Since the foundation of WMCD Inc. in 2021, we have functioned under the idea that youth are the next generation of leaders, and therefore, have placed emphasis on the role of our ‘Youth Team’ within our organization. This team of teens has been through quite the journey, first being called the ‘Youth Advisory Council’, which was later adapted to ‘Youth Advisory Committee’, or as we commonly referred to them, our YAC. Once we realized our youth were more than just advisors, we decided to rename the group to be called our ‘Youth Team’ in the Spring of 2023, which has led us to our current group of all-star teens.

The WMCD Inc. Youth Team is comprised of students grades 7-12 who meet bi-weekly year-round to discuss and plan our annual all-nighter event, where we raise thousands for charity. Before our 2024 event, we had twelve members on our youth team from five schools across Western Massachusetts, and we’re once again seeking more youth to join in the fun!

Now, of course, we appreciate the help from the teens, but there’s so much more to the opportunity.

It’s an opportunity for personal growth.

Personal growth is a process of continuous self-improvement, and one of the best ways to do so is through extracurricular involvement and passion projects. On our WMCD Inc. Youth Team, students will have the opportunity to brainstorm their own ideas, propose it to the team and volunteers, and take part in hands-on execution. Through this process, students have the valuable chance to learn about themselves, their strengths and weaknesses, and what motivates them to do good.

Our youth team helps enhance team collaboration skills.

Teamwork makes the dream work, they say. We’ll be honest here- working on a team can be hard. There’s a lot to learn about communication, problem-solving, resolving conflict, being accountable, adapting under pressure, and so much more. But here at WMCD Inc., we’ve found that our teams become a second family of friends who have your back. Seeing all of your experiences with a team come together at each annual event is a rewarding experience that is hard to beat. (And a sigh of relief when we get to climb into bed after staying awake for 25 hours!)

Leadership development is in our mission.

The whole reason we do what we do is to empower youth, and that starts at the core of our youth team. Students on our youth team have opportunities to speak on radio shows, and live television, be interviewed for news coverage, talk to their peers about our mission, and learn how to inspire others through fun work that makes an impact. Leadership skills are invaluable assets to have in seeking student leadership roles (think club presidents), applying for scholarships or grants, and even acting as a role model to your friends, family, and coworkers. Remember, leadership comes in so many forms.

It’s the perfect resume addition.

Now listen… it’s easy to see this opportunity as an easy, low-time-commitment way to enhance college applications and resumes, but the reality is different. Sure, it looks good to be associated with an organization that has raised over $68,000 for charity, but even more so, employers and admission counselors will see the result of your experience on our youth team- the hands-on planning skills, communication, and understanding you have of others that can elevate your search for a future career or university.

We prioritize fun.

But even with all the “professional” reasons to join our youth team, there’s a big one we’ve drifted by. It’s fun.

We’ll all have plenty of opportunities to work, meet other people, or enhance our resume, but having fun while doing so ensures that the memories you make will mean more, and teach you more, than the skills and achievements you take away.