By The Youth Philanthropy Connect Team

Last year, Youth Philanthropy Connect (YPC), a special initiative of the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation, took a road trip to engage with youth philanthropists. We had a great time and met nearly 500 youth and adult philanthropists from across the country, while journeying thousands of miles.

In the spirit of our road trip and YPC, we would like to share with you some of our key learnings through the words of youth philanthropists.

Adapted from the original post (January 8, 2016)

In Houston, Ashley Deutser, now a YPC leadership team member and a junior at Kincaid School, wrote, “Being exposed to increasing need in our community through my leadership role on the Greater Houston Community Foundation‘s Youth Philanthropy Connect Conference has opened my eyes and my heart to the plight of others. ….Giving comes in all different shapes, sizes and ways. We cannot wait for others to do what we can do today.”

In NYC, we saw and heard insights from youth about their own futures. Gaby Baum who is engaged in a Jewish Teen Philanthropy program at the United Jewish Federation of Greater Stamford Youth Philanthropy Board wrote, “I was interested in meeting people from different backgrounds and organizations with one common goal – that of giving. Youth philanthropy is growing and with that comes new and different views on the work that must be done. Here, together and united, we brought different ideas to the table, exposing each other to new ideas and opportunities.”

In Massachusetts, 85 youth and adults came together in an event coordinated by Brandeis University’s Sillerman Center, local programs, and YPC. Lizzie Jack (pictured left) an 8^th grader at Rivers School and experienced YPC leadership team member, said “It was an amazing experience to teach a session at the MA conference. I was able to meet kids of all different ages and backgrounds, but who were all there for the same reason: to better understand philanthropy and how they can make an impact on the community. I saw how passionate everyone at the conference was about putting others before themselves!”

“The YPC road trip gave me a greater perspective on philanthropy. In Indianapolis and Seattle I was able to see how other regions approach solutions to problems. It was really amazing to see all of the great work that both older and younger children are doing across our nation to make the world a better place for everyone. I really enjoyed meeting other kids engaged in doing philanthropic work and felt inspired to join the leadership team so I could help bring this opportunity to others around the country,” wrote Jonah Gomez, a member of the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation junior board.

What’s Next?

We want young people to join YPC and get to know other youth philanthropists to continue to grow this network! So, how can you get involved?

• Sign up for our newsletter to stay in touch with YPC! Watch for virtual learning opportunities and regional gatherings in your area. Can’t wait? Check out fcfox.org/register for events.
• Gather your friends or family and use the Teen Philanthropy Café readers to learn on your own about 7 great topics!
• Register to attend the YPC International Conference at Disneyland Resort, July 7-9, 2016. Use promo code “EXPONENT” for a 20% registration discount (Exponent Philanthropy members only).
• Join us in increasing resources virtually as we partner with Foundation Center on youthgiving.org. The new online hub for youth philanthropists with data, information, and case studies will be available 24-7.
• Exponent Philanthropy is partnering with YPC on a 4-part webinar series. Join the first on March 31 at 2PM ET: Building Effective Youth-Adult Partnerships

For more about YPC’s 2015 impact, check out the 2015 Impact Report! We are so excited to continue to impact thousands of youth philanthropists and the adults who support them in 2016.

Youth Philanthropy Connect (YPC), a special initiative of the Frieda C. Fox Family Foundation, connects youth grantmakers and the adults who support them to each other, to resources, and learning, while also growing the movement of youth engaged in philanthropy. We are inspiring and helping the next generation of youth philanthropists (ages 8-21), who we know are changing the world now and will continue to be the future changemakers for social good.