Meet Angel: Youth Champion for Hope

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.

You can be a Champion for Hope too!

Your gift will enable us to keep providing quality opportunities for leadership & service to youth like Angel, across Alabama. To learn more about how you can invest in youth leaders, click below.

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