DisruptHR Denver 19.0

MACM Mission Statement

Our Mission is to build a just society by developing tenacious learners, compassionate leaders and ethically driven critical thinkers.

MACM Organizational Bio:

Make A Chess Move (MACM) is a Denver-based nonprofit organization founded by Executive Director Phillip Douglas. Rooted in the belief that every young person is one strategic move away from transformation, MACM uses chess as a gateway to leadership, emotional wellness, critical thinking, and community engagement. Since its inception, MACM has grown from a grassroots movement into a multi-track youth development ecosystem serving hundreds of students across Colorado. Through school-based programs, after-school enrichment, mentoring, workforce development, and community initiatives, MACM integrates chess with real-life decision-making, restorative practices, character development, and positive identity formation.

MACM’s signature program tracks include:

● MACM101 – Introduce youth to chess as a tool for critical thinking, discipline, and personal growth.

● MACompassionM – Build empathy, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness among youth facing life challenges.

● MACareerM – Prepare youth for meaningful careers and leadership roles through hands-on learning and mentorship.

● MACreativeM – Creative expression through art, writing, and multimedia

● MACommunityM – Empower youth to lead change in their neighborhoods and influence local policy. Across all programs, MACM focuses on helping young people master the “real-life chessboard”—teaching them to slow down, evaluate consequences, overcome obstacles, and make intentional moves that open doors to a better future.

With expanding partnerships across schools, community organizations, and corporate partners, MACM is shaping the next generation of strategic leaders, change-makers, and community builders.