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

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.

Arkansas YACs: A trip down diversity lane

It’s always great to see the diverse audiences that the YAC program involves. When you have a program that reaches state-wide, you will find different structures, different members, and different community projects. With that said, the overall YAC program is just as diverse as the young people involved in its efforts. Very cool, right?

I had the privilege of traveling to Jonesboro to meet with the Craighead County YAC last Thursday. The Craighead County YAC meets at City Youth Ministries every month or so and has about 10 members. Jerry, Lisa, and Blake are the three advisors that are supporting the YAC and their community efforts. At the meeting we discussed different opportunities for them to help out in the community. They listed possible community service projects. They also discussed potential grant opportunities for school organizations that work to enable students to have a voice. It was a great meeting with lots of valuable discussion. We’ll be seeing great things from the Jonesboro YAC AND I have no doubt that we’ll see them at YAC ATTACK!

Until then...

Lea

Diversity: a definition

(di’vûr’si tē) n.

1.      1. variety.  2. the spice of life.  3. holidays with your eccentric (for lack of a better term) family. 

Whatever definition you think of when you hear the word “diversity,” what should be in the forefront of your mind is “YAC.”  Youth Advisory Councils depend on diversity to be effective.  How else will you understand the needs of your community if your YAC doesn’t reflect the people within the community?  Think of your YAC as a bowl of ice cream: you put more than just ice cream in the bowl, right?  You sniff through the buffet, sorting through every delicious combination of sweets imaginable: caramel; chocolate; sprinkles; cookie dough; cherries; nuts; hot fudge (are you drooling yet?).  You can’t make a sundae without the different toppings.

The point is this: One kind of person does not a YAC make.  As YAC members, every one of you should always be looking for ways to improve not only your community but the diversity of your group.  A diverse group opens doors to different ideas that one person can’t think of on his or her own.  You guys are a sounding board for each other so take advantage of the knowledge all of you can gain from other people’s insights. 

If the ice cream analogy didn’t tickle your cranial taste buds, here’s a great quote that might: 
“Great achievements are not born from a single vision but from the combination of many distinctive viewpoints. Diversity challenges assumptions, opens minds, and unlocks our potential to solve any problems we may face.” – Unknown

So challenge yourself and your YAC.  Become a diverse group that is united for a single cause:  to help youth in need.  You won’t regret gaining new insights.  We promise.

[Rethink] What It Means to be a Leader

“Is there anything worse than being blind? Yes! The most pathetic person in the whole world is someone who has sight but has no vision.”  -Helen Keller-

Being a leader is more than just telling people what to do: it's having a vision of something (big or small) that can change the world.  I know you've heard it all before:  YOU can make a difference; ONE person is all it takes to start a movement."  Whether you think these sayings are cliche or not, they are true.  If no one stood up for anything would we still be the same people we are today?  No!  We need leaders and believe it or not, YOU are and can be an effective leader!

In order to be a leader you must have: courage, initiative, passion, goals and endurance.  Whether you hold an office on your high school student government or volunteer at the soup kitchen every once in a while you are doing something to change your community.  This is why you're involved in YAC!  To make a change no matter how miniscule you might think it is.  The next time your YAC group grants money or serves the community take a minute to look around and observe the changes around you.  See the smile on a child's face.  Feel the difference that you made.

That is what it means to be a leader.  That is what it means to be a YACer.

Lea's Travel Log

It’s really encouraging to see the youth of Arkansas stepping up to make a difference in the lives of youth. I’m always excited when I get to leave my office to travel to YAC meetings. As if driving wasn’t fun enough, it’s even more exciting when you set out with a purpose and motivation!

Last Thursday, Catherine and I were invited to attend the Carroll County YAC meeting during the Carroll County Donor Reception (along with staying in a creepy hotel in downtown Eureka- my kind of fun!). First of all, the YAC meeting really opened our eyes to the kind of students that YAC attracts: (a) fantastic people; (b) committed and involved young adults. Two fist-pumps for you Carroll County YACers! You guys are inspiring with your time-management and never-ending energy. Second of all, the reception was a blast. We got to hang out with some really cool adults from Berryville and Eureka Springs, who all had a spot in their heart for Philanthropy.

Catherine and I just recently visited Columbia County, where we listened to YACers in Magnolia talk about some of the issues their youth face. After a long “round-table” discussion, it was obvious everyone was tuckered out from the heavy topics and seemingly impossible solutions. For all of you reading, and for those we’ve already told, even a small step can make a difference. It may not 100% cure your community of its ailment, but it definitely can make a difference.

Can’t wait to see where I’ll be going next! You never know... I may have a prize up my sleeve for the next YAC I visit.... YAC@arcf.org – I’ll always accept invites! 

