While on a college mission trip to Botswana, Africa, Derrin Slack experienced the power of giving back to others and wondered how his life would have been different had he been exposed to service at a younger age. This led to the founding of ProAct and what it is today. ProAct is a pioneering critical service-learning and community engagement organization committed to engaging youth in public service that educates, delights, and inspires the youth and those they serve. Leveraging social capital, we specialize in intentionally bringing together organizations in the city – helping groups cross social, racial, and economic boundaries through meaningful service projects & social equity training.
With a strong background in nonprofit management and research, training, and leadership, Derrin acts as the conduit between the needs of the community, and the individuals, partners, sponsors, and students that engage with ProAct. Under his leadership, the organization has engaged over 25,000 boys and girls, community leaders, and business professionals to value intentional community engagement and appreciate diversity and equity as an integral part of their lives. He has trained all over Indianapolis and in such countries as Ireland, Ethiopia, Mali, Mexico, and the UK; and in many cities in the United States.
