United Way helps develop future leaders

This article is the fourth of a six-part series written about the United Way of West Central Connecticut, serving the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, and Plymouth, demonstrating its impact on “what matters.”

Leadership Matters
By: Colleen Younghans

Many are well aware that the future leaders of our communities are the youth. The United Way of West Central Connecticut is especially mindful of this fact and, in an attempt to tap into this budding population, have put together a group of young leaders in all four of our communities. This group is known as the United Way of West Central Connecticut Youth Board and is the topic of the fourth article in our series.

The United Way Youth Board consists of students and faculty advisors from each of our six area schools, including Bristol Eastern High School, Bristol Central High School, St. Paul Catholic High School, Plainville High School, Regional School District #10 High School, and Plymouth/Terryville High School. This group meets monthly to discuss the social and human service needs of their communities.

The United Way Youth Board was established in the fall of 1998, spearheaded by past United Way Board Member, Dr. Max Riley. The initial objective of the Youth Board was to assess the issues that affect our young community, prioritize the projects they should undertake, and formulate a plan to accomplish their goals and make the greatest impact.

The current mission of the Youth Board, as stated by the members themselves, is: A collaboration of high school students, dedicated to motivate, mobilize and serve the community to make dreams reality.

Members of the Youth Board decided from the beginning that they did not want to be organized in a hierarchy, like other organizations. They believed that each member was a leader and, therefore, should have the opportunity to lead the group. As a result, the Youth Board has no officers. Instead, students from each school take on the responsibility of conducting the meetings.

Projects completed to date by the Youth Board include participation in the Annual Postal Food Drive in Bristol, painting at St. Vincent DePaul Society, and involvement in the Holiday Children’s Parade. Students have also participated in United Way’s annual Day of Caring by recruiting and coordinating their peers to complete various service projects in their communities. In 2006, over 200 students participated in Day of Caring 15. The Youth Board also organizes and executes a youth forum each year. Some of the topics dealt with by the Youth Board during past forums include substance abuse, peer pressure, youth violence and cruelty, responsible decision-making, teenage ethics, and the transition from middle school to high school.

The United Way Youth Board has had a positive effect on its members. Due to their involvement in this group, many students develop a lifelong passion for community service and for the United Way. An example of this spirit of service occurred when former Youth Board member contacted us inquiring about information on the United Way near the college she was attending in Baltimore. She had enjoyed her experience with the Youth Board so much that she wanted to stay involved with the organization while she was out of state.

The Youth Board also has an impact on the adults involved with the group. As Patrick Patterson, an original member of the Youth Board and a recent United Way Board of Director, stated, “I think the Youth Board has tremendous potential, both for the youth involved and for the United Way. I get the feeling that each year it gets closer and closer to making the change into something better than anyone ever thought it could be.”

The United Way Youth Board is creating an impact, not only for its members, but also for the community, as a whole. They are taking steps to creating a brighter future because they know – that’s “what matters.”

Colleen Younghans is the Operations/Communications Director at the United Way of West Central Connecticut.