 The Oregon Jewish Community Youth Foundation (OJCYF) is an initiative of the Oregon Jewish Community Foundation designed to fuel a lifelong passion for philanthropy and social activism. Through OJCYF, students develop a deep understanding of the importance of non-profits and the inner workings that make them tick. They will evaluate local secular and Jewish charities through in depth site visits, individual research projects (including job shadowing and internships), and a year long fund raising effort that culminates in a series of student-run allocations. Along the way, students will learn valuable leadership skills, experience what it is like to be on a board, and feel the challenges and satisfaction of philanthropy while developing a sense of responsibility in giving back to the community. Since it was created six years ago, OJCYF and its student board have personally fund raised and allocated almost $145,000 to over 70 non profits, primarily within the Portland metro area. In 2008, the success of the OJCYF was recognized by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Oregon and SW Washington Chapter as the Most Outstanding Innovative Philanthropy Project in Oregon. The OJCYF is special in that it fully entrusts to its teen members the decision making power of how the money they've raised will actually be spent. Every dollar they raise goes back into the community with compound impact. The empowered OJCYF youth learn how to be passionate, confident, mature leaders as they develop a sense of citizen responsibility, and a life long love for philanthropy. Some of the requirements of this program are:
For more information on this important program, please call John Moss at (503) 248-9328. |
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