United Way Youth Board (UWY) Gives Area Students a Stronger Community Voice

They’re young, hip, savvy “investors” who know the value of a good investment. Sitting around a conference table in uptown Roxboro, they listen to presentations for funding. But this isn’t a group of venture capitalists looking for their next cash cow. This is a group of teens who are committed to community service.
These teens are part of the United Way Youth board formed by the Person County United Way, and they hope to inspire other teens to get involved in our community.  The Board — comprised of young people ages 13 to 18 and adult consultants — helps guide the distribution of grant money to promising youth-driven, youth-completed community service projects. In return, the teens build leadership skills, get involved in constructive activities, gain service experience and develop decision-making skills. They also work to make the adult “sector” aware of the issues surrounding youth and the great work being done in the community.
“The Board shows that United Way is invested in supporting young people as decision makers and as leaders,” says Jayne Bremer, Executive Director at United Way. “The kids are part of the outreach effort in our community, finding out who needs help.”
United Way launched the Board last fall, thanks to a pledge from the noontime Kiwanis Club to make money available for youth-driven community service projects.  ACC tournament weekend the youth board had their first fund raiser, Chili to go…
“It’s great working with kids my own age,” says16 year old member Kelcie Barnett. “As a board, we’re learning to work together as a team. It’s a challenge to help people in our community.”