PAVING THE WAY
Youth Squared introduces students to volunteer opportunities
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y.>> Youth Squared in Saratoga Springs hosted its second trail blazing volunteer event Thursday night in the high school’s teaching auditorium. The event provided guidance to students on volunteering opportunities in the area.
“The inspiration was to really promote the mission of helping kids think about what they are passionate about and how they can execute that vision into a reality,” said Youth Squared founder Beverly Lazar Davis.
Davis invited representatives from Cold Blue, Sustainable Saratoga, Pitney Meadow Community Farm, and others to explain the variety of volunteer options in the area.
“We wanted to have some of the exciting things that are happening in our local community be known to youth and ways they can get involved in projects and efforts that are there and also to hear the needs of all the different areas that were just represented in environment, social injustice, poverty, quality education and good health and well-being,” said Davis. “We wanted youth to know that there is a lot happening out there already and know the needs so maybe they could create something to fill that need.”
Davis plans to have training two to three times a year moving forward. The first training took place in January on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The Youth Squared advisory board is made up of youth and adults. Three youths presented Thursday about volunteering. The advisory council meet to review grants, distribute funds and educate the community about volunteer action.
“Our mission is two fold: to have youth participate in volunteer action that already exists, and most importantly and most uniquely to have kids think about volunteer action that they would like to create and develop,” said Davis. “Youth Squared gives guidance and money to help youth make their project become a reality.”
Every volunteer received a grant application for youth up to and including age 22 living in Saratoga County.
The volunteer organization has supported programs such as Bicycle Helmets for Youth, Malaria Prevention, Alopecia Areata Foundation and many more. Youth Squared gives out grants up to $500 and also match fundraising efforts up to $500.
Mayor Joanne Yepsen joined the conversation to explain the needs of Saratoga County.
“It was very rewarding to address dozens of youth today about community service opportunities,” said Yepsen. “Saratoga Springs, as a vibrant city, has many who like volunteering with our recreation programs, or with the preserved Pitney Community Farm or helping with our Complete Streets City Plan. Congratulations to our high school and Youth Squared for recognizing that.”
For more information, visit http://www.youthsquared.org/