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Applications open for annual Richmond youth leadership program

Youth leaders given the opportunity to work on a local non-profit's board board of directors
RCRG leadership program
The Youth Now program, which is running virtually during the pandemic, gives young leaders a chance to gain hands-on community development experience.

Richmond youth interested in developing their leadership skills can now apply for the 17th annual Youth Now Leadership Program.

The year-long program, run by Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG), gives high school graduates under the age of 28 a chance to develop their leadership skills within the community.

“Youth are the future of our community, but their voice matters today as well,” said Ed Gavsie, president of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives (RCRG).

“We provide a supportive environment where they can develop their leadership skills and have an immediate impact on causes they care about.”

During the program, each youth leader will serve on a local non-profit organization’s board of directors and are guided by an experienced board member.

Participants will take part in various leadership conferences including topics on strategic planning, fund development, board governance and more.

“For me, as a recent marketing graduate, the value of such an opportunity is indescribable, and it probably would not have happened had I not joined Youth Now,” said Damanpreet Garcha, a recent Youth Now graduate who served on the board of the City Centre Community Association.

Since the pandemic hit, the program moved all its events, conferences and networking sessions online.

Gavsie said that community building has not stopped during the pandemic and neither has the program.

“It’s more important than ever that youth have a voice because their ideas will help shape Richmond’s future.”

Youth interested in applying for the program can visit www.rcrg.org Deadline to submit an application is June 28.