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#8 / 2008 In this issue | |||||||||
Kickoff & 501(c)(3)!Dear Friends of Areté,
As we look to our leadership camps this summer, that it is EXACTLY in these times, when things do not look hopeful that we must continue to drive the change we want to see in this world. We hope that you will continue to support us in our efforts. But first, we have some exciting news to share with you - we have been designated 501(c)(3) status by the IRS. What does this mean? It means that any donation that you have made to Arete Youth Foundation over the last 2 years is fully tax deductible. It also means that any future donation is tax deductible. If you have any questions about this, please contact your accountant or you can contact me directly. And so our 2009 fundraising season begins. Over the next couple of months, you'll be receiving our newsletter detailing our 2009 initiatives and fundraising events. This year we will be focusing our efforts on supporting Camp GLOW 2009 and the Roma Camp 2009. Warm wishes, Brian Murray Spotlight: Camp GLOW 2009
This year is very exciting and special year for all of us at GLOW for several reasons. Our GLOW alumnae network is stronger than ever, our former campers and leaders are taking a more active role in the design and implementation of the camp, and we have begun to established strong partnerships around the world. The latest and exciting news from GLOW has no beginning and definitely no end. Another exciting change we are seeing this year is a shift in the organizational leadership of the camp. In past years Peace Corps Volunteers have assumed the camp director role within the organization. However, this year, Peace Corps is taking a step back within GLOW NGO to allow the young ambitious Bulgarian women who make up the GLOW committee, a chance to assume the responsibilities of implementing the camp. Although Peace Corps has taken a step back, they are still a positive presence. This year we have 3 wonderful volunteers who are working alongside Bulgarian alumnae on the Camp GLOW committee. This shift reinforces the sustainability of the Camp and further enhances the capacity of the Bulgarian females involved, making Camp GLOW 2009 a monumental year. ~Tsveta Kaleynska Please support us by donating here Interested in organizing a fundraiser for one of our camps in your city? Could be just the excuse to get together with old friends and meet new ones! Please contact us at brian@areteyouth.org. Spotlight: Roma Camp 2009
This year, the members of MYOFT have accepted the challenge of continuing the Roma Youth camp, as well as a Multi-Ethnic camp. This is a great opportunity for them to give back to their communities, and to exercise their leadership, organizational, and communication skills. Members of MYOFT were greatly inspired during their past participation in the camps, and hope to be successful in fostering this inspiration in this year’s campers. These individuals have taken what they learned from their own experiences, and applied this to continuing their education, creating and implementing projects in their own communities, and serving as positive role models to their peers. MYOFT hopes to instill this motivation this year in the campers. And will serve as support to the youth who return to their communities, and develop ideas and strategies to combat issues affecting Roma youth in Bulgaria. All the best from all of us! Ogi & Angel |
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It has been a crazy year since we last left off - from Obama to the economy we have seen the amazing and the frightening. If anything this past year has taught us is that our world is more connected then ever. The challenges that we face as a nation and as global citizens is something that we take very seriously at Arete Youth Foundation. Our mission - to educate future leaders through training and the promotion of education opportunities - rings particularly true in these times. We need new leaders and mentors for our youth and education is at the foundation of a more stable world. 
You would think “just another year and just another camp”, right? On the contrary, Camp GLOW is not your ordinary camp and its 2009 edition will not only be successful but also an incredible life experience for the 70 Bulgarian girls who will participate this summer. And how will this dream become a reality yet again? It will be realized in part by the hard work and dedication our alumnae who have been organizing international fundraising campaigns throughout the year. For instance March 9 through March 15 in Hanover, PA a GLOW’ fundraising event will be held. Those that participate in this campaign, mainly the citizens of Hanover, will have the opportunity to speak to GLOW alumnae while also being able to donate crucial materials, from marshmallows to tie-dye, for the GLOW games and activities which truly set this camp apart. 
The Roma Camp 2009 will be organized and implemented by a new organization this year. This organization is called; “Multiethnic Youth Organization Forward Together”, or MYOFT. What’s exciting about this change and this organization is that the members of it consist of participants from previous years camps. These young men and women met and developed relationships with one another during past camps, and decided to create a means in which to carry out their goals and ideas, as well as to support other youth in their endeavors.