Visible Youth as undergone several revisions.  It started as a special interest I have had in youth at risk.  I have studied and worked with youth at risk on and off for several years.  What struck me most was the prevalence of a feeling of helplessness and invisibility and in fact, out of embarrassment, a reticence about being visible.  I remembered that what helped me the most through my youth was the sense of empowerment I felt through working as a teen leader in 4-H.  Out of that blossomed the thought that philanthropic action helps youth feel positive about being visible.

I start research by visiting a United Way Youth Leaders meeting.  There I learned about what a powerful network these youth have created worldwide.   Then I interviewed a local teacher, Jaci, and she helped me understand how telling stories help youth get in touch with their experiences as well as offer others an opportunity to connect and be inspired by those stories..  Later I attended an event held by a youth volunteer program out of North County.  There I learned that kids volunteer for many different reasons but most prevalent was that it was because their parents got them involved. Most of them enjoyed talking to the camera.  Then, at Thanksgiving, I shot some video at the 5K Run for the Hungry to make a promo video for Visible Youth.

Since then, life has happened and I haven’t had the time or resources to continue that work.  However, I have had the time to sort out how to move forward. This project is now interwoven with a sister project I am doing about adult volunteers.

The first step I am taking is in outreach.  If you are here it is most likely because you are responding to my efforts in that direction.  I need help in seeking out youth philanthropist and their parents who understand the value in storytelling as inspiration to both the self and others.  Please email me at info(at)visibleyouth(dot)org.

Thank you in advance.