E-Newsletter: September 2011

From the Director--New school year means new youth philanthropists

The new school year marks an important beginning here at the Foundation—the start of another series of Youth In Philanthropy programs. Throughout September we accept applications for the Youth Action Council, our community-based program that teaches high school students about thoughtful, charitable giving. At the same time our school-based programs start gearing up for another year.

For the past 14 years we have seen the impact of our Youth In Philanthropy program—on the young participants, their families, and their grantees. As each group works together to raise funds, evaluate grants, and make the difficult decisions to award limited money to deserving nonprofits, the participants develop into more engaged citizens with skills they will use throughout their lives.

Data from Edge Research indicates that 52% of Gen Y individuals surveyed (those born between 1981 and 1991) first learned about their top charity during childhood, and they have supported that charity over four years on average. They raise funds, participate and support their friends in walks, runs or other events, visit the websites, and promote the charity online more than any other age group.

Early participation in charitable endeavors may be fueling the growth in philanthropy education in US business schools. An August Bloomberg Business Week article reports that interest in philanthropy course work has grown dramatically since 2000. Dozens of MBA and undergraduate business programs teach philanthropy as an academic subject. In some cases these courses are similar to our Youth In Philanthropy program in that students are given money to donate.

How can you play a part in helping more MetroWest students recognize their own potential as they work through the process of thoughtful giving? You can:

• Encourage high school youth to apply for the Youth Action Council
• Support the program with a financial contribution
• Work with participants on fund raising
• Serve on an advisory committee

Together we can enable MetroWest youth to make a difference now, and set the stage for continued giving in the future.

Best wishes,
Judy Salerno
Executive Director

For more information...

Foundation for MetroWestYouth In Philanthropy program

Bhagat, V., Loeb, P., Rovner, M., "The Next Generation of American Giving", Edge Research, March 2010.

"Philanthropy Gains Eager Followers in B-Schools", Bloomberg BusinessWeek, August 17, 2011.

Meet WAGLY

“When I was approached by parents looking to find a safe haven for GLBTQ high school-age youth to get together, I knew we could create something unique in the MetroWest community,” says Rev. Jack Lewis, Coordinator. “But I had no idea that WAGLY, the West Suburban Alliance of Gay and Lesbian Youth, would grow as rapidly, and as meaningfully, as it has.”

A youth-run, charitable organization, WAGLY focuses on supporting the physical, social, and emotional well-being of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (GLBTQ) youth and allies. Launched in March 2011, Rev. Lewis, Director of Religious Education at the Unitarian Universalist Society of Wellesley Hills, reports that WAGLY routinely attracts 30-40 young people, drawing from 23 communities to each weekly meeting.

“There is tremendous energy within this community, and a spirit of caring that is wonderful to witness and be part of, “says Marie Caradonna, an adult volunteer who serves as the Chair of Programming. “WAGLY enables GLBTQ youth to widen their social network beyond their immediate school or town, and take on leadership roles and accept responsibility in a comfortable and supportive environment.”

The rapid growth of WAGLY has created many challenges, as the all-volunteer organization sets direction, establishes sponsorships, and seeks funds. In addition to attending our free, nonprofit workshops, WAGLY reached-out to the Foundation for MetroWest and requested fiscal sponsorship, which was granted.

This has been very important to WAGLY. “With the Foundation holding and disbursing funds from any grants or donations we receive, we have the time we need to focus on strengthening the organization, applying for grants, and planning future programming,” states Rev. Lewis.

WAGLY invites the community to its upcoming educational forum, “Make it Better Now”, on Tuesday, October 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 pm. Free and open to the public, the session is especially designed for GLBTQ adolescents and the adults who care about them, including parents, teachers, coaches, therapists, EMT’s, police officers, and youth outreach workers. Visit the WAGLYwebsite for more information about this forum and the upcoming weekly programs.

You can help WAGLY continue to provide a place for GLBTQ youth to meet, share common experiences, and support each other, as well as make the MetroWest community more affirming overall. Donations may be made through the Foundation for MetroWest. Contact Rev. Lewis at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 781-235-7423 X112 if you have a skill or expertise you would like to share, or wish to provide refreshments at one or more of the Monday evening meetings.

Encourage the GLBTQ youth you care about to be part of this program.

Youth volunteers needed at FFMW

Do you know any high school age youth who want to earn service hours? Or just want to help with “whatever is needed” at the Foundation for MetroWest?

We are looking for high school age youth who can commit a few hours a week on a regular basis to assist with administrative tasks. Please ask any interested young people to apply at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or by phone at 508-647-2260. In addition to learning more about the work of a community foundation, each volunteer will get to meet and “work” with our newest addition—our Morkie puppy, Lily

Last chance to apply for Youth Action Council

MetroWest high school students—there is no time to lose!

The application period for the Youth Action Council, our community-based grant making program, closes September 29. Share this information with the dynamic, caring young people you know that want to make a difference in their own backyard.

The Youth Action Council gathers young people from various MetroWest communities to work together throughout the school year—fundraising, accepting and evaluating grant applications, doing service work, awarding grants, and developing a greater understanding of the needs in their own backyards. Read more about the Youth Action Council and download the information sheet.

In 2010 this group awarded over $8700, distributed between three deserving organizations: Decibels Foundation, Boys & Girls Club of Assabet Valley, and Camp Starfish. Read all about last year's program and the grants awarded.

Download the application form and encourage the young people you know to apply to be part of this very special program.

In the news: Stone marker commemorates freed slave's home

Upcoming Board trainings

Registration is now open for our next free, non-profit training. "Building a Better Board: Getting the Right People for the Job" will be held on Friday, November 18, in the Wakelin Room of the Wellesley Free Library. This workshop deals with the importance of continuously identifying potential new members, and planning for succession.

Led by nonprofit consultants Amy Cahners and Susan Donahue, the course is designed for an Executive Director or senior staff member accompanied by one or more board members. When registering, please enter every name separately so we have an accurate list of who will be attending. Register here>

Mark your calendars now for the last in our series of free non-profit board trainings. Our last workshop, "Building Your Resources: The Board’s Role in Fundraising", will be offered on December 9, in the Wakelin Room of the Wellesely Free Library. The session will be headed by Amy Cahners and Susan Donahue. Registration will open next month.

Community Events

The following is just a short list of MetroWest events that may be of interest. Consult our Community Calendar for a complete listing.

Fruitlands Museum, Guided Hike, Saturdays, Now through November 15, 3:00 pm.

Walk the museum trails with a staff member and learn about the historic sites within the museum's 210 pristine acres in Harvard. Additional events at the museum are found here>

The Children’s Room, Annual Memories Walk, Sunday, October 2. beginning at 1:00 pm.
This annual fundraiser honors the loved ones that have been lost, and those that carry-on without them. The afternoon includes a 3 mile loop and celebration with food, entertainment and activities. Register here>

WAGLY, Make It Better Now, Tuesday, October 18, 7:30 - 9:00 pm.
A free, educational forum for GLBTQ* adolescents & the adults who care about them. Open to the public, the forum invites parents, teachers, coaches, therapists, EMT’s, police officers, and youth outreach workers. For more information>

Boys & Girls Club of MetroWest, Bids for Kids Auction & Gala, Thursday, October 27, 6:00 - 10:00 pm.
Auction, dinner, celebrity emcee, and entertainment. To purchase tickets>

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, REACH for the Stars Auction Gala, Thursday, October 27, 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
Live auction showcasing celebrity ceramic plates. For more information>

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