Until then.... 

Lea

5 qualities of a good "team player"

Wanna be a great team player and YAC member?  Read these qualities and find out how to become a more effective member of your YAC!  


Good YAC members are:


1.  Communicators:
     YAC members should share their thoughts and ideas by being open-minded and respectful.  They should not be condescending.  Everyone has different opinions that should be heard!  Listen to each other and find the most effective solution to the problems in your community as a team.   


2.  Committed:
     The relationship you have to your YAC should be a committed one.  Think of your YAC group as a machine with many different parts:  all of these parts are very valuable and have a distinct purpose.  If one of these parts is missing, how is the machine supposed to run effectively?  If you miss YAC meetings, the group will not be effective.  Stay committed and open your schedule to the great things YAC has to offer!


3.  Active:
     YAC members should take an active and engaged role in their YAC group.  Whether or not you are an officer, you should always participate in discussions and activities so you can get your voice out there and so others can hear a different perspective.  Think of it this way:  the more you get involved the more fun you will have!
      
4.  Responsible:
     Responsibility is key when becoming a YAC member.  You represent the community and you have funds to give out to people in need.  If you aren't responsible with the position you are in as a YACer, how do you expect wonderful things to happen in your community?!  Be conscientious in your decision making as a group and make sure you are spending the money and time you have in positive ways.


5.  Positive:
     There is nothing worse than a wet blanket (i.e. a negative person who is determined not to have a good time) in a group.  Don't be that person!  You have the power to choose how you act towards others and how different things affect you.  So leave the attitude at the door and be a team player!  If you stay positive no one will even be able to accuse you of being a damp washcloth.  

Run for cover: YAC Attack is back!

Happy YAC-tastic Tuesday, YACers!


Each year, YACs from across the state of Arkansas ban together and attend the YAC Attack! Conference to meet new people, share ideas and dive into philanthropy.  This year YAC Attack! ’12 will be held at Ferncliff Conference Center in Little Rock, AR on February 17^th and 18^th.  This is an awesome opportunity for your YAC to participate in! 

We will have motivational guest speakers, constructive group sessions, awesome team-building exercises and more!  Don’t miss out!  


Here are some pictures of Ferncliff to get you even more psyched for what’s in store! 


http://www.flickr.com/photos/68326116@N06/

Put the “Fun” back in “Fundraising!”

Tips to Remember when Fundraising:

-          Set a goal: Fundraising is most successful when you have a concrete goal to work toward.

-          Appreciate small as well as large gifts!  Offer a range for giving (for example: $5-$100) so that anyone can give to your cause. Let them know that their contribution is important no matter what they give. 

-          Ask as many people as possible – the more you ask, the more “YES” answers you’ll get!

-          Thank everyone who gives.  People like to know that they are appreciated.  They gave their money/time; give them some love! (An example of “giving love”: Keep a list of each donor and send thank you cards or make a personal call to thank them.)           

Creative ideas to get you going:

An A-Z list of ideas:

http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/ideas/

You don’t have to hunt for loose change under the couch for these ideas:

http://www.ehow.com/info_8085784_inexpensive-creative-fundraising-ideas.html

A few of our favorites:

Sponsored Shaving

Break out the shaving cream!  Ask people to fundraise you to go through with shaving yourself!  You can shave heads, beards, backs or legs— the possibilities are endless… well, we wouldn’t suggest shaving eyebrows, but it’s your call.

Dog walk

Get some exercise and raise money at the same time. Offer your services as a dog walker and charge per dog or per walk.  Don’t forget the doggy bag.

Aerobic-a-thon

Break out the leotard, sweats bands and the 80’s aerobic video your mom has stashed in her closet!  It’s time to get physical. Get sponsored for every five minutes of aerobics you can manage.

Creative Service Projects:

Looking to spice up your service days? Look no further…


Use your talents to help youth in your community! Keep in mind that your YAC should do a needs assessment— a measurement of what your community needs most— every 3 years for your community. Ex: Does your community struggle with teen pregnancy? Volunteer for or set up abstinence/sex education classes. Consider using your strengths as a YAC. Does your YAC have a lot of artists? Maybe your group could host a "mural painting party" at a nearby park for kids of all ages to attend.  The possibilities are endless!


Here are some web sites to help!


A list of small ideas with a BIG impact:
http://www.examiner.com/college-admissions-in-washington-dc/10-creative-ways-for-teens-to-volunteer-their-communities


Examples of what youth in various cities have done:
http://circle.adventist.org/files/jae/en/jae199154014601.pdf


Looking for specific categories? Try this site:
http://lancaster.unl.edu/4h/serviceideas.shtml