We were lucky to catch up with Arnold Ludd recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Arnold, thanks for joining us today. What’s something you believe that most people in your industry (or in general) disagree with?

One unconventional belief I hold is that youth-led programs should be truly youth-driven—not just involving youth but granting them full control over decision-making and planning. Many organizations engage youth as participants or advisors, but adults still often control key decisions and resources. However, I’ve found that when young people are genuinely empowered to lead with minimal adult interference, their unique insights, creativity, and approaches to problem-solving lead to authentic, impactful solutions.

My perspective shifted while working with a youth-led initiative where adults initially served as “advisors” with a final say over ideas. The youth team felt their ideas were filtered and limited. When they voiced this, we adjusted by stepping back almost completely, allowing them to take full ownership. The result was remarkable: they developed innovative campaigns and connections that felt genuinely relevant to their peers—outcomes our adult-led team hadn’t anticipated.

In my experience, trusting youth with full control, even if it means a certain level of unpredictability, leads to more resonant and effective programming. This approach is riskier but ultimately cultivates leaders who can directly shape the change they want to see.

Arnold, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

About Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down

Founded by Arnold Ludd and his friends, Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down is a youth-driven initiative aimed at addressing and counteracting gun violence within the community. This 10-30 week program creates a supportive environment where teens can openly discuss their challenges, develop conflict-resolution skills, and engage in fitness training. It’s built on the belief that those most affected by gun violence are best equipped to devise meaningful solutions.

What We Offer

Community Circle: A safe space for participants to discuss important topics like relationship building, conflict mediation, and alternative approaches to gun violence. These discussions are designed to foster trust and strengthen community bonds.
Guest Speakers: Participants gain insights from diverse community leaders, including detectives, business owners, professors, and relationship coaches. These sessions expose teens to different perspectives and inspire them to consider various career paths and community roles.
Boxing and Fitness Training: The program offers hands-on boxing training, where participants learn self-defense techniques, including proper stances, punches, and combinations. Additionally, fitness training helps teens build strength, discipline, and a sense of accomplishment.
What Sets Us Apart

Arnold Ludd, a junior at City Tech College, not only founded the program but also leads it with a deep commitment to social change. His extensive background and achievements—including multiple fellowships, awards, and leadership roles—reflect his dedication to empowering youth and promoting community well-being. Arnold is a recognized leader within New York’s youth initiatives, having been honored as an MBK Fellow, DYCD Youth Ambassador, and IMCE0 Partner.

Vision and Impact

What sets Jiggabite apart is its foundation in lived experience. This program was built by youth, for youth, emphasizing authentic connections and real-life solutions to gun violence. Jiggabite empowers teens to take charge of their futures by providing them with tools to resolve conflicts non-violently, build confidence, and create healthier communities. Arnold’s mission is to bridge gaps between young people and community resources, inspiring them to make proactive choices.

Message to Potential Supporters

Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down isn’t just a program; it’s a movement towards peace, unity, and resilience. For those interested in supporting or partnering with us, know that your involvement directly contributes to reducing gun violence and empowering youth to make transformative choices. Whether you’re a community leader, educator, or simply someone who believes in uplifting the next generation, your support will fuel positive change.

For more information, reach out at [email protected]

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down has built a strong reputation within the community by staying true to its mission as a youth-led program. This approach resonates with young people because they see their own peers, who understand their struggles and experiences, leading the charge. Founded by Arnold Ludd and his friends, the program is shaped by youth perspectives, making it uniquely relatable and impactful. By empowering young people to take active roles in designing and running the program, Jiggabite builds trust and credibility among participants and their families, demonstrating that young people can be both the leaders and the solution to issues affecting their lives.

