History

The National Rites of Passage Institute History

The National Rites of Passage Institute (NROPI) was founded in 1993 by Paul Hill, Jr. Mr Hill’s involvement with the rites of passage in the late 1970’s with his seven children and their friends. His rites of passage experiences evolved from a family and community initiative to a city, state and national movement that peeked in late 1990’s.

Rites of Passage, as a developmental and transformational process, is culturally specific – not universal. It is based on the premise that a group must recognize and affirm itself before it is able to share and appreciate the differences of others.

Rites of Passage also recognizes that entry into adult life involves the realization of social obligations and the assumption of responsibility for meeting them. Initiation sets a time on the journey for bringing individuals into formal and explicit relations with their kindred. It strengthens social ties for the day that they will be tested.

Rites of Passage not only provides self development and cultural awareness, it fosters a sense of belonging. Adolescents and adults will become part of community life; not persons alone, lacking support, sanction, and purpose.

The National Rites of Passage Institute (NROPI), in collaboration with communities, organizations, practitioners and scholars, has been elevating the value of culturally-based Rites of Passage in youth and community development for more than 30 years.

NROPI is a national hub, a cultural learning center and a clearinghouse for providing information, training, programming, technical assistance, consulting, assessment and intentional conversations on African-centered Rites of Passage for child, youth and community development.

The objectives of NROPI are as follows:

• Elevating the understanding and value of culturally-based rites of passage.
• Being a national clearinghouse for information and resources on rites of passage.
• Advocating for rites of passage as part of all national conversation on youth develop.