Millennials these day get a bad rap. Like many younger generations before them, they’re often unfairly lumped together and stereotyped. But you don’t have to go far to find countless examples of millennials who are passionate about bettering our community, and who work every day to build better, safer and more empowered spaces for us all.
Building strong communities
Amanda Costa is a Communications Advisor with the Government of Canada and is chair of GenNext at United Way British Columbia – a movement focused on encouraging young professionals to give back locally. She believes in the importance of sharing whatever gifts she can – be that time, money or energy – for the good of her community.
Amanda speaking at GenNext’s fall networking event, Impact Red: Network with Purpose
“I know that my generation is incredibly generous and passionate about social causes, despite all the negative stereotypes,” she says. “It can feel discouraging to watch the news and feel like things are getting worse, but it feels empowering to do something about it.”
It’s one of the reasons she got involved with GenNext.
“Vancouver can be a hard place to put down or maintain roots. I know I felt that way when I moved to the city ten years ago. Luckily, I had a group of people who helped me thrive in this city. It gets me thinking – what if you don’t have the support you need? Who do you turn to?”
Working with United Way, Amanda fundraises for, and connects others to life-changing resources across the Lower Mainland. She is especially passionate about empowering children and youth in after-school programs.
“I think back to when I was a kid and the crucial elements that helped shape my life – great teachers, a stable home environment, good friends and fun activities. Not everyone has the same resources. United Way serves as that equalizer, funding after-school programs where kids can feel safe, supported and valued. I want every kid to have a great environment to grow in, because they will be running the world one day.”
L-R: GenNext cabinet members Blake Henley, Heather Kerklaan and Jaclyn Tong.
Seeing impact first hand
Heather Kerlaan is vice-chair and works as an Investor Relations and Communications Specialist at Westport Fuel Systems. As a founding member of GenNext, she is energized by the success the movement has seen since its inception in 2015.
“We’ve raised $63,000 over the past three years. We’ve secured corporate sponsorship and hosted annual events that always sell out. But the most important thing is that we’re making measurable impact in our own backyard.”
Heather was attracted to the movement because it connected her with a group of like-minded individuals and young leaders who want to make a difference.
“We create strategies to attract and retain other young donors and volunteers. We ask, ‘What does the next generation of philanthropy look like?’ It’s exciting.”
She too believes in a holistic vision of community, where everyone has the resources they need to succeed.
Heather and Amanda at GenNext’s annual signature event, Impact Red: Rooftop Social
“I’ve have heard and seen firsthand the impact the United Way has had on our community – from volunteering at United Way-partner agencies, to meeting the children in its after-school programs.”
Making great connections
Both Heather and Amanda are excited to be leading GenNext and to meet new, passionate change-makers at the different events they will be hosting throughout the year. Tonight’s Impact Red: Spring Social will see over one hundred attendees come together to raise money for youth programming, network and have fun.
“It’s about local love,” says Amanda. “It’s the understanding that we’re all better if everyone is thriving.”
“Connecting with others – GenNexters, community agencies, and program participants – builds an amazing sense of community,” says Heather. “You feel like you are making a real difference.”
United Way British Columbia’s GenNext movement is generously supported by Major Sponsor Coast Capital Savings. It is focused on encouraging professionals in their 20s and 30s to give back to their community. Its mission is to connect the next generation of influencers, motivators, and change-makers to impactful opportunities and dynamic events that foster relationships and build an impassioned community of United Way champions.
Learn more about GenNext here.
Topics : Building strong communities, Local love
