New Adventures

As summer comes to a close, we bet you are all wondering what new adventures are in store.  No doubt you've picked out your "first-day-of-school-outfit" and purchased new notebooks and writing utensils for the year ahead.  You've said "goodbye" to camp friends, traded your flip-flops for sturdier shoes and soaked up the last bit of sun before summer vacation ends.  A new chapter in your life begins.

The same goes for me (Catherine) and Lea.  When we started working with YAC last August, we didn't know what to expect.  We've had a lot of ups and downs, but we could not be happier about the great things the Arkansas YAC chapters have accomplished.  Now we are wrapping up our year as VISTA workers and heading out to find our places in the world.  We would like to say "thank you" to each one of you (YAC members AND advisors) for making this year special for us.  We hope that the YAC program will soar to even greater heights this coming year!  We have no doubt in our minds that great things will come from all of you and we can't wait to hear about what a difference YAC has made in Arkansas.

Keep up the YAC spirit,

Catherine and Lea

Getting Creative with Awareness

Sometimes in philanthropy or awareness campaigns you have to think outside of the box (or in this case, outside of the t-shirt).  Teens spent a whole day hanging t-shirts on a clothesline in front of a local business in their town to bring awareness to deaths caused by smoking.  Talk about visual impact!  

Check it out: http://www.lenconnect.com/photos/x872947881/Anti-smoking-project

Wouldn't it be cool to do something like this in your community?

• Pick an issue you're passionate about in order to harness your creative energy.
• Simple is the way to go.  Make sure you can explain your cause in two sentences or less.
• Don't do anything alone! Get your friends/family AND your community involved.
• Work within your financial limits (if you can't afford something, as for donations OR think of another way to spread your message.
• Get creative with everyday objects.  Place old toys in front of community buildings to bring awareness to child abuse; tape empty water bottles to a store window (with the store's permission, of course) to encourage people to recycle.  
• Create a tagline to explain your cause. For example: Beside a store window taped with many water bottles, post a sign that says “Imagine if you had to carry all the bottles you threw away with you while you were shopping.  Recycle!” 

Summertime Philanthropy (contd)

Thirsty for more ideas on how to serve your community this summer?  No worries.  Like your favorite sunscreen, we’ve got you covered.  Here’s a list of simple ways to give back (and rack up community service hours while you're at it):

- Find a community garden near you and offer to de-weed or plant new seeds (be sure to take a floppy hat to protect your face and head from the sun!)

- Round up a few of your fellow YAC members to distribute fans to those at ballgames

- Gather small bottles of soap, shampoo and other personal hygiene products to donate to local jails or homeless shelters

- Volunteer at your local food bank by restocking shelves or delivering nonperishable items

- Write “thinking of you” letters to a nursing home (make sure you call to get a headcount of all the residents so you have enough cards)

30 days of Creative Philanthropy

Are you stuck in a summertime haze with nothing to do?  Look for creative ways to philanthrop-ize your life!  Try a 30 day philanthropy challenge and find new ways to give back.  Look online or in the news for local volunteer information and get to it!

A 30 day challenge seems pretty self explanatory, but here are a few guidelines:

- Try to do something every day for more than 20 minutes (We know that task seems a little daunting, but that’s why it’s called a “challenge!”)

- What you do should be something philanthropic (a.k.a. something that helps your community, like picking up trash or stocking shelves at your local food bank)
- Bring a friend!  Time goes by faster when you’re with someone.

Tips to get you started:
- Identify goals (what do you hope to accomplish for your community in the next 30 days?)
- Schedule activities the week before so you never have to scramble for ideas
- Pick an area to focus on throughout the 30 day challenge (do you want to help animals, the environment or children?  Or do you want to focus on multiple areas of giving?)
- Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day!  You’re giving back to your community and that’s all that matters.

Resources and examples:
Creative Microphilanthropy 30 day challenge
http://www.good.is/post/the-good-30-day-challenge-creative-microphilanthropy

Good Citizenship 30 Day challenge
http://www.good.is/post/the-good-30-day-challenge-become-a-good-citizen

Summertime Philanthropy

We know a fair few of you will be completely bogged down by your summer commitments in the coming months.  However, if you find yourself in a rut, wishing you had inspiration to do something for your community (or just wishing you had something to do, period), visit our blog.  We’ll have summertime philanthropy challenges and activities for you to immerse yourself in between the trips to the beach. 

Happy Summer!

Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Sexual Assault: we don’t like to talk about it and we most likely cringe when someone brings it up.  We need to start a conversation about it, though, because it affects more people than we think.  Sexual Assault is any sexual act committed against your will or without your consent.  Anyone can be a victim of sexual assault: it can happen to men and women of all ages and races. (http://www.dayoneny.org/dayone/get_informed/saam_2012/?gclid=CL38wvjK0K8CFS7DtgodWmlNdg)

A few ways to raise awareness about sexual assault:
 talk about it with your friends/peers
 contact local women/children shelters to ask if they have resources/info about sexual assault prevention
 ask local schools if they have programs/information for students regarding sexual assault prevention
 find different ways your community supports victims of sexual assault

Websites for more info and statistics:
http://www.sapr.mil/index.php/saam
http://www.dayoneny.org/dayone/get_informed/saam_2012/?gclid=CL38wvjK0K8CFS7DtgodWmlNdg
http://www.nsvrc.org/
http://www.malesurvivor.org/myths.html
http://www.stanford.edu/group/svab/myths.shtml

Going Green: Earth Day [April 22]

It’s time to break out your shovels, scatter some seeds and reap what you sew for this year’s Earth Day.  Many cities hold events on or around April 22 in honor of Mother Nature.  This is a great opportunity to teach youth in your community how to keep our planet green.  Hold a recycling challenge at your school.  Have people sign a pledge to reduce their use of electricity for at least an hour a day.  Plant a tree with your friends or find an event close to you to volunteer for. 

We made it easy for you!

[Events by city]

http://www.earthday.org/fayetteville

http://hotspringsgreen.org/eday.html

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/events/great-american-cleanup-75706/

http://www.pinebluffcvb.org/calendar/detail.aspx?id=824

https://www.facebook.com/pages/UCA-Green-Week/113122772033241

[Other events]

http://www.arkansasearthday.org/

http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2010/apr/20/earth-day-events-around-arkansas/

Can’t find your town?  Do a little digging and ask others what they plan to do on Earth Day.  You can plan your own celebration!

April Awareness: Child Abuse Prevention

This week's awareness spotlight is Child Abuse Prevention.  


Unfortunately, child abuse is not an uncommon problem and abuse manifests itself in many different forms.  Abandonment, neglect, physical, emotional, sexual and psychological are the most common forms of child abuse.  If a child is abused in any way, he or she can grow up to experience many of the following problems: (emotional) depression, anxiety, low-self esteem; (physical) various non-accidental physical ailments (bruises, broken bones, wounds, etc); (neglect) lack of basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing and medical attention.  


Many cities and towns have programs that help raise awareness of and prevent child abuse and neglect, support healthy childhood development and strengthen families.  These programs are usually held by women's shelters, churches and schools.  YACs can consider funding these programs around or near their area.  


To learn more visit these websites: 
http://www.preventchildabuse.org/index.shtml
http://www.childwelfare.gov/pubs/factsheets/whatiscan.pdf
http://www.childabuseprevention.org/content/programs-and-services

April Awareness: Autism

Throughout the month of April, we will post about different awareness groups in order to give your YAC ideas regarding what/who to fund during your grant cycle!


April 2nd (this past Monday) was Autism Awareness Day and many people came together to support fundraising and awareness-raising events for Autism.  Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life and affects a person's ability to communicate and interact with others, along with other developmental issues.  There are varying degrees of autism and each case is unique, therefore treatment is different for anyone with the disorder.  Many autism advocate agencies help families with information about the disorder, including: funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and providing valuable information to families and individuals affected by autism disorders.  (sources: autismspeaks.org and autism-society.org).  


Quick facts:
Autism affects 1 in 88 children
Autism affects 1 out of 54 boys and 1 out of 252 girls
There is no medical detection or cure for autism
Autism is the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S.


There are probably more children in your area who are affected by autism than you think.  Find out how to help them!


Here a few websites if you want to know more:
http://www.autismspeaks.org/
http://www.autism-society.org

Grant Awards, Ceremonies and More

Once your YAC decides which youth organization(s) to grant to, plan on having a special ceremony or congratulatory written letter for the grantee(s).  If your YAC group has access to a facility big enough to hold a large group of people, consider utilizing this space for a grant award reception.  Invite local news stations, community leaders and the grantee(s) along with a few youth from the organization(s) your YAC is funding.  Make sure to serve light refreshments at the reception and create an agenda for those who attend.  A reception can boost community relationships with YAC and amongst organizations.  This is beneficial for your YAC’s image and relationship with the organization(s) your group chooses to fund. 

