At HCF’s Living the Environment conference, students from every Hamilton high school learned about connecting themselves to the environment so they can make a difference in the world around them.
Philanthropy can help to develop your leadership skills. It’s a cool way to meet people and help other youth in this community who could be struggling with real life issues. It’s also really easy to get involved! How? Keep on reading…
1. Join the YAC…
Being a teenager or a young adult today isn’t easy. We know there’s way more challenges than even one generation ago, so here’s your chance to help others get through some tough times!
Why Join?
As a YAC member, there’s a lot you can do and so much you can learn:
- Review proposals for grants to youth projects in the Hamilton community
- Develop your self-confidence
- Find out what your community needs and what opportunities exist
- Connect with other young people who are also involved in philanthropy – across Ontario, Canada and around the world!
If you’re up to the job of being a YAC co-chair, you also get to participate in HCF board meetings to represent the YAC. YAC members can also sit on HCF fund advisory committees. It’s really your chance to influence the future of your own community!
So there’s lots of opportunity for you to get involved and make a difference!
Do I Have What It Takes?
Join YAC if you:
- Live in Hamilton
- Are aged 14 to 25
- Can offer four hours a month from September to June. It might be a bit more when we’re running an event or deciding on grants.
- Can attend two meetings a month from September to June
- Want to work with all kinds of other youth from your city to make a difference
Sounds Good – I’m In! Now What?
Download these forms and call Kim Grinvalds, YAC’s adult advisor at 905-523-5600 or send her an e-mail: k.grinvalds@hcf.on.ca. She’ll tell you more.
2. Start a Project…
Philanthropy isn’t about donating big amounts of money – the word actually means “love of humankind.” You can learn how to be a philanthropist by making a difference in your school or community through anything from a drop-in centre, sports program or a recycling project! Don’t know how to get started or need some cash to get the project going? Check out the Living the Environment Conference this provides information about the annual YAC fall conference which teaches youth about how they can make a positive impact on the environment. Environmental projects run by youth in Hamilton high schools can also apply for grants through this conference.