More than 125 youth philanthropists and adult volunteers representing eight different counties throughout eastern North Carolina took part in the 2011 Eastern Youth Giving Summit as part of the North Carolina Youth Giving Network (NCYGN) Oct. 15 at the Hilton Greenville. Leading to Change, a training agency based out of North Carolina that also coordinates the NCYNG, hosted and facilitated the day-long convening that was cosponsored by NCGives, American Express, Starbucks, and The Greater Greenville Community Foundation.

The daylong summit, “The Poetry of Giving,” included over a dozen youth-led and youth focused workshops and general sessions, including presentations on how to work with the local media and businesses, and how to make strategic decisions with the community funds that have been entrusted to the youth. The North Carolina Youth Giving Network is a statewide collection of 23 different youth philanthropy sites that pair local youth with community donors to experience the power of grantmaking in each community.

In Pitt County, the youth giving programs HEROES (Helping Encourage Responsible, Outreaching, and Encouraging Youth) is funded by The Greater Greenville Community Foundation. In spring of 2011, the first group of participants completed their program and were recognized at a celebration honoring their completion. Pitt County Communities in Schools served as a support partner for the program.

For the complete article, please pick up a copy of The Daily Reflector or purchase today’s electronic edition at http://www.reflector.com/circ-store. Current home delivery and electronic edition subscribers may log in to access this article at no charge. To become a subscriber, please click here or contact Customer Service at (252) 329-9505.