After a small group of like-minded young people gathered together May of 2009, it was soon evident there was an interest for young people to become more involved with Rayjon. The Youth Committee is happy in celebrating 1 Year with Rayjon!
After a few meetings and organizing a basic structure of what the role of the youth would look like, the fun took off from there!
The youth organized summer BBQ events, a car wash, and developed a focus of local youth supporting the youth of Haiti. Our first goal was to raise money for the Rayjon Scholarship fund, hoping to send two students of the first graduating class of St. Marc’s St. Patrick’s High School to post-secondary education. The youth were excited to be able to support the youth in Haiti.
The Youth helped in organizing Rayjon’s Starvathon event in November 2009, as well as supported branch fundraisers that youth away at school were hosting. By January 2010, the Youth Committee had organized its first major event called Rayjon Resolution Jam. Various bands and performers came together to provide musical entertainment, while ticket sales and a 50/50 draw raised money for Rayjon. The timing of this event was days after the January 12th Earthquake that shook us all. It altered its focus to both supporting youth in Haiti as well as raising money for earthquake relief.
The Youth Committee is made up of high school students, university students, and young adults. We meet once a month, usually the first Sunday of each month and communicate strongly online. Volunteers range from members who attend meetings, to volunteers who help specifically with events when they are able to. Everyone who is part of the Youth Committee crew receives updates to what is going on with Rayjon and how the Youth are involved with it. These updates provide the information of how to get involved, and receivers can volunteer when possible.
Meetings are fun, informative and made up of young people who are interested in social justice and international development. We discuss issues and events within Rayjon, we organize fundraisers and projects, and we are updated on international development in general from those who are studying different topics, or just have a mere interest in it.
Youth Volunteers benefit by
- Meeting new people
- Receiving community hours
- Receiving personal references letters for scholarships and work experiences
- Gaining knowledge and first hand experience with international development
- Having opportunities to attend Rayjon Trips
- Getting more involved in other program areas of Rayjon
- Having an opportunity to make a difference both locally and internationally
If you or someone you know is interested in joining the Youth Committee or simply interested in receiving more information, please contact Laura Persichetti.
Check out a couple of our Youth member’s blogs:
