(Carroll and Stark Counties, OH) November 20, 2020 – United Way of Greater Stark County is now accepting applications for the 2021 Inspired Youth award.
“Volunteer work is empowering,” says Maria Heege, United Way of Greater Stark County President & CEO. “It teaches youth the value of teamwork, commitment, and follow-through. Volunteering offers them real-life experiences that provide unique opportunities which foster leadership. This award recognizes their motivation, contribution and success to their community while promoting a positive culture that promotes self-value and encourages future leaders to give back.”
According to the Center for Information & Research on Civic Learning and Engagement of the Jonathan M. Tisch College of Civic Life at Tufts University, there are many benefits to youth who volunteer. Besides personal growth and satisfaction, young volunteers can build a network and often encounter others who act as mentors. Participation in volunteering activities also helps build “soft skills” such as leadership and organizational skills that are sought after in the job market. Youth also lend their perspective to important civic issues such as inequity and economic mobility.
Inspired Youth Award: United Way’s Inspired Youth Award recognizes one exceptional young leader who demonstrates outstanding volunteer leadership in their school, community or group and is 18 and under. Criteria for the award include: demonstrates initiative, leadership and creativity in their service to others; serves as a role model for others in their community; inspires others to join them in their effort; helps improve the overall quality of life of fellow citizens and the community in the areas of health, education or financial stability. The nominee must have been engaged in a volunteer activity that occurred at least partly during the 12 months prior to the date of nomination; be a resident of Carroll or Stark County; 18 and under.
Previous recipients of this award include Bradley Mull of Oakwood Middle School and Isabel Lombardi of St. Michael School. You can learn more about them at uwstark.org/press-releases and uwstark.org/volunteer-stories
Know someone you would like to nominate? Nominations close January 22. Final recipient will receive an award and be featured on our website in the volunteer section. Visit uwstark.org/inspiredyouth today to submit your recommendation.
About United Way of Greater Stark County
United Way of Greater Stark County fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We win by living United. By forging unlikely partnerships. By finding new solutions to old problems. By mobilizing the best resources. And by inspiring individuals to join the fight against their community’s most daunting social crisis. Our mission is to improve the quality of life in our communities by leading in the development of solutions to critical social issues in the areas of health, education and financial stability. In order to live better, we must live United. For more information about United Way of Greater Stark County visit uwstark.org. Offices are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. (330) 491-0445.