Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives accepting applications for youth leadership program

For youth looking for experience in the non-profit world, Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives is now accepting applications to its 14th Leadership Richmond – Youth Now program.

The program gives young adults aged 18 to 25 the chance to develop leadership skills on a non-profit board of directors. They’re mentored by another board member and attend leadership conferences, covering topics like funding and planning. New to the program this year, Youth Now alumni will be matched with local businesses to gain employment skills and learn about corporate social engagement.

“Youth have so much to contribute to the community, but they’re in a challenging situation,” said Ed Gavsie, president and CEO of RCRG in a press release.

“They need experience to join a non-profit board, but they can’t get that experience if they’re not given a chance to serve. This program opens the door and, quite literally, gives young people a seat at the table.”

Applications are available online at www.rcrg.org. The deadline to apply is Sept. 4, 2018.

“To date, more than 110 young leaders have completed the Youth Now program,” said Gavsie. “As they begin their careers, we want to encourage them to become the next generation of community-minded business and non-profit leaders, by providing them with the tools and skills to succeed in both sectors.”