"The 'Just Do It' campaign seemed to capture the corporate philosophy of grit, determination and passion.... Eventually the campaign was credited with embracing not just resolve and purpose, but also the beauty, drama and moral uplift of sport - even, every now and then, fun." Such were the findings of the Center for Applied Research in their mini-case study of Nike's epic 'Just Do It' advertising campaign. That same spirit has been given life today - in the youth volunteers of A Woman's Place (AWP), the only domestic violence organization in Bucks County, Pa.
In 2011, AWP celebrates the graduation of 46 youth volunteers from area high schools. These graduates, in addition to the other youth volunteers at AWP and across the nation, contribute to the billions of hours annually that teenagers spend volunteering - boosting both the community spirit and the economy.
"The gift that they give us each year is both overwhelming and inspiring," shared AWP Executive Director Donna J. Byrne. "I am thrilled that AWP has been able to provide Bucks County youth with a platform for developing their leadership in such a core area for the community as domestic violence. I am more thrilled that Bucks County youth have embraced this opportunity with such enthusiasm, intelligence, and good will. This has been a two-way partnership, as Bucks County youth have very much informed the leadership and direction at AWP. We truly are seeing the future in action. These young adults embody the spirit of AWP and their 'Just Do It' attitude inspires us all.
Communities enjoy benefits of youth volunteerism that reach far beyond the economic. When youth volunteer, communities gain a generation of young people who care about where they live and, through their actions, are deepening their commitment to advancement. The personal benefits for youth are also invaluable. Studies have shown that youth who volunteer are less likely to abuse alcohol, become pregnant, or engage in destructive behaviors. They learn respect, kindness, and understanding of differences. They are more likely to do well in school, graduate, vote, and develop an understanding of positive citizenship.
Opportunities for youth volunteerism, like those offered by AWP, provide an environment for young adults to work together with different generations, striving for a common goal and mutual understanding. In June, Central Bucks East High School graduate and AWP Young Adult Advisory Board (YAAB) member Shannon Traffican was awarded the Violet Richardson Award by the Doylestown chapter of Soroptimist International for her volunteer work organizing the 1st annual Walk to Empower, a fundraising and awareness walk to benefit AWP. Said Traffican in her remarks, "Volunteering for the organization really opened my eyes to how much domestic violence really does affect Bucks County. My goal for the Walk to Empower was to really spread awareness of AWP and domestic violence and receiving this award is proof that I met that goal."
During the 2011-12 year, YAAB volunteers will take on organizing the 2nd annual Walk to Empower on Saturday, October 1 at Doylestown's Central Park. Youth volunteers have expanded this year's event to include a 5K and a 1 mile Fun Walk. They kicked off fundraising for the event with a car wash on August 13 that raised over $600 toward their effort. They will host an Uno Dough Rai$er, another pre-Walk to Empower fundraiser, on Sunday, August 28 at Uno located at 1661 Easton Road in Doylestown. Both the car wash and Dough Rai$er serve to offset the expenses of the Walk to Empower.
In her 2005 remarks made to the Press Pool at a "Helping America's Youth Event," former first lady Mrs. Laura Bush stated about youth volunteers, "They learn that they're role models, that those little kids they're working with look up at them - look up to them and want to be like them." To AWP's 46 graduating youth volunteers, the same holds true. The community is looking up to you. Congratulations, we wish you all the best, and we look forward to continuing to witness your achievements as you soar into your future. 'Just Do It!'
AWP is the only domestic violence community benefit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. AWP has provided free, private, confidential, and comprehensive shelter, service, support, advocacy, outreach, training, and education to victims of domestic abuse and violence and their children and the community for the past 35 years. The free, private, and confidential hotline (1.800.220.8116) is available 24-hours a day. You can access information about AWP, youth volunteerism, the Uno Dough Rai$er, and the 2nd annual Walk to Empower at www.awomansplace.org.
