How To Engage Children in Philanthropy?
I am blessed to have two very loving, caring and thoughtful daughters. While I always enjoyed the time we spent together as a family in philanthropic endeavors – what’s been most heart warming is to see how connected they are with opportunities to give back as young adults.
This is one of the reasons why I’ve been digging in a bit on organizations that focus on children and philanthropy. The more I’ve learned, the more I believe in the importance of introducing people to philanthropic needs and opportunities at a young age. I’m also learning that our youth have a lot more to offer than I ever realized.
Here is a quick introduction to two of the organizations with a strong focus on youth and philanthropy. Let’s start with one based right here in Phoenix, Arizona.
I’ve been lucky enough to meet both the founder and the current executive director of New Global Citizens. Both are bright young women who have a passion for making a difference. Their work has led thousands of young people to a greater awareness of global issues and their ability (and responsibility) to make a difference.
New Global Citizens’ mission is “To inspire youth to become engaged global citizens.” They accomplish this through a number of different approaches that give youth the opportunity to lead their own initiatives. As they describe on their website, their program “provides youth with a global perspective, an opportunity to create change, and the skills they need to thrive in the 21st Century.”
I really liked their values or compass…
- Youth Centered: We believe in the capacity, energy, passion, and innovation of youth.
- Collaboration: We harness the power of networks.
- Community: We trust in grassroots, locally led solutions.
- Diversity: We unite diverse perspectives, experiences, and people.
- Integrity: We operate in an honest, socially conscious, and ethical manner.
- Leadership: We have the courage to shape a better world.
Free The Children is another great organization focused on youth and philanthropy. I was lucky enough to be introduced to them recently by a good friend who gave them very high marks. Here’s some of what they have to say on their website.
“Free The Children is the world’s largest network of children helping children through education. Founded in 1995 by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, we are a charity and educational partner that believes in a world where all young people are free to achieve their fullest potential as agents of change.”
Free The Children introduced WE DAY in 2007 as a means of bringing youth together with a focus on giving back. You can visit weday.com to learn more about ongoing efforts that have engaged over 160,000 people in youth-driven philanthropy.
So, check out these great resources… and please let me know of other organizations that focus on youth and philanthropy. We are always looking for great resources to add to Philanthropegie’s collection.
Ric Leutwyler
