Need money to come to the YV Summit? Here are some ideas!

20 Great Fundraising Ideas for the Summit

1. Tell Your Story - The more you talk about the Youth Venture Summit and why it’s important to you, the more people will share in that excitement and want to sponsor your trip.
2. Send a Letter or Email asking for support to EVERYONE you know – Plus, ask them to forward the letter on to at least five other people.
3. Add an Email Signature – Add a line in your email signature about the YV Summit that says: “Help me make it to Youth Venture Summit! www.gen.net/summit”
4. Create a Facebook Group and/or Event and Send Updates on your progress.
5. Ask BIG - Ask at least one person for $500 – The worse they can say is no, or maybe they’ll donate $250 instead, or even $100, better yet they could say YES.
6. Air Miles – Instead of asking for money, ask for Air Miles to help pay for your flights to and from Edmonton.
7. Have “Playathon” Fundraising event or a Game Night.
8. Look for a Corporate Sponsor—they might be willing to sponsor you if you agree to promote their company at the YV Summit.
9. Is your birthday coming up soon? Create a Facebook Birthday Gift Pledge and ask your friends to sponsor your trip instead.
10. All that old stuff that has been hanging out underneath your bed, in the garage or is hidden in your closet… Gather it up and have a Yard Sale. Ask your friend to give you’re their old things too.
11. Hold a Theme Party for your friends. Ask for a donation at the door.
12. Start your own Extra Change Box—keep a jar in your room and every day put your extra coins in it. Ask your family to do the same. It will add up.
13. Get your friends to donate a piece of art, get your favorite restaurant to donate a gift certificate, etc. Have a silent Auction for your community, friends and family.
14. Pet-Sit, Baby-Sit, House-Sit –Are your neighbors going away and they don’t want to leave their dog, their child or their house unattended? Offer Your Servicesand charge them!
15. Have a favorite Yoga Instructor? –You’ve bent over backwards for them…now it’s their turn to do the same for you!
16. The traditional Bake Sale is still one of the best ways to put your cooking skills at work, sell your creation and raise funds!
17. Who cares that you have no rhythm and can’t carry a tune? Get your friends together for a fun Karaoke Night and have the announcer tell the crowd that you are singing for donations!
18. Take advantage of your next Hair Cut and ask your hairdresser or barber to donate $2 of every haircut they complete over one weekend. Or, have them put a donation jar at their station with a small flyer.
19. Host a Movie Screening and have your friends and family make a donation to walk the red carpet.
20. Clean cars for a good cause by hosting a Car Wash. Make it environmentally friendly by using minimal water and eco-friendly soap.

Start Early! Start Now!—the earlier you begin fundraising the better off you’ll be.

Be a Workshop Presenter

Do you have skills and knowledge that you would like to share with the Youth Venture community? If so consider applying to be a workshop presenter!

CHOOSE A TOPIC

The Summit’s theme this year is Movement-Building. We are specifically looking to hear how you are contributing to building a movement for social change. Here are some examples of some of the topics we want to hear about:

• How you are strengthening your community?
• How you are inspiring other young people to become changemakers?
• How you are increasing the capacity of individuals, and/or organizations to be agents of change?
• How you are moving large numbers of people to action to achieve change, collaboration, sustainability, etc?
• How you are engaging a diverse range of communities?
• How you are using creative approaches to unite people through shared vision, principles and/or goals?

For more information visit here.

Be a Youth Venture Ambassador

Youth Venture is looking for a next class of Ambassadors; outstanding YVers representing a variety of backgrounds and possessing a broad range of interests and goals that have a strong interest in helping us strengthen the movement of young changemakers. We want Venturers who enjoy sharing their personal and venture stories.

Criteria

• Must be at least 12 years old.
• Venture must be active for at least 3 months.
• Must have a demonstrated track record of leadership and interest in strengthening the network of young changemakers.
• Strong public speakers and people who enjoy blogging are encouraged to apply.

Incentives

• Participate in a training uniquely adapted to your interests and concerns, and have the opportunity to interact with other young leaders around the US.
• Learn how to “tell your story” successfully and effectively via multiple media vehicles and distribution methods.
• Have the opportunity to receive various media opportunities and exposure.
• Have the opportunity to compete for various mentorship opportunities that our partners offer. These can help you further your ideas and develop concrete strategies moving forward.