If your YAC group is not able to host such an event, hold a YAC meeting in which each member composes a hand-written letter congratulating the organization(s) that will receive funding.  Tell the organization(s) how excited your group is to help fund their efforts for youth and why your group decided to choose them.  Tell them why you enjoy funding youth efforts and why you think YAC helps the community.  Always remember to commend their efforts and thank them for the hard work they do for youth. 

If your YAC needs resources (Grant Cycle letters templates, YAC letterhead, etc.), contact us at yac@arcf.org or visit the YAC page on our website at www.arcf.org.

A Smooth Grant Cycle

After your YAC decides how many grants to give away, how many organizations to give to and how much it can/is willing to grant, the next step is making sure the grant cycle goes as smoothly as possible.  Remember: life is full of ups and downs so plan for problems to arise and your group will be able to handle them calmly rather than frantically.

 Tips for conducting a smooth grant cycle:

1.  Review the current grant application to ensure it is up-to-date and that the questions are relevant to what your YAC is looking for.
2. Identify a timeline for the grant cycle period in which your YAC will accept applications.
3. Communicate to the public the appropriate grant amount to apply for.
4. Develop a one page Fact Sheet that details the above information, along with the criteria for the proposals.
5. Develop a press release to send out to media outlets to promote your grant cycle (Consider utilizing other mediums to advertise your grant cycle (webpage, email, Facebook, have your affiliate ED send to their network, etc.)
6. Monitor your grant proposals as they come in to ensure completeness and accuracy.
7. Schedule a time and date for reviewing grants (be sure to allow plenty of time for the committee to have a healthy and fruitful discussion).
8. Develop a grant review score sheet to evaluate and rate the proposals.
9. Develop your final funding decisions based on the majority of the review committee’s approval.
10.  Develop a process for announcing and awarding the grants (i.e. grant award letter, grant reception and presentation, etc.)

What NOT to do:

- Wait until the last minute to determine who and how many organizations to fund or how much money your YAC can give

      - Schedule a grant review meeting that does not give your YAC enough time to review all proposals and make an informed and thoughtful decision

      - Fail to promote the open grant cycle through all appropriate communication channels

      -  Fail to have clear application instructions and criteria for applicants to read and follow

If your YAC needs resources (i.e. Fact Sheets, grant applications, grant review score sheets, etc.) to help with the grant cycle, contact us at yac@arcf.org or visit the YAC page on our website at www.arcf.org.

Grant Application Checklist

If your YAC has started its grant application process: good job!  If your YAC hasn’t started its grant application process, review these tips below.  Over the next few weeks, we will supply you with tips and tricks for smooth grant cycles.  Hopefully you will gain insight into the often perplexing details of grant writing and reviewing. 

Step 1: Know exactly what your group is willing (and not willing) to fund.  Be clear and concise in the grant application about the qualifications you are looking for.  For instance: The applicant must be a registered philanthropy (or a 501(c)3 organization) and serve youth in the community of (your community). 

Step 2: Be aware of how much money your group can give to the applicants.  You don’t want to promise funds you don’t have, so make sure your group is fully aware of the expendable in the YAC endowment. 

Step 3: Decide how many applicants your YAC will/can fund for the year.  Your group is not limited to only funding one organization.  However, if your YAC chooses to fund multiple organizations, remember the endowment spendable only amounts to so much. 

Step 4: Contact the media (local radio stations, news stations, magazines and news papers) and let them know that the YAC grant cycle is open.  Your group will be able to reach more organizations this way.

Step 5: Set a deadline for grant applications.  When does your group need applications?  Sooner is often better than later.  Set a deadline and stick to it! 

Next week:  Tips for a Smooth Grant Cycle

Connect the YACs

You’ve played the timeless drawing game, Connect the Dots, right?  The goal is to get every dot on the page connected to the others without breaking the line drawn between them.  The goal of your YAC should be the same: to connect each Youth Advisory Council throughout the state of Arkansas and keep them connected.  

You know what your YAC is capable of so think about what all of the YACs across the state could do together.  Each group could pull the spendable money in their endowments to award a grant to a philanthropy based in Arkansas.  Here’s another idea: get YAC groups within your region to come together and plan an event benefitting youth from various counties, towns and cities.  Think of the impact each one of you can make if you use your talents to work together.   

