Midland County Youth Action Council Concludes Successful 2019-20 Cycle, Begins Unique 2020-21 Cycle
September 16th, 2020
The Midland County Youth Action Council (MCYAC) is a group of determined youths, grades 6-12, who represent a variety of Midland County schools. MCYAC members learn about philanthropy through stewarding an endowed fund that supports initiatives and organizations that enrich and improve the quality of lives of youth living in Midland County. MCYAC, an initiative of Midland Area Community Foundation (MACF), is modeled after MACF, with the uniqueness of being exclusively student-led.
On Thursday, July 8th, MCYAC held its Annual MCYAC Banquet in a safe, socially distant manner at Emerson Park. The Banquet was a gathering of MCYAC Council Members and their families in celebration of MCYAC’s accomplishments over the course of the 2019-2020 MCYAC cycle. A traditional MCYAC cycle follows the traditional school year schedule. After snacks and networking, MCYAC President Anish Middha delivered a presentation informing attendees of the Council’s most notable moments.
Throughout the 2019-20 cycle, MCYAC awarded $92,321 in total grants and contributed numerous volunteer hours to community events and organizations. Local organizations with goals to improve youth life can apply for grants up to $10,000. MCYAC utilizes a due diligence process to evaluate grant requests. Additionally, teachers, students, and adult action groups can apply for grants up to $500. Members of the Council volunteered at Ripple Effect, Ivy Terrace, and the Santa House.
Faith Tabler, the outgoing MCYAC Grants Chair and incoming MCYAC President said, “Looking back at all of the work that MCYAC has done this past year, I could not be prouder of every member for their dedication to improving our community. The positive impact that we’ve made in Midland will never fail to inspire me, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish in the upcoming year.”
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, MCYAC had to take normal operations virtual, resulting in underutilized budgets and grant funding. The group used this opportunity to donate $22,000 to MACF’’s COVID-19 Recovery Fund.
“I’m so proud of the philanthropic spirit of these extremely gifted and talented young adults,” said Sara JacobsCarter, Youth Impact Coordinator, Midland Area Community Foundation. “The COVID-19 pandemic brought unique challenges to MCYAC and the community, as a whole. The council’s steadfast dedication to making Midland a better place never ceases to amaze me.”
Another accomplishment of MCYAC was member expansion. This past cycle, MCYAC welcomed members from Meridian Public Schools and Bullock Creek, with hopes to soon have “YACers” from Coleman. MCYAC membership is available to all Midland County youth, grades 6-12.
Most recently, MCYAC members Jessa Pazdro and Amelia Hatfield launched the youth division of the Cultural Awareness Coalition. The Cultural Awareness Coalition is another initiative of MACF. This group is actively working to educate its participants on how to be anti-racist, with plans to engage in community action.
The banquet wrapped-up with an acknowledgment of 2020 seniors and installation of officers. Overall, MCYAC had 8 outgoing seniors, retained one officer, and installed 4 new officers, including Amelia Hatfield, taking the newly established role of MCYAC Public Relations Officer. Outgoing MCYAC President Anish Middha will be succeeded by outgoing Grants Chair, Faith Tabler. Outgoing MCYAC Vice President Kiran Sequeria will be succeeded by Ellie Ingalla. Kenny Gu will take the role of MCYAC Grants Chair. Outgoing MCYAC Secretary Therese Joffre will be succeeded by Zaky El-Nachef.
“Our seniors’ dedication to the group is astounding, and they are off to amazing places,” said outgoing MCYAC Vice-President, Kiran Sequeira. “It was amazing seeing a lot of the council members and Sara after months of uncertainty surrounding the banquet and our inability to hold meetings. MCYAC has been a wonderful learning experience for me and it has inspired me to keep giving back.”
This news release was written by MCYAC Public Relations Officer, Amelia Hatfield. If you, or anyone you know would like to learn more about MCYAC or how to get involved in the 2020-21 cycle, contact the Midland Area Community Foundation at 989-839-9661 or email Youth Impact Coordinator, Sara JacobsCarter at sjacobscarter@midlandfoundation.org.
