David Sadler
What YAC were you involved with and for what period of time were you a member?
I was involved with the Vancouver Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council, from when it began in 1998 to 2004.
How old were you then and how old are you now?
I was 16 or 17 years old when I started, and I am 23 now.
What is your favourite YAC memory?
So many, its hard to choose favourites. My first favourite memory would have to have been the first big trip that I got to go on as a YAC member. I had never done much travelling or really anything at all. We went to a conference in Michigan for Youth Advisory Councils. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of really cool youth, and personally, it was a great opportunity for me to come out of my shell.
What was your favourite grant?
A grant to The Gathering Place, a community centre type thing downtown. The project involved mural artists mentoring street engaged youth and teaching them the art of mural making. It was a tiny amount of money that had huge impact.
What are you doing now?
I am working at a non-profit called The McCreary Centre Society, it does research and education on youth health issues. I am the Youth Participation Coordinator. I act as an “adult support” (I'm only 23) to the organization's YAC, do various youth participation projects, and run workshops all round BC for youth to discuss health issues in their community, and create projects to address them.
How has your involvement in youth philanthropy influenced your life today?
It gave me a direction that I wanted to pursue a career and life in. Before being involved in youth philanthropy I had a very narrow world view. Being involved opened my eyes to all the amazing things going on. Before I got involved I think I wanted to be a rock-star or something. How silly. Now I want to work in the non-profit sector for youth AND be a rock-star.
What do you think of the YIP Canada website? Any suggestions?
I think everyone should use it to its fullest potential. Canada is a big place, we need tools to connect youth who are working at a common cause.
What else would you like to tell people who are reading this?
Learn how to play an instrument now, you will thank me in a few years.
February 2006.
