The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region, in partnership with the Community Foundation,  is encouraging teens to do something charitable and is helping them figure out what their “thing” is.

Up to 16 Fox Cities students from grades 8-10 will explore a range of charities for Do Something Day on June 12, 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The journey will be based on the book “Do Something: A Handbook for Young Activists” by Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org.

Becky Boulanger

“They will get a better understanding of the issues important to them,” Becky Boulanger, executive director of the Women’s Fund, said.

The Community Foundation is sharing expenses for the event with the Women’s fund. The Women’s Fund is associated with the Community Foundation as a supporting organization, but has its own board of directors and independent nonprofit status.

How does the book help young people find their philanthropic passions? Pop quizzes.

The quizzes explore 11 topics, asking questions such as, “Do you tear up when you watch a movie about animals in trouble?” or “Does it frustrate you that some people have so much while others have so little?” or “Does it drive you crazy when your friends throw their bottles and cans in the trash instead of the recycling bin?”

“The quizzes help them identify what their ‘thing’ is,” Becky said. “It’s important for young people to be philanthropic from the start.”

The group also will tour Heckrodt Wetland Reserve, St. Joseph Food Program and United Way Fox Cities, all in Menasha.

After the day of training, each participant will be given a copy of the book and a $50 charity gift card to give to the qualified nonprofit organization of their choice.

Online registration is available for $75 (includes breakfast and lunch) at womensfundfvr.org.

Sign up to get in The Loop.
Invite a friend to get in The Loop.