Philanthropy at Work and Home: Involving (Our) Kids in Volunteerism and Fundraising

TRENTON, NJ, April 21, 2014 (Press-News.org) Kids will be more than just observers at the Women in Development of Mercer County breakfast meeting Thursday, April 24 at the Fedora Cafe at 2633 Main St.

The breakfast meeting, from 8:30-10 am, will focus on ways to effectively engage children, tweens and teens in volunteerism and philanthropy.

Elian Rubin, a 7th Grade Student at John Witherspoon Middle School in Princeton, will speak about his experiences in fundraising. Elian is an active volunteer with SAVE, A Friend to Homeless Animals, Princeton Boy Scout Troop 43 and his school's Do Something Club. In addition to volunteering, Elian has raised over $30,000 to support local scouting over the past four years.

The meeting will be facilitated by Julie Davidson Meyers, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Mercer and a Board member of Women in Development. Meyers is enthusiastic about bringing children to the WID event.

"Author Neil Postman has said that children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see," Meyers said. "And in that vein, I believe it's vital that we pass on what we know and believe to our future leaders."

Participants will share best practices, strategies and successes in developing the next generation of philanthropic leaders, Meyers added.

Women in Development Board President and Director of OnePrinceton Adrienne Rubin added, "Our kids want to make a difference, but nonprofits aren't always effective at making this possible. When given the chance, they can surprise us. This discussion will give us the opportunity to learn from them as they learn from us."

Advance registration is required. Visit https://wid-roundtable-apr-2014.eventbrite.com to register. Participants are requested to RSVP as early as possible. If demand warrants it, the location may be moved. Most schools allow children an excused absence for participation in Take Your Children to Work day programs. Parents should check directly with their children's schools for more information.

About Women in Development of Mercer County (WID Mercer)
Women in Development of Mercer County is a local, nonprofit professional association of women in the field of development and fundraising. Members are committed to helping one another develop skills, sharing information about employment opportunities, and creating a climate in which women may grow and achieve positions of increasing responsibility within the field. Visit http://widmercer.org for more information.