February 12, 2010
Calling all youth who want to make a difference. The application process for United Way's London Life Youth in Action program is now open.
Youth in Action is a community-based youth-driven and youth-led program designed to make a difference in people's lives and in our community. It is sponsored by London Life through the national corporate citizenship program of Great-West Life, London Life and Canada Life.
Since 1997, United Way's Youth in Action program has challenged youth ages 13 to 24 to identify a need in the community, gather a group of friends, plan a project that will help resolve the issue and apply for funding in order to implement their project. Successful applicants can receive up to $1,000 to carry out their project.
Details on how to apply can be found on United Way’s website at uwlondon.on.ca or by calling United Way at 519-438-1721. Each year, youth have two chances to apply. The next application deadline is March 15, 2010.
Youth in Action projects range from homework and reading clubs, workshops and conferences, clothing drives, day camps and support groups. Projects must address a local, social issue, meet certain criteria and be aligned with United Way’s priority areas of preparing children and youth for future success; strengthening families; enabling Aboriginal people and newcomers to be successful participants in community life; and building the capacity of neighbourhoods. Funding decisions are made by a panel of youth volunteers called the Youth in Action Advisory Committee.
About United Way
The largest non-government funder of social services in London and Middlesex County, United Way creates real, lasting change to improve the quality of life of all people in our communities. United Way identifies and understands the root causes of social issues; brings together research, experts and resources; initiates and invests in the most needed and proven programs; and develops leaders and skills to strengthen the charitable sector.
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For more information, please contact:
Johanna Mesjarik, Communications Coordinator
519-438-1723 ext. 346