GABY members let their voices be heard

from Sacramento Region Community Foundation

This month, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Grants Advisory Board for Youth (GABY), which is comprised of young individuals between the ages of 12 and 19, will have the important task of evaluating and awarding Youth HOPE grants for projects impacting young people in the areas of arts and culture, children and youth, education, environment, health and wellness, neighborhood development, poverty and human assistance and voter education.

We are proud to share with you the thoughts and dreams of our returning board members.

In our society, kids are continually seeking answers through adult figures. However, GABY is entirely youth-led, leading us to discover that we not only have the power to answer our own questions but shape our own world. Jessica, 16

It changed my entire outlook on community service. At first it was just a boring requirement for school, but now it’s much more. GABY is a defining part of my life. Greg, 15

Even though we all come from different backgrounds and have different beliefs, we all strive for a common goal. We all want to help each other out and we realize it’s up to us, today’s youth, to make sure that our country goes in the right direction. Zach, 17

Being a part of GABY will allow me to take a strong leadership position in the community. It has given me the tools I need to achieve my goals for the future. Marissa, 16

GABY is great because we are working in the community in small but important ways. Hillary, 17

I’ve had the opportunity to make real-life decisions that can greatly make a difference in the community. Julia, 15

My involvement has encouraged me to develop a good sense of responsibility. Marika, 15

Facilitation and management skills are just some of the things I’ve learned by participating in the GABY program. Rohan, 16

25 years from now, I see myself passing on the love for my community to my children and family. Kristy, 17

What roles and responsibilities do I see myself fulfilling 25 years from now? I’ll probably be a businessman or a lawyer. Patrick, 16

It’s good for today’s youth to become involved with GABY because it’s a great way to learn how to become a leader in a fun way! Wyatt, 14

To learn more about GABY, visit Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Web site.