Leaders from high schools all over Bryan College Station gathered at First Baptist Church of Bryan Friday for the United Way of the Brazos Valley’s 21st Annual Youth Leadership Day to learn about local nonprofits and learn how they can make an impact on their community right now.
The event featured presentations on the United Way and the Youth Leadership Cabinet, breakout sessions with eight different nonprofits in B/CS, and a motivational speaker, Alton “Tiger” Burton.
“I’m coming today to challenge you to program your body and your mind for the grind, for the work,” says Burton during his presentation to encourage the students to take action in the community. “All of you guys are here today because you’re leaders, you’re gifted. What happens when you’re gifted but you don’t put in the work? You get complacent.”
Jesus Vega-Tirado, co-chair of the Youth Leadership Cabinet, was most moved by the information he learned from the nonprofit breakout sessions. Students could choose from Scotty’s House, Twin City Mission, Health for All, Brazos Valley Council on Alcohol and Substance Abuse, Sexual Assault Resource Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Family Promise, and B/CS Habitat for Humanity to attend four 25-minute-long information sessions to learn more about the organizations.
“Some students didn’t know these nonprofits existed, and sadly they might know someone who needs them, and they can refer them,” says Vega-Tirado. “We hope the students will be inspired to go help, whether that’s through United Way or through the agency themselves, and we hope they know what we do at the Youth Leadership Cabinet.”
Vega-Tirado also noted that he loved Burton’s speech and the energy he brought.
“Are you using your age to hold you back?” Burton challenged the students. “Do you say, ‘I can’t foster change in my community because I’m only 16.’? You’re going to fail at some things, but that doesn’t make you a failure. You’re going to lose some things, but that doesn’t make you a loser.”
Besides the speaker and breakout sessions, students also got time to reflect and discuss what they had learned in small groups. Peggi Goss, vice president of community impact for United Way says the goal of the leadership day is twofold: “We hope [the students] feel empowered to take control of their lives but also understand the needs of the community and give back.”
United Way of the Brazos Valley’s mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in the Brazos Valley. Their Youth Leadership Cabinet is made up of more than 30 students from seven local high schools who promote civic involvement and responsibility by providing high school students with opportunities to participate with United Way of the Brazos Valley.
For more information, visit www.uwbv.org.
