January 2012

This month I had the opportunity to listen-in on a conversation between a Boston Globe reporter and three of our Youth Action Council participants. The writer was collecting material for what became a great story on the work we do in our Youth In Philanthropy program which appeared in Globe West. We are pleased that she spent the time with us, and that it resulted in such a warm and clear report on what we do with youth, and why we do it.

The most meaningful part of the process for me was listening to these amazing young people describe the program and what it means to them. They talked about how important it is to understand all aspects of philanthropy—from fund raising to volunteering, to evaluating grant applications and making award decisions. As they spoke about their experiences working together, understanding nonprofit organizations and making informed choices, I was reminded of how many different ways we, as a community foundation, interact with our region and its residents.

One of the ways we bring donors and nonprofits together is through site visits. We bring both youth and adults to see and hear the stories first-hand, and to meet and understand the staff. The variety of needs, and the dedicated people who serve those needs, become tangible and real for the participants. It is an invaluable connection.

Connecting people to other people, breaking down barriers, and promoting understanding is a large part of what we do here at Foundation for MetroWest. Our Board Chair Dinners and nonprofit trainings gather individuals from all over the region to talk, share ideas, and learn together. This year’s Youth Action Council connects young people from 11 MetroWest communities in experiences of working together that they will remember, and build upon, as they go forward.

Through the connections we build, across communities and among nonprofits, we strengthen MetroWest. Together we can make a difference—today and in the future.

Happy New Year.

Judy Salerno
Executive Director