Greenwich Junior United Way teen-led volunteer organization will expand this fall to include middle school students in grades 6 to 8 for the first time, building on the success of its established high school program. The mission of Greenwich Junior United Way is to positively impact the community through action.
The expansion to include middle school age students comes after years of proven impact from Greenwich high school students who have consistently demonstrated their ability to create meaningful change in their community. Greenwich Junior United Way is credited with successful town-wide donation drives, annual events such as Together-We-Shine, and supporting other vital community initiatives with student-led activities, events and volunteerism.
“I have seen first-hand the incredible work of the Greenwich Junior United Way and believed younger students, including my own middle schooler, could meaningly contribute and benefit before high school,” said Chelsea Woody, Greenwich United Way board member.
The expanded Greenwich Junior United Way will welcome middle school students from all Greenwich schools, fostering collaboration and inclusive leadership across the community. Through weekly meetings, students will work together to identify pressing challenges the town is facing and develop innovative solutions to address those challenges. In conjunction with its own initiatives, the group builds partnerships with other individuals and organizations working on impactful solutions for the community, promoting inclusion and connection while developing social responsibility in students at a young age.
“The impact our students have goes far beyond service and projects. It all comes down to connection – showing people that they matter and they are important,” said Amanda Finn, program manager of the Greenwich Junior United Way.
Middle school participants will gain hands-on experience in project management and initiative development, community needs assessment, fundraising and resource allocation, public speaking and advocacy, cross-school collaboration, and program budgeting. With thoughtful adult guidance, students take the lead in designing and implementing projects that make a lasting difference in the community.
Greenwich Junior United Way’s mission remains focused on building more than just a volunteer organization but rather investing in and fostering the next generation of community leaders committed to improving the lives of everyone in Greenwich. With the expansion to include middle school students, the organization creates immediate impact while fostering long-term community connection, engagement and leadership development from an earlier age.
For more information about Greenwich Junior United Way and registration details, contact Amanda Finn at afinn@greenwichunitedway.org
