By Erin Smith
Men and Women United for Youth and Families’ Youth Ambassadors program is a unique program that teaches leadership skills and self sufficiency to teens in Bladen, Brunswick and Columbus counties. The program boasts about 20 teens who are working to make a difference in their communities and schools.
During a meeting of the Youth Ambassadors program at the Columbus County Cooperative Extension office on Wednesday evening, Randolph Keaton said, “Part of being a Youth Ambassador is taking a leadership role, part of a leadership role is giving back to your community.”
The group is working diligently to give back to their communities. The group is planning to assist a senior adult in the East Arcadia area with some yard work and other work which she needs performed around her home as a community service project, said Keaton. In addition, Youth Ambassador Justin Powell and his mother, Sherika Powell, are working to help clean up a location where a truck loaded with sweet potatoes overturned. Mrs. Powell explained that once permission was given to clean up the sweet potatoes, she took her pick up truck and trailer and together, she and her son, loaded them with as many sweet potatoes as possible and took them to the senior center and to Spring Hill Baptist Church where they will be utilized to benefit others.
When asked what it means to be a Youth Ambassador, Chance Snowden, who attends the Early College at Southeastern Community College, said “Basically being a youth ambassador means taking the challenge and stepping up in your community and becoming a leader.”
He added that it teaches work place skills as well such as public speaking, self confidence and gardening skills. Snowden also said they gain team building skills and entrepreneurship skills.
Youth Ambassadors President Chelsea Dunlap said, “Before I joined the program, I was a little shy and public speaking wasn’t a strong point of mine and so I think due to the program and having the opportunity and being told to speak out loud and speak to crowds and speak to people I was able to master that skill. I am still trying to master the skill, but I have been able to develop that skill a lot more.”
In addition, Men and Women United For Youth & Families, has received a $234,600 grant for programmatic funds to expand a youth engagement program from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust in Winston- Salem, North Carolina. Additionally, $23,460 was approved for indirect expenses for a total grant of $258,060. The funds will be used to support the continuing work of the Youth Ambassadors.
They all agreed that going out and working in the community to help someone else gives them a lot of satisfaction. For more information on becoming a Youth Ambassador, contact Randolph Keaton at 910-431-2260.
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