Key Factors Contributing to Jiggabite’s Reputation:

Authentic Leadership and Relatability: As a youth-led initiative, Jiggabite stands out as a program created by young people for young people. Arnold and his team share the backgrounds and challenges of their participants, creating a bond of mutual respect and understanding that makes the program more effective and trustworthy.
Consistency and Tangible Impact: With its comprehensive 10-week structure, Jiggabite delivers consistent, positive changes in participants’ lives. The combination of community circles, guest speakers, and physical training provides real benefits, and the program’s impact is visible in the growth and confidence of those who complete it.
Community Recognition and Support: Arnold’s achievements and leadership roles, such as being an MBK Fellow, DYCD Youth Ambassador, and Shark Tank winner, lend credibility to Jiggabite. Community partnerships with local schools and organizations further reinforce the program’s standing, showing that both peers and authorities believe in the program’s mission.
Empowerment Through Youth-Led Solutions: The youth-led model gives participants a sense of ownership and pride, as they are encouraged to take part in solutions to community issues. This empowerment strengthens their commitment to the program, fosters personal growth, and showcases the power of youth leadership to others.
Positive Word of Mouth: Participants who benefit from Jiggabite’s safe and impactful environment often share their experiences with friends and family, generating positive word-of-mouth support. The program’s ability to create lasting change in young people’s lives encourages others to join and support its mission.
Collaborations with Respected Community Figures: By including guest speakers like detectives, professors, and relationship coaches, Jiggabite demonstrates its commitment to holistic development and positive mentorship. These collaborations highlight the community’s belief in the program’s potential to uplift and inspire youth.
By prioritizing a youth-led approach and genuine engagement, Jiggabite Gloves Up, Guns Down has established itself as a trusted, impactful program, proving that youth can be powerful leaders and change-makers in their own communities.

Any fun sales or marketing stories?

One of Jiggabite’s most pivotal and memorable marketing moments came during its early days when founder Arnold Ludd and his team faced a critical decision: they needed to pivot their approach to gain the trust of local schools and community leaders. Initially, they thought that sharing their vision of a youth-led program aimed at reducing gun violence would be enough to secure partnerships, but they quickly learned that the community was hesitant to embrace a project led entirely by young people. Arnold realized he’d have to find a new way to prove that Jiggabite could make a real impact.

In this period of uncertainty, Arnold turned to his connections from the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) meetings, where he was actively involved. These meetings provided a support network and opened his eyes to the idea of shifting Jiggabite’s focus from just being a boxing program to a more holistic initiative—one that combined community building, guest speakers, and leadership development alongside boxing. He knew this pivot would make Jiggabite more appealing to the schools and organizations that were initially skeptical.

With this new vision in mind, Arnold and his team took a bold step. They decided to organize a free community event to reintroduce Jiggabite, showcasing its revised mission and multifaceted approach. They planned every detail to demonstrate Jiggabite’s value, inviting students, parents, teachers, and community leaders to experience the program in action. But it was still a risk—especially since they weren’t sure people would attend or support a youth-led initiative addressing something as sensitive as gun violence.

In the days leading up to the event, Arnold leaned heavily on his MBK connections, who helped spread the word. He and his team reached out on social media, spoke at local gatherings, and even connected with people door-to-door to encourage attendance. Arnold was both anxious and determined, knowing they had one shot to prove Jiggabite’s potential to the community.

When the day finally arrived, the turnout was beyond what Arnold had hoped for. The room was packed, and as Arnold shared his story and the program’s impact, he could feel the audience’s perspective shifting. He introduced the “Community Circle” concept, brought in guest speakers who had experienced and overcome adversity, and demonstrated how boxing training could be a tool for discipline and empowerment. By the end of the event, the audience was visibly moved, and community leaders who had been on the fence were impressed by the program’s depth and potential.

That event became a turning point for Jiggabite. It marked the beginning of partnerships with several schools and community organizations, as well as a newfound wave of support from the community. This pivot, inspired by lessons from the MBK meetings, helped Jiggabite not only survive but thrive. What began as a risk turned into one of Arnold’s proudest achievements, proving that a youth-led initiative could successfully tackle some of the toughest issues facing his community. That night set the stage for Jiggabite’s reputation as a trusted, impactful program, and it confirmed to Arnold and his team that they were on the right path.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/big360s/profilecard/?igsh=Z2dweTh6bDl6bTZs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Luddarnold7?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: https://youtu.be/fW0CLHYEs6U?si=vCb6tGcV6eEDCyVb

  https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/jiggabite-gloves-up-arnold-walter-ludd-jr-i-will-graduate/

  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtWVwmrJ-Ft7gKupBHy8ttQ