered an opportunity for "young adults of many religious, racial, social and national backgrounds" to learn "the principles and techniques of citizenship… through lived experience." Black believed that young people could be a positive force in their communities if they developed critical thinking skills, youth activism, leadership qualities, and the courage to break free from stereotypes.