Mandel Center’s Youth Philanthropy and Service Program Holds 13th Annual Workshop
The Mandel Center for Nonprofit Organizations at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio held one of its premier events, the Youth Philanthropy and Service Annual Workshop, for the 13th year on February 11, 2009. This year’s Workshop featured Julie Chavez Rodriguez, granddaughter of Cesar Chavez and Programs Director for the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation, as the keynote speaker.
Addressing over 225 participants at the Workshop, Julie explained the concept behind the Foundation, a nonprofit charitable organization founded in 1993 by her grandfather’s family and friends to educate people about his life and work and to engage all, particularly youth, to carry on his values and timeless vision for a better, more just world.
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Julie drew upon her personal experiences, as well as those of her grandfather, to discuss how anyone can be a leader, and that leadership can be demonstrated in many different ways. Specifically, she talked about leadership by example and nonviolent protests, using the stories of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Ghandi to illustrate these concepts. Julie also emphasized that service and leadership is an ethic; the true intent is to do something for others, not yourself. |
Following the keynote, Workshop attendees, who were made up of youth development professionals, K-12 teachers and administrators, and K-12 youth, participated in a variety of breakout sessions that provided opportunities to learn about best practices and hear about local service-learning projects. Some of the most popular sessions this year focused on the following topics: global issues, youth and adults as partners, how to be an extraordinary volunteer, and service-learning 101. Attendees were also invited to view exhibits from such organizations as American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio, Roots & Shoots, and the Positive Education Program’s Next Generation Club.
Workshop attendees had the following things to say about this year’s event:
• “Fabulous opportunity for learning and seeing possibilities. I will certainly attend next year AND bring students along!!” [adult]
• “I loved the diversity of people in attendance. It showed how so many people are interested in service.” [student]
• “It was an interesting, informative, and inspiring day. The best part was the opportunity for networking.” [adult]
• “Today’s workshop was very informative. I learned a lot about the different projects and issues occurring in my community and what I personally could do to help.” [student]
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That evening, the Mandel Center’s Youth Philanthropy and Service program teamed up with Facing History and Ourselves to provide a free public forum featuring Julie Chavez Rodriguez for 130 registrants at a local high school, followed by an audience question and answer session and a private reception. |
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During the forum, Julie elaborated on that morning’s topics by discussing her grandfather’s philosophies, as well as the sacrifices that he and his family made to fulfill their mission to help farm workers. She also encouraged participants, particularly youth, to find areas that they are passionate about and identify ways they can help fulfill those missions.
For more information about the Mandel Center’s Youth Philanthropy and Service program, please visit www.case.edu/mandelcenter/yps.
