A Guide to The Center’s ROPE^® Website

Join in a process of unlearning and co-learning
This website describes the work of The Center that partners with communities in co-creating meaningful, community-based experiences that can powerfully impact young people as they come of age as well as strengthen the social fabric of the entire community. It features the internationally acclaimed model for youth and community development through rites of passage, frequently referred to as the Rite Of Passage Experience^© ROPE^®. This has evolved over 45 years of study, research and experience of The Center’s founder and Executive Director Dr. David G. Blumenkrantz.

It continues to evolve.
We have been informed by the wisdom of our ancestors and 40,000 years of evidence of the structure, purpose and importance of rites of passage.

There is an abundance of information on the web site. Abundance causes confusion. We’ve sifted out several links for focusing on specific information to get you started to learn about this orientation to rites of passage and youth development.

We recommend following the links at the top of the page to find the subject you are interested. Then explore the links in the left column for more information and detail.

Remember, this is a process for youth and community development. It is not a program to be replicated. The information is intended to be a foundation for community conversations and “co-learning” about rites of passage. In this way each setting can weave their uniqueness into the "co-creation" of their own rite of passage experience.

Dr. Blumenkrantz, or one of our associates is always available to answer questions and support your learning. We believe in a process of co-learning and invite conversation through e-mail (thecenter@rope.org) and phone: 860-633-5349.

• How ROPE works »
• Preparing a community for a rite of passage experience »
• Installing ROPE in your community »
• Learning Opportunities »
• Youth & Community Development through rites of passage »

Our unique approach, unlike any in the world – Honors the wisdom of the ancestors through the universal process of rites of passage – initiating children into the culture and context of their community and the natural world.

A series of brief educational videos, watched in sequence will also support your orientation and continued learning. Mahalo to Chris Shaeffer and the Olohana Foundation for the filming and production of these videos.

Rites of Passage - Youth & Community Development - What's the Story?
Dr. David G. Blumenkrantz

In order to make real change in the way you do something you have to change your language and change the story. Changing the story requires asking fundamental questions and engaging people in conversations. Here are some of the questions that just might precipitate a real paradigm shift using youth and community development through rites of passage.

Rites of Passage - Public Policy & Evidence-Based Practice
Dr. David G. Blumenkrantz

A fatal flaw in the evidence-based story. What’s the story is the 7th element in the architectural structure of youth and community development through rites of passage.

Rites of Passage - Essential for Survival
Dr. David G. Blumenkrantz

Rites of passage are deeply ingrained in our human psyche. All teenage problems could be viewed as their inadequate and dangerous attempts at self-initiation. Where community-based and culturally oriented rites of passage are not available teenagers are naturally driven to create their own. And, to develop sub-cultures as the context for them to happen within.

Rites of Passage - Youth & Community Development - What's the Story?
Dr. David G. Blumenkrantz

Why rites of passage have not been more widely understood, accepted and put into practice. Rites of passage might just be impossible to convey unless one has been through it themselves. It’s like trying to explain what an orange tastes like to someone who’s never had one. It would be almost as impossible to explain, even to someone who has had one.

FOR MORE OF THE STORY CONTACT THE CENTER AT: thecenter@rope.org or phone: 860-633-5349. We welcome conversation and offer time limited free consultation to assist you with your inquiry.