Responsibilities

• Available to attend initial training (during the YV Summit, July 2010).
• Excited to participate in YV competitions, YV panels and other YV activities.
• Familiarity with Youth Venture (vision, mission, etc.) and be able to represent YV properly on any occasion.
• Available to speak to media, give presentations and take photos during events you attend for Youth Venture.

Venturers that are selected to be US Ambassadors will potentially qualify for scholarships (up to $400) to attend the Youth Venture Summit, July 15th -18th 2010.

DEADLINE: June 6th

To apply visit our YV Summit site

Designing for Social Change

Nau has recently announced it's 2nd annual $10,000 2010 G4C (Grant for Change) supporting those who instigate lasting, positive change in their communities through design. Nau (pronounced "now") is a clothing company based in Portland, Oregon that makes sustainable urban and outdoor apparel based on three key design principles: beauty, performance and sustainability. They are known for their sustainable fashion and use of eco-friendly materials.

The 2010 G4C seeks to draw attention to those who are using design to create positive change. If you are working in the field of architecture, energy, graphic design, transportation and urban planning this competition is for you! Nominations are open from May 10th 'til June 11th.
Visit the site for more info.

Youth Venture Summit Registration Opens Today

We finally have a location!!! Join us in Miami this year for our 3rd Annual Youth Venture Summit! Registration has finally open. Come join young changemakers from throughout the US for three days of learning, sharing, community-building and fun! The 2010 Youth Venture Summit will be held at the University of Miami from July 15-18.

To Register visit YV Summit Registration.

Don't know what to expect from the Summit? Check out these videos from the 2009 and 2008 Youth Venture Summits.

DC Healthy Schools Act

Last week, the D.C. Council voted unanimously to pass the Healthy Schools Act. We are very excited by this legislation and how it will substantially improve the health of the city's schools and children. See the story below:

COUNCIL PASSES HEALTHY SCHOOLS ACT

(Washington, DC) Councilmember Mary M. Cheh (Ward 3) applauded the Council’s unanimous passage of the Healthy Schools Act at today’s legislative meeting.

“I am so pleased that the Council approved the Healthy Schools Act today,” said Councilmember Mary M. Cheh (D-Ward 3). “With the epidemic of childhood obesity in the District—the worst in the nation—this legislation is urgently needed.”

The Healthy Schools Act is a landmark bill that will substantially improve health, wellness, and nutrition in our schools. The Act will raise the nutritional standards and improve the quality of school meals. It will put more fresh, local fruits and vegetables on our children’s plates. The bill will triple the amount of physical and health education by adopting national standards. It will create school gardens and support other environmental initiatives, and it will expand school-based health and wellness programs. More than 350 stakeholders, including the District of Columbia Public Schools, the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, charter school advocates, and 100 students, participated in the transparent, inclusive process that crafted this critically important legislation, which is supported by dozens of organizations, such as the American Heart Association.

The Healthy Schools Act will now go to Mayor Adrian Fenty for his signature before being transmitted to Congress for a 30-day period of review. The Healthy Schools Act is expected to become law before the next school year begins in August.

Learn more about the Healthy Schools Act.

Planning and Leadership Across City Environments

Are you ready to take the city by bike, bus, and streetcar? Learn how to design a neighborhood or a rainwater drainage system? Get your hands muddy in the morning and shake hands with the city’s leaders in the afternoon? Then check out www.catlin.edu/place for a unique summer opportunity.

PLACE stands for Planning and Leadership Across City Environments. Our unique program for high school students from across the region, run by Catlin Gabel School in partnership with the greater Portland community, focuses on how we relate to our urban environment through smart planning and effective leadership. During this dynamic, interdisciplinary, and experiential program, you will learn from the city’s best minds as they grapple with decisions that shape Portland’s future. During PLACE you and a talented group of students will meet with sustainability experts, urban designers, and city leaders and work on planning projects.

The program runs from July 5-30 and no one will be turned away for an inability to pay. For more information, check out www.catlin.edu/place or email George Zaninovich at place@catlin.edu.