Having been involved with United Way and GenNext since 2006, I have a whole lot of positive UW memories. But more than any other GenNext initiative I’ve been involved with, my participation and involvement in the "Get in the Way" awards has stands out above the rest. As a matter of fact, it’s my go-to "feel good" memory.
 
The "Get in the Way" program were awards presented by Foresters in conjunction with the United Way, given to community-minded elementary and high-school aged students. One of my roles was to read the application forms from the children and young adults—and their incredible commitment to their communities was both heart warming and inspirational.
 
We received many applications from children who simply saw a void in their lives and filled it. From hosting a lemonade stand with the proceeds going to charity, to raising funds for a community skate park, these kids saw a way that they could help, and did it. The high school-aged students were equally noteworthy, with one young leader taking a passion and turning it into a volunteer experience benefiting their peers and community by volunteering at a local radio station.
 
Whenever someone laments to me about the state of our world, I always bring up my involvement with the next generation of community leaders –and I feel a sense of pride at being a part of growing tomorrow's hope.