Every day we encounter people who would love to see a big change in the community and world around them. And almost just as often, we see a lack of action toward this ideal. Why? As the old saying goes, "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." (Margaret Mead said that.)
Action is a daunting task, but not impossible. So let's do it already.
One local group has already started - Peace Out. The organization's mission? To help turn young adults into teen philanthropists.
"When I volunteer to help others I feel like someone. There's a lot of people in this world, 6.8 billion, and when I volunteer or give I feel important and helpful, not just a part of the background." - Zach, Peace Out student, age 16
Founded by Michelle McLean and her daughters Amber and Danielle, Peace Out is an after school group that aims to help teens get hands-on experience raising funds and awareness for nonprofit organizations. In other words, the definition of Peace Out is the proposal to help abolish (fill in blank here: hunger, domestic violence, animal cruelty, etc.).
In other words PEACE OUT. Bye-Bye. Ta-Ta. You catch my meaning. ...
"Everyone is passionate about something different," says Amber McLean. These passions are reflected in the nonprofits participating with Peace Out, aiding causes from homelessness, animals, art, cancer - you name it. If a teen walks through the door with a cause they feel compelled to aid, Peace Out will find an outlet for it through a local nonprofit.
Interestingly, the course fee of the eight-week program is $150, but only $50 of the cost is owed by the student. The remaining $100 is offered by a generous sponsor (who, in return, receives a handwritten thank-you letter from the teen as well as the good-for-the-soul warmth that comes from doing something worthwhile).
Meeting twice a week, the teens first learn the inner workings of being a nonprofit by creating their own in teams of four - naming the faux foundation, appointing board members, filing for grants and creating their individual mission statement. These actions help teens get a sense of what it means to be a nonprofit. Further encouraging a personal investment, the teens are able to interview nonprofit representatives before choosing their topic.
Course activities for the remainder of the eight weeks include a Saturday scavenger hunt for supplies on the foundation‘s wish list, fieldtrips to learn more about some of the organizations and colorful presentations made by all of the participants. These presentations are then judged by local residents of retirement homes.
Don't see the connection? Well, due to Michelle's past volunteer work in retirement homes (Amber and Danielle do the same) Peace Out also encourages intergenerational relationships by holding several of their events in retirement communities. Residents become involved by judging the teens' presentations and attending several events. No age gap is large enough to cause a gap in passion and concern for a cause.
And the grand finale? A fundraiser to conclude the program, including a deserved hats off to the teens for their personal initiative. Past events have featured a petting zoo, dunk tank and festival-like games - and, perhaps more importantly, the recognition of others who have made a difference in their community through the arts. The group then gets to present a BIG check to each nonprofit to represent the real check of funds raised.
"The experience was very rewarding for (my daughter)," Melody Davis, a parent, remarked of Peace Out. " I wanted to say that not only does (Peace Out) make a difference in the community by helping local charities and teaching kids how good it feels to give, but I'm sure it also rubs off on the parents, some that have forgotten the importance of giving."
The McLean‘s enthusiasm is genuine and catching. Through Peace Out an ember of inspiration has turned into a bonfire. Let's work on an inferno. That's a movement I want to be a part of!
