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winnipeg foundation blog
Posts Tagged ‘youth’
Wednesday, September 28th, 2011
 This week we interviewed Jillian Ramsay, the Programs Director at Graffiti Art Programming (GAP) about GAP’s experience with our Youth in Philanthropy students over the years.
What is Graffiti Art Programming and what is your role there?
Graffiti Art Programming (aka Graffiti Gallery or GAP) is a not for profit youth art centre dedicated to the creation of a safe and accepting environment for all forms of artistic expression. GAP uses art as a tool for community development, social change, and individual growth. Some of its year round programming includes The Graffiti Gallery, st.ART Studios, the Mural Division and The Urban Canvas Program (UCP).
As the Programs Director, I oversee the four components of programming mentioned above, from securing funding to ensuring participants are engaged in the best experiences possible. A great deal of my work involves connecting with international organizations who mandate the promotion of youth and urban culture as an tool for social change.
How has the Youth in Philanthropy Program helped you at GAP?
The Youth in Philanthropy program has awarded financial resources for supplies and equipment, but more importantly, it has exposed groups of youth to GAP who are now acting as advocates for our organization. The power of youth voices in promoting social programs and spaces in our city is especially valuable for our organization, as this is the community that we serve.
Do you have an example of something specific you were able to do because of a YiP grant?
Our recent YiP grant provided us with equipment dollars for our video and photography programming. The youth working on film projects gain computer skills and are able to create art films, documentaries, and even stop-animation shorts. The process of working on these films incorporates visioning, teamwork building, and of course, all the benefits of sharing their projects with peers and community.
Why is it important for young people to help young people?
When young people are given the opportunity to volunteer at organizations, or to simply visit and learn about them, they gain enhanced empathy for others and greater understanding of inequity. Having the opportunity to participate in dialogue about different experiences promotes passion and commitment to making positive change. This concept is essential to the YiP program as well as Graffiti Art Programming’s Youth Advisory Committee and Leadership Programs.
Do you have anything else to add?
GAP is constantly interviewing and incorporating new volunteers into our programs. People of all ages are welcome to apply to GAP’s Volunteer Program. If you, or a young person you know, are interested in volunteering or contributing at GAP, please contact info@graffitigallery.ca!
Tags: charitable giving, community foundations, youth
Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Giving, Youth | No Comments »
Thursday, September 22nd, 2011
We asked Raymond Lanoria for his thoughts on Youth in Philanthropy (YiP). Raymond returned to the YiP program after spending a summer interning at Art City through our Summer Internship Program (SIP). For more about Raymond’s SIP experience, read his blog post.
How would you describe Youth in Philanthropy (YiP)?
What is Youth in Philanthropy? First one must know the meaning of philanthropy.
“Philanthropy: goodwill to fellow members of the human race; especially: active effort to promote human welfare” (http://www.merriam-webster.com/).
When reading that, it’s pretty self explanatory. Youth (teens, young adults) + Philanthropy (active effort promoting human welfare) = YiP!! Youth in Philanthropy is a way of getting youth into the world of philanthropy and learning about the many local charitable organizations—some we are familiar with, and others not as much—that strive to achieve the same goal of promoting human welfare.
What’s your favourite memory from “the world of philanthropy” so far?
Definitely the Summer Internship Program that I took part in this summer. It was such a great learning experience and a good way to spend the summer, rather than sitting and wasting my time at home. The knowledge and experience you gain are lessons that you will benefit from in the future, and the skills can be used in careers and just everyday life.
How can others get involved in charitable groups like YiP?
By getting to know the programs available at your school! You would be surprised at the number of committees/groups that are available to you. Be flexible, ask around, and get your friends involved. Know what’s in it for you and do your research.
What would you tell students who are thinking of joining YiP for the first time?
Don’t be shy and don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone. YiP, or any other committee for that matter, is all about teamwork and, everything goes a lot smoother when the group works together. YiP is not your traditional group where you just get together and talk. It’s much more hands-on and you get to know your community and help the city by joining YiP.
Tags: charitable giving, community foundations, youth
Posted in Arts & Culture, Community Giving, Youth | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 14th, 2011
 This week we interviewed Lexi van Dyck about her experience in the Youth in Philanthropy program. Lexi participated in our YiP and SIP programs and is now a member of our Young Philanthropists Network.
