Carling Dick
What YAC were you involved with and for what period of time were you a member?
The Vancouver Foundation Youth Philanthropy Council for three years from 1999 to 2001.
How old were you then and how old are you now?
I was fourteen years old when I joined the council and now I am twenty-three.
What is your favourite YAC memory?
My favourite YAC memory was on the way home from a site visit. I was riding home with Barb Oates, our committee Advisor. In passing she mentioned that I was one of the best people to have on site visits because I asked tough and thorough questions. Barb's words made me proud of myself and encouraged me to feel confident in my opinions and to express them whenever given the opportunity.
What was your favourite grant?
My favourite grant was the one that we made to a place called The Gathering Place, a downtown community centre for underprivileged residents of Vancouver. It offers a variety of services and membership is only a dollar or so. The money was put towards a mural that was painted in their cafeteria. The centre hired various street youth to come in and paint the mural under the guidance of a well known Aboriginal artist. The centre had councillors on hand to offer support to the youth and the youth were fed a meal while they were there.
I was lucky enough to attend the unveiling of the mural where I was able to meet the youth that painted it. I didn't realize the impact my decisions could have on people until this moment. The youth were so proud to show off what they had accomplished and rightfully so, the mural was beautiful!
What are you doing now? School, work, travel, volunteering?
Last summer I graduated from the University of Toronto with an honors degree in Life Sciences. During my school years I spent most of my spare time planning and executing various special events. I found my extracurricular activities to be of greater interest and decided to pursue a career in communications, fundraising and event management. This past year I worked for a non profit organization planning educational workshops. In my spare time I continue to volunteer as much as I can.
How has your involvement in youth philanthropy influenced your life today?
Being on the Vancouver Foundation youth council has had a huge influence on my life. I would credit my continued involvement in the community, in conjunction with encouragement from my parents, to being on the committee. The experience taught me to be confident in my abilities and the importance of contributing to the community in which I live.
What do you think of the YIP Canada website? Any suggestions?
I think it is great but how about some more pictures! I think it is important to show youth that YACs aren't all about long meetings. I know we had some great site visits and a few BBQs. Also I also think it would be a good idea to put a picture and blurb about a grant that a YAC has made right on the home page; maybe switch it up every month or so. Then people can see the great things that YACs are doing.
What else would you like to tell people who are reading this?
Get involved - I am always looking for new things to get involved with. It is a great way to meet a new and diverse group of people. I have never once regretted getting involved in things. Each experience has taught me something new.
Never give up - resilience is an important thing to learn. I don't think enough people learn this early enough in life. Throughout life you may feel that people are holding you back but you should never give up, every once in awhile you will see the rewards of your perseverance.
July 2007
