Camp started with an inspiring session in Amy Richards’ apartment on Monday morning. After eating a delicious quiche, the Soapbox team talked with the campers about who they are, what they are passionate about, and what they wanted to learn more about.
Braving the cold, everyone headed to the NoVo Foundation, a philanthropic organization that invests in organizations helping to end violence against girls and women, and advance adolescent girls’ rights in the U.S. and Global South. There, Anna Quinn and Melissa Centeno spoke on the importance of partnership and collaboration within philanthropy. Campers discussed organizations they would raise money for, and the importance of connecting with each other to make a change.
Then, the campers heard from Rye Young, the Executive Director of Third Wave Fund. He talked about Third Wave Fund’s different approach to philanthropy and how they are changing the game. They support youth-led gender justice activism, and are accepting grant proposals in new and innovative ways- including over the phone!
To close our sessions, Laurel Golio and Diana Scholl, founders of We Are the Youth, a photojournalism project sharing the stories of LGBTQ youth. Laurel and Diana shared stories from their project, and sparked a discussion about what it’s like to be a LGBTQ youth. They emphasized the power of human stories and how they can make an impact in this world. Campers were inspired, and discussed the importance of inclusion, and ways our society can begin to become more inclusive of everyone.
To end the night, campers spent the evening on Broadway attending Spring Awakening, a play that tells the story of teenagers discovering the inner and outer tumult of teenage sexuality. A powerful and relaxing way to finish the evening. All in all, the day was filled with inspiration, storytelling, and eye-opening discussion. We are so excited for what the rest of the week holds!
