Youth Leading the Way

June 24, 2024

As we approach midway through our three-year journey towards implementing participatory practices, we have found, not surprisingly, that people are the most vital commodity. We were created to serve our neighbors and to come together in support of the next generation that will co-create a new and improved version of this world they will soon lead. We are mindfully evaluating our practices and making incremental changes that will eventually transform us into a fully participatory grantmaking foundation, with youth leading the way.

For us to begin building this reality, we gathered information using several tools: the Environmental Scan, the Youth Opportunity Survey, and the Grantmaking and Participatory Practices Study (soon to be released). The recent statewide study was commissioned to explore what it might take for Nebraska youth and family systems of care to become more inclusive and how grantmaking could enhance participation. We were able to compile a final report that will soon be available to the public on our website, so stay tuned!

Youth Change-Makers

Using this information, we have begun to engage young people in community projects, such as the youth-led Community Mapping project in Box Butte County, and the Videography project currently being led by two talented youths. We continue to support projects and build capacity by developing a Giving Circle of adults with lived experiences to support groups of young people.

We are excited to continue our journey towards participatory practices and invite you to join us as we learn and grow so that we may better empower youth, inspire change-makers, and energize partnerships for impact!