What does it take to become a Young Friend of PPLM? According to Nora Mishanec, it’s easy: “Passion, commitment, and $10 a month.” Young Friends (YF) of PPLM is a group of people ages 21 to 35 who grow the PPLM family by engaging friends and colleagues, and work to secure vital funds that support PPLM’s work.
“Our generation is bombarded with messages from social media. YF is different: at events that are meaningful and fun, YF gives us the chance to share real conversations, brainstorm, and build community.”
As a new Wellesley College graduate, Nora joined YF after looking for volunteer opportunities that would address her interests in social justice and women’s rights. She also wanted to learn fundraising skills, so she could apply them to causes she believes in. Now a member of the YF Steering Committee, Nora reports that personal connections between PPLM supporters have been inspiring. Most recently, on December 7, YF hosted a sold-out “Big Bash” that welcomed 100 supporters. Nora says the event, in these uncertain times, was “very reassuring, because we all realized that PPLM’s doors will stay open, no matter what.”
Since the November presidential election, YF membership has doubled, and the group has big plans to grow and engage its membership. Nora’s own commitment will remain strong even as she departs soon for Madagascar to take up a position as a Peace Corps agriculture volunteer. “I’ll be thousands of miles away,” she says, “but I’ll still be standing with PPLM.”
For information about Young Friends of PPLM, contact Caitlin Quinn at [email protected] or visit pplm.org/youngfriends.
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