Human beings have an inert quality of graciousness, which, when molded in the right way, gives way to philanthropy. It is the desire to promote the welfare of people, to seek solutions to the many problems that plague our society.
Youth today hold a central role in philanthropy. With their never-ending energy and enthusiasm, they are the flag- bearers of philanthropy all over the world. All they need is a bit of guidance, to help them learn about the community’s needs and the grant making process. A few tips on mentoring the youth in philanthropy will come handy.
You Do Not Have To Do It Alone
Training the youth in philanthropy need not be a one person job. Get in contact with like- minded people or community partners. A team will certainly achieve more than you can ever by working alone.
There are multiple organizations active in the field who shall be happy to indulge you in their programs.
Be Specific About Your Role
A youth- philanthropy project is essentially the product of the participants and not the adults mentoring them. Your role here is to advise them, and not to teach them. You need to rely on the youth to take up leadership positions in every aspect of the process.
A mentor needs to completely alienate oneself from the decision making process. His only aim should be to create a conducive environment where the youths can make sensible and sensitive decisions.
Make it a Fun Activity
Introduce games and other leisure activities wherever you can. This will help participants find their voices whilst helping to foster trust amongst them. A bit of fun and movement helps break the ice and get the movement going.
A strong bond between the students sure is necessary, but nonetheless, the bond between the mentor and the participants has its own significance. Games can be improvised and executed to achieve these objectives.
Step Up, Step Back
It is important to differentiate between situations where you volunteer your voice and where you just step back. The greatest tool while working with youth is silence, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can learn by letting the youth lead.
Young people involved in philanthropy today, aged 8- 21, are extremely thoughtful and professional at making real grant decisions. Even the first- timers are eligible to take leadership roles in the social arena of the program.
All you need to do is to channelize their efficiencies in the best possible way, and, in the process, benefit the society at large.