Share ideas.  Build relationships.  Connect the YACs to see the "big picture" of youth philanthropy in Arkansas.  Your YAC (and you) will grow from these connections.

10 years and counting...

In honor of Arkansas YAC's 10 year anniversary,  we got a group of YAC supporters together to tell us what they liked about the program.  We unveiled the video at this year's YAC Attack!  We hope you guys enjoy!

  

Breakout Group Leaders at YAC Attack! '12

Alley Daily

Alley Daily is a sophomore at the University of Mississippi working on her Bachelor’s Degree.  What does she have in common with YAC?  Well, she served 5 (count ‘em!) years as YACer for Hot Springs Area YAC.  She has always been involved in volunteer programs and has a special place for YAC in her heart.  She will lead a discussion about how to motivate yourself and others around you.

Camille Hart

Camille is an America VISTA (sounds familiar doesn’t it?  You’re reading a VISTA’s post right now J) who has served all over the South for three years.  She currently works for the Office of Community-Based Public Health at UAMS.  She loves working with youth and finding new ways to give back to the community.  She will lead a discussion about philanthropy and how important it is in our communities.

Group Leaders at YAC Attack! '12

Andrea Gomez: JCA and Diversity training

Just Communities of Arkansas (JCA) is an organization that advances diversity in the community, by challenging harmful (and often wrong) assumptions and promoting understanding and respect through educational programs and advocacy.  Their programs are available for adults and youth in Little Rock neighborhoods.   Andrea Gomez is the current Youth Programs Director for Just Communities of Arkansas.  She will lead a break session on Diversity and how YACs can be advocates of diversity in their communities.  Andrea will also bring some of the youth involved in the programs at JCA. To learn more about this organization, click here. 

Samantha Minster: Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support

The Department of Human Services strengthens community resources, volunteerism and national service in Arkansas through their Division of Community Service and Nonprofit Support (DCSNS).  They offer training, technical assistance and information to all Arkansans.  Samantha Minster is a Volunteer Program Coordinator for NW Arkansas DCSNS and provides multiple trainings for volunteer and nonprofit organizations.  She will lead a discussion the role of your YAC and fostering ideas for community service.

Fishsticks and Milk

This may sound like something you eat when there is nothing left in the fridge but it is actually a nonprofit based in Ottowa, Illinois.  Tyler Amm and his friends co-founded the group in 2009 in response to small town blues.  They saw an increase in "bad behavior" among their peers and they wanted to give people in their community a place to hang out without the pressures of daily life.  They host numerous events such as talent shows, band showcases and dance parties and hold fundraisers and donation drives for their community.  Though they are serious about philanthropy, the group of Fishsticks and Milk always know how to have fun.  Many of their funny antics are caught on video and you can check them out on their official facebook page. 

Tyler Amm will be a keynote speaker for YAC Attack! ’12!  Don’t miss it!

KYE-YAC International

KYE -YAC International is a philanthropic organization in Hot Springs, Arkansas created by kids, for kids.  Kye Masino, the founder of KYE-YAC , began this group to focus on fundraising efforts to improve health care, education and exposure to the arts so that children can succeed in life.  To date, KYE-YAC has raised $30,000 for the Arkansas Rice Depot’s Food for Kids Program, donated money to the Hot Springs YMCA Education and Learning Center and given time and money to local charities in Arkansas.  Kye was honored for his efforts as the volunteer of the year by the Arkansas Rice Depot at its annual Thanks-for-Giving luncheon. 

Kye Masino will be one of our keynote speakers at YAC Attack! ’12!

To learn more about KYE-YAC, check out the website! 

http://www.kyeyac.org/index.php

Kye Masino talks to KARK News host, Craig O'Neill, about "Kye Bears."  

These bears can be purchased to support a hungry child in Arkansas.

Live 2 Give: YAC Attack! '12

“Pumped” does not even begin to describe how we feel about the upcoming YAC Attack Youth Philanthropy Conference on February 17^th and 18^th!  Are you ready?  Here’s a checklist of things you should do before you attend YAC Attack! ’12:

1.       Tell all of your YAC friends (why keep this great news all to yourself?)

2.       Brush up on your totem pole construction techniques (YAC Attack! ’11 gave each team a chance to make its own “totem pole” to describe its unique group of teens)

3.       Vote on your favorite tee (click here to vote!)

4.       Register to attend YAC Attack! ’12 (click here to register!)

5.       Get excited! 

E-mail us at yac@arcf.org if you need any help or have any questions!

Happy Tuesday!