York's Umar Momen is new outstanding youth philantropist for the Central Coast

York graduate Umar Momen was named Outstanding Youth Philanthropist for the Central Coast after raising over $15,000 to alleviate poverty in Bangladesh.

It's the eight time in the last 12 years that a student from York garners the honor, school officials said in a statement.

Umar, now a freshman at UC Berkeley, was honored at the 24th annual National Philanthropy Day of the Central Coast on November 20 at The Inn at Spanish Bay. The award is presented by the Associaiton of Fundraising Professionals.

As a child, Umar visited Bangladesh, his parents’ homeland, and was shocked by the poverty he saw, and those images stayed with him. When he reached high school he researched solutions and discovered the Bangladesh Rural Advancement Committee —BRAC – the country’s largest nonprofit development organization.

As a sophomore at York School in 2012, he volunteered at two schools that served impoverished children in Dhaka, Bangladesh. When he returned to the United States he launched a fundraising campaign for BRAC with the goal of providing education that would serve up to 130 children – a financial goal of $5,000. Within two months, by talking with family, friends, friends of friends, and strangers, he inspired a reaction of giving and reached his goal.

Umar returned to Bangladesh to volunteer with BRAC in 2014. He learned about Kishori clubs, which serve girls ages 11-19 living in the slums of Bangladesh, who are often neglected, abused, or sold as child brides. Kishori clubs provide health, life-skills, leadership, and professional training education. Umar again undertook a crowd funding campaign when he returned to the U.S. and raised $10,241, enough to train 222 facilitators for the Kishori clubs.

During his four years at York, Umar volunteered over 1,000 hours at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. He's now working with BRAC to start a Youth Action Network in Berkeley for BRAC’s work in Bangladesh.

Salinas youth ages 13 to 18: this one is for you

The City of Salinas is seeking applications from teens who are interested in serving on the Youth Commission.

The Youth Commission is comprised of twenty-eight members, ages 13to 18, who help identify and promote concerns of the youth in Salinas. The commissioners make recommendation to the city council regarding recreation programs and activities affecting youth and give opportunities to young adults to learn about and participate in local government.

The commission generally meets the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6:30pm. Term of office commences at time of appointment. Applicants need to be a resident of Salinas and between the ages of 13 and 18 years of age.

Interested parties may obtain additional information or an application at the Salinas City Clerk’s office or the Library and Community Services Department, 200 Lincoln Ave. Salinas; or by calling  758-7381 or 758- 7217, Monday through Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Or you can download an application from here.

South Monterey County Youth: the Salinas Valley Fair wants you

The Salinas Valley Fair is seeking young adults for its Junior Fair Board. As many as twenty-five members are selected to volunteer throughout the year on behalf of the Salinas Valley Fair. Their efforts include assisting at fair events, providing outreach, event planning & developing and coordinating events within the fair.

Salinas Valley Fair  is seeking junior board members between the ages of 14 and 21 and enrolled in a high school or equivalent program at the time they begin their service.

Candidates must demonstrate an interest in leadership by showing examples of where they have taken initiative at school and within their communities. The selection process includes an interview and winners will be notified by mail.

Ideal candidates are those who have demonstrated leadership, initiative, and selflessness. Selected students participate in monthly board meetings as well as special projects throughout the year. An average student will commit about 3 hours a month to the JFB leadership program.

Applications are due October, and can be downloaded from the fair's website here. They should be mailed to the Salinas Valley Fair, 625 Division Street, King City 93930.