In This Issue:

YPII News

 § 2008 YP Jam: Our Voice Rocks! Citizens in Action 

 § Incorporating Youth Philanthropy in Existing Programs

Young Hoosier Philanthropist

 § Sydney Bloom

Tools & Resources

 § Prince Caspian Curriculum Connects Service and Leadership

 § Service Tip Sheets and Topical Modules

 § Social Citizens: Finding Millennials' Unique Characteristics 

Ways to Give & Serve

 § Why Should You Give & Serve?

 § Volunteering Produces Health Benefits

 § Honor Your Volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award

 § Take a Stand Campaign Encourages Youth to Give Back

Incorporating Youth Philanthropy in Existing Programs
Often times when asked about youth philanthropy, the immediate reaction is, "I know it is important, but I don't have the time or staff to start another program."  Change the perspective.  Maybe the best approach is that of a community convener which encourages local organizations to include youth philanthropy in existing programs.  Many youth-serving organizations, youth leadership programs, schools, etc. in your community could enrich their activities and curricula with philanthropic concepts.  Be the catalyst to infuse youth philanthropy throughout the community's already-wonderful programs.  For more ideas on incorporating youth philanthropy into existing community programs and for free resources, visit the YPII Web site at: http://www.ypin.org

Young Hoosier Philanthropist: Sydney Bloom
Sydney Bloom, a recent 7th grade graduate from Jeffersonville, is a very active YMCA volunteer.  Sydney teaches preschool swim lessons, staffs the youth sports concession stand, serves as a referee for soccer, works in the kids' adventure room, volunteers with active older adults, and is a strong storyteller for kids.  She is also active at her school in many sports activities.  For her dedication to giving and serving, Sydney recently received a Gold Acorn award from the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana.

Prince Caspian Curriculum Connects Service and Leadership
New FILM curriculum is available for the latest award-winning movie from Walt Disney Pictures and Walden Media, The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian, based on the classic novel by C.S. Lewis.  The exciting and creative curriculum is full of discussion topics, activities and service projects focused on leadership themes from the movie.  To download the free curriculum, go to: http://www.youthfilmproject.org/documents/princecaspian_final.pdf (1.38MB)

Service Tip Sheets and Topical Modules
Youth Service America has numerous tip sheets and topical modules that can help project planners not only maintain the success of their service projects, but also create momentum for even more successful future projects. To see the resources available, visit: http://ysa.org/Programs/TipSheets/tabid/114/Default.aspx

Social Citizens: Finding Millennials' Unique Characteristics
In a new report commissioned by The Case Foundation, Allison Fine reveals who Millennials are and how they affect change.  For those wishing to engage and better understand this young generation, Social Citizens addresses the values, ideas and tools Millennials possess.  The goal of the initiative is to capture and capitalize on the unique perspective young people bring to the table.  http://blog.socialcitizens.org/

Why Should You Give & Serve?
Giving and serving has many benefits.  M ake a difference in someone's life while you help meet your community's needs. Volunteering is a great way to gain professional experience to enhance your resume, explore career options, and make important contacts.  It also allows you to meet new people and form long-lasting friendships with folks who have similar interests to yours.  Giving and serving also have health benefits and can help you feel needed and appreciated. To find volunteer opportunities in your community, visit www.volunteer.IN.gov or www.volunteermatch.org.  In Central Indiana, go to www.helpindyonline.com.  If inspiring the new generation of volunteers speaks to you, consider becoming a Youth Philanthropy Ambassador by viewing www.ypin.org/ambassadors_overview.htm. You can make a difference for yourself and the lives of others at the same time.

Volunteering Produces Health Benefits
A new study by The Corporation for National and Community Service called The Health Benefits of Volunteering: A Review of Recent Research has found a significant connection between volunteering and good health. The report shows that volunteers have greater longevity, higher functional ability, lower rates of depression, and less incidence of heart disease. To learn more, visit:
http://www.nationalservice.gov/about/role_impact/performance_research.asp#HBR

Honor Your Volunteers with the President's Volunteer Service Award
The President's Volunteer Service Award, created by The President's Council on Service and Civic Participation, is a way to thank volunteers for their commitment to volunteerism and community service. The President's Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families and groups that have achieved a certain number of volunteer hours over the course of a year or lifetime. To learn more, visit: http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/index.cfm

Take a Stand Campaign Encourages Youth to Give Back
Sunkist Growers will promote youth philanthropy this summer by distributing 20,000 free lemonade stands to kids who pledge to raise money for a charity of their choice.  The program encourages young people across the country to give back to their communities by donating their earnings from a good old-fashioned lemonade sale.  To receive a complimentary stand, children must be 7-12 years of age and pledge their commitment to a charity online at: http://www.sunkist.com/takeastand