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Today, we’re chatting with Laila Sibley, a long-time YouthServe leader who has spent two years in Youth Action Council (YAC) and is in her second year of Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). She was also one of our new Summer Service Ambassadors this past summer, and frequently volunteers at our Service Days. Let’s see what Laila has to say about her time with YouthServe, and why it has been such an important—and hopeful—experience for her.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe? Laila: The most impactful part of serving with YouthServe is all the different people that I have met. Over the years, I have met so many people passionate about some of the same things that attend schools just across the mountain from me. I have made some really good friends that I may have never met without YouthServe. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Laila: YouthServe has allowed me to make the people around me more conscious of our community and its needs. Learning about different nonprofits and being able to serve them by volunteering has shown me the communities outside of my own, and has allowed me to talk to people within my community about how we can help others. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Laila: A favorite organization that I have had the chance to serve with is the Community Care Development Network. They focus on families by providing different programs like food, clothing, educational, and financial guidance. I was able to first work with them in 2022 at YouthServe’s Urban Service Camp. We went to their building and were able to help them package things and unload and stock their food storage. It was interesting to talk with the director about some of the things she sees and how impactful something like food assistance can be on a family. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Laila: Yes, it has opened my eyes to so many topics and perspectives that I have never thought of before and I plan to take that into my future. With philanthropic efforts and the importance of giving back to the community, whether it be money, time, or talent. I think YouthServe is such a cool opportunity and I think that it will grow to be so much more with even more students who want to help Birmingham in the future. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Laila: I would tell them to try it, there are so many different opportunities to get involved with, and you can make a real difference in your community, even if you can’t commit a lot of time to it. It’s a very cool place where you are able to have control and have conversations on topics that you and your fellow peers are passionate about. Plus, Ms. Jennifer makes really good hot chocolate!
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We are so excited to be chatting with youth leader, Sophia Green! Sophia is currently in her third year on our Youth Action Council, and she is also a frequent participant in our Service Days. Read today's blog to see how Sophia has grown through her time with YouthServe, and why the organization is a source of hope and inspiration for her!  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe?
Sophia: YouthServe has had such a positive impact on my ability to communicate with my peers. I have really grown through connecting with such a diverse group of people who share common goals. We’re all united under the same goal: to build and serve our community. When I came to my first YAC meeting in 8th grade, the thought of starting a conversation seemed daunting. However, as my time in YouthServe continued, I became better at communicating with my peers. I’m now less anxious when talking, more confident, and better at leading a group. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Sophia: In my first year of YAC, I turned down a leadership role because I lacked the confidence to lead my peers. With two years of experience in YouthServe, I now feel confident about contributing ideas and taking charge. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Sophia: My favorite organization that I’ve partnered with is Cahaba Riverkeeper. They help to maintain the environment of the Cahaba River and combat pollution. I love their mission, and they are amazing to work with! Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Sophia: After working with YouthServe and volunteering within the community, my hope for the future has grown. When you look at the news today, you tend to get an overwhelmingly negative view of the world, and groups like this help remind us that the simplest of actions can make a massive difference. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Sophia: I highly recommend it, because it is such an amazing organization. In my opinion, everyone can benefit from an organization like this and if someone is considering supporting or joining us, go for it! This week, we are talking to youth leader, Rahul Karthik! Rahul is in our Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), and previously served on our Youth Action Council (YAC) for two years. He is also the founder of Spain Park High School's environmental club, Green Earth Society. Keep reading to see Rahul explain why his time with YouthServe has been such an impactful experience that gives him hope for himself and his generation.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe?
Rahul: The opportunity to create meaningful change at a young age. Witnessing the transformative impact of grants on nonprofits has deepened my understanding of non-profit grant allocations, advocacy, and the importance of helping others, and by organizing service events, I’ve developed a strong sense of leadership in service. These values will allow me to continue making a positive impact in any community I am part of. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Rahul: It has deepened my understanding of the issues communities face and how to address them effectively through compassion, innovative thinking, and a focus on lasting impact. It gave me the confidence and knowledge to start a service-based club, Green Earth Society, at my high school, which shares YouthServe’s commitment to youth engagement in service. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Rahul: My favorite organization to work with has been Workshops Empowerment, Inc., a nonprofit that provides vocational and educational opportunities to individuals with disabilities or barriers to employment. During my YPC site visit, I was inspired by not only the passion and commitment of the leaders to help others, but also the long-lasting and specialized impact they’ve made on individuals. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Rahul: Yes, definitely! I have been opened to a community of individuals that are willing to work hard and strive for the betterment of others. The many other youth I have worked with show that same passion, and I know we will continue making a positive impact on our community in many ways throughout the future! What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe as a participant or supporter? Rahul: Don't wait! YouthServe is a brilliant organization that takes a unique approach in community service. By teaching the next generation the importance of service, they are impacting the whole service ecosystem of a community. YouthServe teaches essential values that are not being taught through school, allowing youth to grow into well-rounded leaders who will continuously strive to make a positive impact. Welcome to YouthServe’s first ever blog post! If you don’t know already, YouthServe is a nonprofit organization based in Birmingham, AL. Our mission is to empower communities by offering leadership, service, and civic engagement opportunities to youth. We reach over 1,000 youth from across the state every year, and the demand for our programs just keeps growing. Today, we’ll be talking to long-time YouthServe participant, Angel Nguyen! Angel is a 12th grader who has spent a year in our Youth Action Council (YAC) and two years in our Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC). Let’s hear what she has to say about her time with YouthServe, and why it has been such an important—and hopeful—experience for her.  What has been the most impactful part of serving with YouthServe? Angel: Knowing that I am making a difference. YouthServe has made me realize that I don’t need to do something big to make a difference in my community. It’s the smaller things that contribute to the bigger things that make such an impact. In what way(s) do you feel YouthServe has helped you to grow in community leadership? Angel: YouthServe has helped me realize that I have a voice. Voicing my concerns on issues in my community allows me to find like-minded individuals, where together we can help lead and grow our community. What is a favorite organization that you’ve had the chance to serve with during your time in YouthServe? Could you say a little bit about what they do, and your experience with them? Angel: My favorite is BuildUp Community School, one of the many organizations that has applied for YPC’s grant. During my first year with YouthServe, I got the chance to go on a site visit to BuildUp, which provides low-income students in the Birmingham area a chance for education through paid apprenticeships, ultimately preparing students with career-ready skills so that they can jump right into the workforce. My YPC group and I fought for BuildUp to receive funding because we wanted everyone to see that all students deserve a fair chance at a proper education. Would you say your time in YouthServe has given you hope for your community and for your future? Angel: I would 100% say that. There has been no other program like YouthServe that brings such passionate individuals together to work on the issues in our community. Seeing my fellow peers who are educated on the issues in my community gives me so much hope, as many people don’t get to say the same. Seeing the impact YouthServe members have on the community is what gives me hope for the future. What would you say to someone who is interested in getting involved with YouthServe, as a participant or supporter? Angel: I would tell them that it is absolutely worth it to get involved. You are able to be a part of something greater – an environment where your voice will always be heard and where you can hear the voices of others. No matter your background, YouthServe is a place where everyone belongs. Serving your community is just the beginning of it. |
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