In September, the Greater Princeton & Far Beyond Branch of AYLUS (GPA) worked to promote youth volunteerism and 5 years of leadership since 2018, producing another promotional video. GPA shares this video with hundreds of members, families, and many more students across the State of New Jersey.
With the growing awareness of challenges within our society, it is important for youths to take on a role in helping their community. In late 2018, the Greater Princeton & Far Beyond branch of the Alliance of Youth Leaders in the United States, also called GPA, was founded by Cassie Wang supported by 49 students with a vision to gather young volunteers into a service team. Since its founding, GPA members have devised and executed a multitude of initiatives that are all connected to our core mission of saving a life.
In 2019, Cassie initiated the “Save A Life Foundation”, and we were able to accomplish a variety of meaningful services. Our fundraisers included hosting benefit concerts and a charity art exhibition. Our large-scale volunteering events included donation drives, and cleaning up parks.
Following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, GPA upheld its mission of “Save a Life” through leading nationwide PPE donations to hospitals, senior living centers, etc. To encourage and recognize the heroism of our frontline workers, AYLUS members hand-drew cards. As a means of providing a source of hope and entertainment during the pandemic, GPA hosted many virtual concerts during the holidays.
GPA has been carrying out a variety of long-term events. Members continually perform for seniors, collect clothes, toys, and shoes for people in need, and volunteer at “Life Saving” non-profit organizations. GPA sponsors annual AYLUS International Art & Media Contests, accepting themed entries from students. Through these contests, GPA highlights the creativity of its young participants and raises awareness for important issues such as the pandemic and conservation. Our dedication to the environment leads us to many conservation projects, such as “Roots for River” and “Forest Restoration” tree-planting events.
Facing the 20th anniversary of 9/11, our members collected over $2000 to provide “Meals from the Heart” donations and express their gratitude to hundreds of firefighters from over 20 fire departments throughout NJ.
Due to its execution of unique and hugely impactful community service projects, GPA has been awarded the Jefferson Awards, also called the American “Nobel Prize” for public service. We also provide the opportunity for members to be awarded the PVSA.
Whether it be through cleaning up our environment, providing essential resources to those who need it, or performing critical services, volunteering is a transformative experience for those who participate in it. Our members have been able to develop their leadership skills, creativity, and sense of responsibility towards improving our society and helping everyone in it.
AYLUS is currently managing several projects to continue serving our communities. In support of the “Save a Life” initiative, Greater Princeton members are hosting a flea market booth to collect donations for Children’s Specialized Hospital Long Term Care Center. Members’ efforts will help the hospital develop innovative treatment for children facing special health challenges.
AYLUS members are giving back to the greater Princeton community through other ongoing projects such as participating in the summer tennis league, hosting piano master classes, volunteering at Rutgers cancer institute, organizing books in libraries tutoring students, and many more.
In the future, AYLUS plans to continue supporting our community by embracing our founding vision through every project. We will continue to build our “Save a life” initiative and fundraiser for valuable causes. We will also work towards expanding the Greater Princeton branch, welcoming new members to join our cause. We are grateful for the support we have received from our community in these past 5 years, and we will continue to make a change and better the world around us.
GPA Volunteering Editors (9/23, 3 hrs): Tom Purui Cui, Katherine Zhu, Jerry Chen, Meiqi Tan, David Chen, Alex Chen, Chloe Zhao
Directors (9/23, 3 hrs): Lana Cheng, Kevin Chen
Producer & Advisor: Cassie Wang (9/24, 3 hrs)
GPA Volunteers promoting youth volunteerism: Tiffany Tian (10/1, 2 hrs)
