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| The OCCF Youth Council began as a vision to provide a system whereby the young people of Orange County could learn the meaning of philanthropy and begin the practice of philanthropy at an early age The OCCF Youth Council is mentored by representatives of Paoli, Orleans, and the Springs Valley areas, as well as the Orange County Community Foundation staff. The Youth Council members themselves, however, are responsible for the success of their endeavors. Meeting monthly, the Orange County Community Foundation Youth Council facilitates its own meeting processes, organizes its own committees, and hosts its own fund-raisers for community programs and projects. To date, they have established an endowment of more than $100,000.00. Annually they make grants toward the common good throughout Orange County. Perhaps one of the Youth Council’s most successful programs is its Education Series, focused on teaching the components and spirit of philanthropy to fourth grade students in each of the county’s three school systems. Students are taught the importance of giving their time, talents and treasure, as well as the long-term benefits of philanthropic efforts. By introducing the concept of giving at the elementary level, the Youth Council members are instilling a greater understanding of the community and its needs, as well as the willingness and desire to help others, within the children they teach. From the ranks of the OCCF Youth Council and the elementary students they mentor will come tomorrow’s community leaders and those who will further the goal of the Orange County Community Foundation to serve the common good. By preparing these young people today for their roles in future philanthropic efforts, the Community Foundation and the members of its Youth Council are helping pave the way to a better quality of life...For good, Forever, For Orange County. To apply for membership in the OCCF Youth Council, contact our Program Director, Cyndi Goerres, at 812-723-4150 or email her at cyndigoerres@orangecountycommunityfoundation.org. |
