The ‘Take Action’ Generation: CHIRP Radio Talks to Young Volunteers

Perhaps more than any generation before, Generation Z is aware of the world around them and intent on making it a better place. Born after 1995, they are too young to remember 9/11 but have grown up in an uncertain and complicated world that has shaped them into empathetic, pragmatic doers. They are volunteering for organizations like Chicago Cares, which had more than 6,500 youth participate in service projects in communities across Chicago.

[pullquote]Gen Z may be more intent on making the world better than any generation before. Listen in with @CHIRPRadio[/pullquote]

On this episode of “Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy,” reporter Christopher Johnson caught up with two 15-year-olds who are making a difference. Gracie Barrow and Brianna Madrigal share an enormous sense of responsibility for their community. Working with Allowance for Good, a Chicago-based organization that teaches young people about philanthropy and how to become global agents of change, Gracie and Brianna are planting vegetables to feed other volunteers who are building affordable housing. But their efforts do not stop there. In addition to their volunteer activities, Gracie runs her own business and Brianna leads a group of high-school girls who mentor middle-school girls—all on top of their homework and chores!

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Volunteer: Stories of Philanthropy is a production of CHIRP Radio. To hear a podcast of this story online and explore other episodes, visit chirpradio.org.