Rishma Thomas

De quel CJP avez-vous été membre et pendant combien de temps?

I was involved with the Vancouver Foundation Youth Council, for about one year.

Quel âge aviez-vous à l’époque et quel âge avez-vous aujourd’hui?

I was 16 then, and I am 23 now.

Quel est votre plus beau souvenir de votre période CJP?

I have so many wonderful memories. I think, best of all, was just the general atmosphere around the table when we spoke about grants, organizations, our involvement and our ability to contribute. We debated and argued, but in the end we always compromised and agreed. I remember laughter, friendship, and very happy times – always with a sense of fulfilment at contributing productively to our community.

Que faites-vous maintenant?

I am working for an NGO in Tajikistan – Focus Humanitarian Assistance. I will be starting a Master’s program in Public Policy in September, 2006.

Quelle influence votre implication dans le mouvement de philanthropie jeunesse a-t-elle eu sur votre vie?

My involvement with youth philanthropy not only affected my university choices, but also my career choices. Moving to Central Asia after university was a big step. Since my days working with the YAC, however, I have been dedicated to working in philanthropy and at a grassroots level with communities around the world. I am grateful to have had that experience and the passion instilled in me to continue the work long after my involvement with YAC ended!

Que pensez-vous du site Web JEP Canada? Vous avez des suggestions?

It’s fantastic!

Qu’aimeriez-vous dire d’autre aux gens qui lisent cette entrevue?

Unfortunately, public service is often perceived as making others servile to the generosity of the donor institution, or those more advantaged. Nothing could be further from the truth; service is about partnerships and freedoms. That is what I enjoyed so much about working with YAC – we were building civil society institutions together, engaged in true collaborations.

Avril 2006.