19th Century Roots
By introducing traditions of giving and serving, we help children become philanthropic, caring, committed, reflective and productive citizens. Kindness, generosity and concern for the welfare of others have been a part of the social inheritance taught to children throughout the ages. Early efforts in the areas of school, church and work education encouraged youth to give of their time (extra chores at home and for neighbors), talent (knitting and sewing for bazaars and fairs) and treasure (contributing part of their wages).
By the 1830s, social change was sweeping the country. Youth participated in adult organizations, but soon began to organize and lead their own organizations. The largest of these was the Cold Water Army, which advocated for temperance. It might be said that the Cold Water Army was the precursor to the "Just Say No" movement of recent years. Many of the groups who began during this time moved into the churches and many of the youth-led groups were disbanded. However, some of the largest such as the YMCA, YWCA and Boys & Girls Clubs established in the mid-1800s continue today - over 100 years later!
20th Century Progress
Many youth organizations began in the 1900s. More young people had free time and different forms of youth organizations developed to serve changing needs. World War I saw youth involved in Junior Red Cross and Scouts and their purpose was to serve "our fighting men." They did so by knitting, assembling basic needs kits, planting victory gardens and raising money for war bonds. After the war, many of the organizations that promote citizenship were formed for youth. These include organizations that until this time, only served adults: Rotary, Kiwanis and Optimists Clubs.
As the century drew to a close, youth were more involved than ever before. They became equal partners with adults in resolving some of the community issues; they took their place ‘at the table' of many organizations by serving on boards, committees of the board, and advisory councils. They became valuable voice for a community that truly cares about serving the common good of the community.
Sociologist and researcher Judith Erickson once stated, "Youth organizations have changed a great deal over the years and must continue to evolve within the communities where they operate. They must recognize their own potential as educational environments as well as providers of recreational activity to fill leisure hours. Young people today have too many competing demands on their time to spend it in ways that are not meaningful to them."
National Philanthropy
Young people today need to be exposed to this rich history because they will be making history as they commit themselves to a lifetime of giving and serving. You can make change for the better by encouraging a child to make random acts of kindness (helping a friend, setting the table, raking leaves, holding a door open, picking up litter, volunteering or donating to a favorite charity, smiling or saying something nice to someone), habits of the heart.
The Henry County Community Foundation invites you to visit our office and look through our youth philanthropy resource library. You can also make a commitment to local youth philanthropy by donating to the Teens About Serving the County (TASC) Youth Grants Committee named fund at the Henry County Community Foundation, 700 S. Memorial Drive, New Castle, IN 47362 or donate on-line at www.henrycountycf.org. Youth philanthropy and youth leadership are important to keeping our community alive, growing and improving!