What’s your history with YiP and what are you doing now?
I was a member of YiP throughout my Grade 12 year at Fort Richmond Collegiate. I co-chaired our committee, along with one of my close friends. We had a great group, and it was a fantastic experience. This year, I’ll be continuing my studies at the University of Winnipeg. I’m planning to double major in Human Rights and Women’s Studies. I’ve also been working at the John Howard Society of Manitoba, where I did my SIP internship two summers ago.
What did you learn through YiP?
YiP really opened my eyes to the work that non-profits do in Winnipeg’s communities. It was great to see just how much support they provide to people in need, and inspired me to focus my career goals on work in the non-profit sector. It was also a great opportunity to try my hand at leading a group, which was an incredibly valuable learning experience.
What was your favourite part of the program?
I really enjoyed the site visits. Speaking with practitioners and hearing about their experiences was both interesting and informative. I became aware of issues and responses that I had never considered before, and gained a better understanding of the complexities that occur in our community.
What would you tell those in YiP this year?
Stick with it, even if you don’t love it at first. The first few months won’t be exciting every minute, but it will get better. By the time site visits roll around, it will be a great time. You’ll learn so much, and meet truly inspiring people—not to mention feel great to be making a difference. Enjoy!
Tags: charitable giving, community foundations, youth
Posted in Community Giving, Youth | No Comments »
Wednesday, September 7th, 2011
 I overheard someone say today that September feels more like the beginning of a new year than January does. And in the Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) universe, this is most certainly the case. As classes resume this week, students at participating YiP high schools and community organizations, have the opportunity to get (re)involved with community and philanthropy!
I have seen firsthand what perspective-changing experiences YiP can present to young people who make it their own. The difference that takes place in students’ understanding of our multi-faceted community from the start of the program in September each year to its conclusion the following spring is really quite remarkable.
As I visit schools at the beginning of the program year, there are always wide eyes staring back at me and I can see sparks of interest in this thing called ‘philanthropy’. By the end of the program year, once they’ve learned about the scope of community needs, researched organizations based on their areas of interest, explored the city and experienced the inspiring realities of community work, I see many students who have become confident young grantmakers. They understand community in its truest sense, are fired up, and ready to be instigators of change, both locally and beyond.
From there, students may continue to take part in YiP in subsequent years of high school, returning as leaders and mentors to new committee members. They may also apply for our amazing Summer Internship Program (‘YiP extreme’ as we like to call it). And now, after graduation from high school, they have the opportunity to join the Young Philanthropists’ Network, a new initiative of The Winnipeg Foundation designed to engage young adults in philanthropy.
Above all else, YiP provides hundreds of students every year with experience in philanthropy, and this type of knowledge lasts a lifetime.
By Joanna Fultz, Youth in Philanthropy Convener at The Winnipeg Foundation
Tags: charitable giving, community foundations, youth
Posted in Community Giving, Youth | No Comments »
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011
Standing by the doors of Knox United Church, seven excited children run to meet me – they’re ready for some “Fun in the Sun”! As they race up the long staircase to the upstairs gym, the children are welcomed by the facilitators and community volunteers who join them in free play for an active start to the day.
After free play, Ujwal stays with mom in the church learning action songs and rhymes and developing movement skills through the “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch” program. Evergreen and the older children head out to Central Park for high-energy, stimulating, interactive and co-operative games.
To complement the faster-paced activities, there’s a chance to slow down as we gather together in small groups to share and learn about our healthy snack. From there, the children get creative during a “make and take” craft. As the morning comes to a close with our good-bye song, I wave to those smiling faces with the expectation of seeing them again.
This summer program, “Fun in the Sun”, was initiated by Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network and seeks to provide physical activity and healthy snacks in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Thanks to the generous support of the True Sport grant, and the willingness of community volunteers, this program has become a reality and has impacted the lives of many this summer!
By Shoshannah Speers, volunteer with “Fun in the Sun” and “Wiggle, Giggle and Munch” program.
Tags: newcomers, recreation, sport, youth
Posted in Community Giving, Recreation | No Comments »
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