United Way Youth Council members, a student-led program, presented checks to non-profit agencies using money the students raised over the past 8 months.  Open Door’s program “Youth In Unison” received $2500 and FASTWORKS’ program “Families Night Out” received $1212.
           
Area High Schools from the Chattahoochee Valley choose students to participate in the United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley program.  The members completed various service projects and conducted fundraisers to support agencies in the valley.
           
“The Youth Council provides a powerful opportunity for our youth to engage in our community,” said Scott Ferguson, president and CEO of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. “By participating in Youth Council these students develop into leaders who recognize needs and are committed to positive change.”
           
Youth Council members volunteered at local agencies by participating in hands-on activities while also learning about community needs.  After discovering a variety of needs, the Youth Council members decided to invest in programs that focused on alternative educational activities. The students worked hard all year to raise funds for local non-profits by hosting individual and group activities in the schools and community.  
           
The investment process the members used is very similar to United Way’s process. They follow the same guidelines, receive requests, hear presentations from agencies, and carefully evaluate each program. The students asked insightful questions and carefully considered each program to decide how the funds would be spent.
           
Many students reflected on the past year, expressing how much they learned. Throughout the work of the Youth Council, students hoped to engage fellow students, faculty and staff in the process through sharing their experiences and promoting the United Way model of GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER.