Allowance for Good’s Global Philanthropy Summit Leaves Students with Message of Social Empowerment

CHICAGO - July 24, 2015 - PRLog -- Allowance for Good’s (http://www.allowanceforgood.org/) fourth annual Global Philanthropy Summit, which came to a close last week, taught youth ages 13-18 numerous ways they can help and impact their local communities. Held July 13-17, GPS: Empowering Social Innovators educated youth on corporate social responsibility, social entrepreneurship, venture philanthropy and giving circles.

A local nonprofit which develops the rising generations of philanthropic leaders, Allowance for Good brought together speakers who informed youth how their organizations are giving back and incorporating philanthropic initiatives. Such speakers included Spark Ventures, Goodcity Chicago, Google, World Chicago, McDonald’s, Microsoft, Groupon, Impact Engine and Design for America.

AfG youth confirmed their improved understanding of how the world works in regards to philanthropic avenues. One youth participant from AfG’s Global Philanthropy Summit explained, “I realize now that corporations are more socially responsible than I originally believed. There are many socially responsible businesses that give to causes and help better the world. They donate their time and funds to help organizations all over the world.”

The Global Philanthropy Summit also included a local service project focused around building sustainable community gardens with The Yellow Tractor Project and Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse.

Held July 13, staff from The Yellow Tractor Project and Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse not only taught AfG youth on proper gardening — from soil placement to correct digging technique to compost type and water temperature — but also on the meaning of a social enterprise.

“The reason this is so important today is each of us has a responsibility to the social enterprise,” explained Wendy Irwin, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Yellow Tractor Project. “We do things that sustain our organization. Our goal is to teach everyone, everywhere to grow fresh foods.”

The service project, located onsite at the Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse, focused around job skill training, part of what the organization provides in addition to job-development programs that foster community growth. AfG students worked with both organizations to plant tomatoes, squash, kale, parsley, basil and a variety of other vegetables.

“Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse’s program provides a very holistic approach to workforce training — and nutrition is a big part of that,” echoed Lou Dickson, Executive Director, Evanston Rebuilding Warehouse.

During Allowance for Good’s week-long GPS program, students also participated in a group fundraising activity and giving circle. The students baked cookies and made lemonade to share with individuals on the Evanston lakefront. In return, students asked for free-will donations, collecting $140 within just a couple of hours.

“Aside from establishing networking connections, I was able to meet new students and work with them to help and solve issues in our world,” explained another AfG GPS youth participant. “GPS gave me examples of groups and companies that are making a difference, and how we can emulate their process.”

Through their giving circle discussions, the students decided to grant their funds to Spark Ventures, one of AfG’s Global Affiliate organizations. The funds will be used to help their beehive social impact project in Nicaragua.

“Our 2015 Global Philanthropy Summits celebrated collaboration,” explained Elizabeth Newton, Founder and Executive Director, Allowance for Good. “Not only did we witness connections among our youth participants but we watched as ideas transformed into actions for collective good. This happened among organizational partners, among our young catalysts, and — most impressively — among generations. Speakers and youth participants alike came together to envision a healthier world, sustained by solutions that empower and transform the lives of people in our own backyard and around the world.”

Additional in-kind sponsors of GPS 2015 included Evanston Capital Management, the Center for Civic Engagement, izzy+ and media sponsor WBEZ 91.5.

For more information about the 2015 Global Philanthropy Summits, visit http://www.allowanceforgood.org/summit/.

Contact

Karin Scott

Program Director, Allowance for Good

847.733.0393

Karin@allowanceforgood.org

About Allowance for Good

Allowance for Good’s mission is to develop the rising generations of philanthropic leaders who cultivate global citizenship and empower others around the world to achieve their full potential. Allowance for Good was established in 2010 to cultivate a culture of giving and to inspire a ripple of change among youth to become the next generation of engaged global givers and citizens. For more information on Allowance for Good, visit www.allowanceforgood.org.