About Us The Midwest is seen as a thriving center of the youth philanthropy movement as young people have exhibited tremendous wisdom in decision-making related to their own and their community’s future. By giving youth the opportunity and legitimate authority to give back to their community, they will continue to serve and develop model programs that enhance the educational process as well as a community trusteeship experience.
Mission Statement
The Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network is a collaborative effort of youth philanthropy programs dedicated to promoting stewardship among youth and fostering inter-community relationships through leadership development and communication.
Goals
- Foster relationships with each of the six groups, resulting in a strong network that enhances individual programming efforts.
- Understand the variety of components involved in each of the youth philanthropy programs present in the Midwest.
- Nurture a cohesive, enthusiastic network of youth who will become part of the effort to ensure that upcoming generations have the capacity for similar philanthropic endeavors.
- Emerge as a nationwide model for regional collaboration among youth philanthropy programs.
History
The Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network began as a group of conversations between four groups in Iowa and Nebraska. After realizing that a regional network would benefit both the existing groups and those that were interested in starting their own program, it was decided to apply for W.K. Kellogg Foundation grant that would provide the funding to connect each of the groups, compare annual components, and improve local capacity.
Since the discussions in 2001, students from across three states and six youth philanthropy programs have had the opportunity to communicate, interact, and work together to create the current Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network. Through annual retreats and executive board meetings, these students are shaping the network into what they have envisioned it to be – a cohesive effort that strengthens each group while promoting philanthropy in Iowa, Nebraska and Illinois.
Executive Board
 The Student Executive Board consists of representatives from each of the six groups who serve as liaisons between their group, the Leadership Team, and the Network coordinator. It is up to this group to speak for youth members and make sure the Midwest Youth Philanthropy Network is heading in the direction the youth had envisioned and are proud of. This group of students works closely with the Leadership Team to develop programming ideas and an agenda for each year.
The first Student Executive Board meeting was held December 27 th in Waterloo, Iowa. The students were given the opportunity to discuss the roles and responsibilities of all members, design the content of the website, and analyze the Capacity Assessment.
|
