“Youth Advisory Councils are a youth engagement strategy used by programs and organizations to positively incorporate youth voices and help build the capacity of youth participants.” See Youth Advisory Councils: Eight Steps to Consider before you Engage.  Viridiane’s Hope created its Youth Advisory Council (VHCHE YAC) in January 2024. Eight (8) youths of middle and high school age members were recruited from children of current VHCHE supporters. They met regularly under the stellar leadership of three awesome adult volunteers, Ms. Alicia Petersen, Ms. Liz Bush, and Ms. Meghan Collmus, and learned invaluable skills that would be very useful in their current academic growth and their future careers.

The VHCHE YAC spent several weeks learning leadership skills and nonprofit planning and fundraising tools which they in turn applied to the successful planning and execution of the swim-a-thon fundraiser. These skills would be invaluable for these youths’ future, and the result of their efforts will reach thousands of miles and benefit thousands of children in rural underserved and underprivileged villages who, thanks to the funds raised, will get water to drink.

The VHCHE will continue to engage on different leadership development strategies and service projects throughout the year. If you’re interested in joining the VHCHE YAC, please contact us at vhchecorp@gmail.com.