Courtney Murphy volunteers at Thanksgiving Dinner on November 24, 2022.
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Franklin and Dillon Ward volunteer at Thanksgiving Dinner on November 24, 2022
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Young Women of Promise, Inc., Theresa Williams Bethea, President/Founder
Phone: 252/367-8292; Email: [email protected]
January 6, 2023
Young Women of Promise, Inc. joins Youth Service America’s 50by250 Campaign and encourages other organizations to do so as well
WINTERVILLE, N.C. – Young Women of Promise, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission of preparing African-American adolescent females and other youth for success, has joined the 50% by America 250 Campaign.
The campaign is focused on increasing youth participation rates in volunteering and service, voting and civic engagement, and joining and leadership to 50% by America250 on July 4, 2026, on the way to 100% a decade later so that no one is left out of participating in our democracy.
Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, 3 of every 4 young people are left out, missing critical opportunities to develop skills and connect with the community. Participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities.
Young Women of Promise has supported youth service learning since its inception in September of 2001. According to Theresa Williams, YWOP Executive Director, “We believe the strength of a community lies within its youth. Our Teens and Kids Who Care program invites youth to help identify needs in our communities and then determine ways that they can make a difference. Youth service efforts have included children’s gardens; greeting card projects; neighborhood clean-ups; support to the homeless, elderly and veterans; free book distributions; mentoring and tutoring support.”
As a 50by250 Lead Agency, Young Women of Promise has committed to recruit a minimum of 50 partner agencies who will commit to providing opportunities for youth participation in their respective communities. Proposed partners are youth serving agencies including nonprofits, church groups, school districts and local colleges, school service organizations, United Way agencies, Boys and Girls Clubs and more.
“At Youth Service America, we believe that young people, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good, so we’re on a mission to make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person. Our democracy only works when everyone actively participates in it, and that participation must start early in life,” said Steven A. Culbertson, President & CEO of Youth Service America, the organizer of the 50by250 campaign. “At YSA, we understand that young people, and the institutions that support them, face multiple barriers to participation. We need partners, particularly in eastern North Carolina and throughout the state, to help all youth access opportunities to participate.”
Teen volunteers are consistently motivated to serve. Courtney Murphy, a junior at Farmville Central High School shared, “What motivates me to help others is, I’ve always wanted to give back to my community to touch the lives of people who aren’t as fortunate as I am.”
Franklin Ward, Jr. a senior at South Central High School, stated, “I often enjoy giving back to the community and conducting public service for those in need. My future dream is to become a senator so I can make a difference in the government from the inside out.”
North Carolina agencies interested in participating in the campaign are encouraged to visit 50by250.org or call Theresa Williams at 252-367-8292.
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About Young Women of Promise, Inc.,
Young Women of Promise, Inc., (YWOP) promotes the involvement of parents, families, educators, business and community leaders in programs that provide academic, social and community service learning activities. Young Women of Promise, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in September 2001 by Kinston, N.C. native Theresa Williams Bethea. We believe that the strength of a community lies within its youth. Our mission is to prepare African-American adolescent females and other youth for success. Website: www.ywopromise.org.
About Youth Service America
Youth Service America (YSA) believes that youth, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. Founded in 1986, YSA activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. Activation campaigns and events are supported through grant programs, training & resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to change the world. Over the last 10 years, YSA’s campaigns & events engaged more than 3.2 million young people in service.
Learn more about 50% Youth Participation by America 250 at www.50by250.org
To sign the pledge, click here
Young Women of Promise, Inc., Theresa Williams Bethea, President/Founder
Phone: 252/367-8292; Email: [email protected]
January 6, 2023
Young Women of Promise, Inc. joins Youth Service America’s 50by250 Campaign and encourages other organizations to do so as well
WINTERVILLE, N.C. – Young Women of Promise, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission of preparing African-American adolescent females and other youth for success, has joined the 50% by America 250 Campaign.
The campaign is focused on increasing youth participation rates in volunteering and service, voting and civic engagement, and joining and leadership to 50% by America250 on July 4, 2026, on the way to 100% a decade later so that no one is left out of participating in our democracy.
Even though youth participation rates are at or near record-high levels, 3 of every 4 young people are left out, missing critical opportunities to develop skills and connect with the community. Participation rates are even lower among youth from underserved low-income and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) communities.
Young Women of Promise has supported youth service learning since its inception in September of 2001. According to Theresa Williams, YWOP Executive Director, “We believe the strength of a community lies within its youth. Our Teens and Kids Who Care program invites youth to help identify needs in our communities and then determine ways that they can make a difference. Youth service efforts have included children’s gardens; greeting card projects; neighborhood clean-ups; support to the homeless, elderly and veterans; free book distributions; mentoring and tutoring support.”
As a 50by250 Lead Agency, Young Women of Promise has committed to recruit a minimum of 50 partner agencies who will commit to providing opportunities for youth participation in their respective communities. Proposed partners are youth serving agencies including nonprofits, church groups, school districts and local colleges, school service organizations, United Way agencies, Boys and Girls Clubs and more.
“At Youth Service America, we believe that young people, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good, so we’re on a mission to make working together for the common good the common expectation and common experience of every young person. Our democracy only works when everyone actively participates in it, and that participation must start early in life,” said Steven A. Culbertson, President & CEO of Youth Service America, the organizer of the 50by250 campaign. “At YSA, we understand that young people, and the institutions that support them, face multiple barriers to participation. We need partners, particularly in eastern North Carolina and throughout the state, to help all youth access opportunities to participate.”
Teen volunteers are consistently motivated to serve. Courtney Murphy, a junior at Farmville Central High School shared, “What motivates me to help others is, I’ve always wanted to give back to my community to touch the lives of people who aren’t as fortunate as I am.”
Franklin Ward, Jr. a senior at South Central High School, stated, “I often enjoy giving back to the community and conducting public service for those in need. My future dream is to become a senator so I can make a difference in the government from the inside out.”
North Carolina agencies interested in participating in the campaign are encouraged to visit 50by250.org or call Theresa Williams at 252-367-8292.
###
About Young Women of Promise, Inc.,
Young Women of Promise, Inc., (YWOP) promotes the involvement of parents, families, educators, business and community leaders in programs that provide academic, social and community service learning activities. Young Women of Promise, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in September 2001 by Kinston, N.C. native Theresa Williams Bethea. We believe that the strength of a community lies within its youth. Our mission is to prepare African-American adolescent females and other youth for success. Website: www.ywopromise.org.
About Youth Service America
Youth Service America (YSA) believes that youth, communities, and democracy thrive when we all work together for the common good. Founded in 1986, YSA activates young people, ages 5-25, to find their voice, take action, and acquire powerful civic and 21st Century skills as they solve problems facing their communities. Activation campaigns and events are supported through grant programs, training & resources, and recognition programs for young people and their adult champions. Youth-led projects use Awareness, Service, Advocacy, and Philanthropy (ASAP) strategies to change the world. Over the last 10 years, YSA’s campaigns & events engaged more than 3.2 million young people in service.
Learn more about 50% Youth Participation by America 250 at www.50by250.org
To sign the pledge, click here