CHARLEVOIX COUNTY — The Charlevoix County Community Foundation (C3F) has announced the 2023-24 Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) members.
The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) has been a core part of C3F since 1994. Sixteen youth from throughout Charlevoix County are selected to be members of this committee and together they oversee grantmaking to programs and projects that serve area youth. They meet several times a year to share their perspective on local issues, survey their peers to set grantmaking priorities, advocate for youth needs, acquaint themselves with area resources and nonprofit organizations, and put philanthropy into action.
“The energy and passion for change the YAC members bring to the table is contagious,” said Megan Havrilla DeHoog, C3F Youth Advancement staff and YAC advisor. “You can’t help but feel inspired when you watch them lead and grow. We kicked off the YAC year with a day full of activities focused on teambuilding, communication, and belonging. They have a strong foundation so keep your eye on this group!”
YAC members serve throughout their high school years, with a new set of students replacing graduating seniors. The recruitment, interview, and selection of new YAC members, as well as the selection of the Executive Committee, is driven by the YAC members themselves. The Executive Committee holds additional responsibilities such as meeting preparation, facilitation, communication with other YAC members, and leading the grantmaking process. This year’s YAC Executive Committee includes: President Camden Carey, Vice President Lindsey Jibson, Secretary Emma Patten, and Treasurer Maureen Hautz.
This year’s new YAC members include: Sophie McDonough from Beaver Island, Addison Burns from Boyne City, Olivia Pineda-Andersen from Boyne Falls, Ayla Kemp from Charlevoix, and William Webb from East Jordan. They will join returning YAC members Riley Cannon, Lilliann Fenske, Madelyn Hardy, Matthew Jarema, Alyssa Martin, Benjamin Schultz, and Josie Wilson.
The Youth Needs grant cycle is now open and aims to support the top youth needs in Charlevoix County, and the organizations that make this work possible. The YAC has identified priority areas based on their Youth Needs Assessment, a survey they conduct every three years. From the survey, they identified priorities for grant funding in the areas of youth mental health and school atmosphere. With grant funds and with their YAC activities throughout the year, the YAC will work toward decreasing stigma and increasing education around mental health as well as increasing acceptance and belonging for youth at school, while decreasing school-related stress.
More information about the Community Foundation is available by calling (231) 536-2440 or visiting c3f.org.
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