My Nonprofit Reviews

As a volunteer, I feel like I have been completely supported by the program. Each event we host has given me an opportunity to lead, like our local Pear Festival, where I gave a speech and helped organize our participation in the town's parade. All of our volunteers have the chance to share their voices through the teen-run radio station and newsletter articles. When I went on the radio show, I was doing something that I would never have had the confidence to do only a few years ago. Additionally, our volunteering events, like our annual Santa day, provide fun ways for me to connect with the people we are helping, and I enjoy seeing how happy they are. I have loved being able to work with an organization that provides me with so much growth and so many opportunities, while doing good things for my community.

Volunteering for Be The Star You Are has been an utterly phenomenal experience. Cynthia Brian is incredibly dedicated to helping people, and I have never met someone who cares so deeply about others. Her attitude is infectious, and she makes sure that those she is volunteering with, along with the people her work is for, receive as much of her attention and guidance as possible. I myself learned important leadership skills when I served as the teen chairperson of BTSYA’s shoe drive with local businesses. Cynthia gave me all the support I needed to push me outside of my comfort zone and ask for donations from local schools, allowing us to collect a total of 1575 pairs of shoes (To learn more about the shoe drive, you can visit BTSYA’s site: https://www.bethestaryouare.org/shoedrive). Additionally, Cynthia has published my written articles in her newsletters, encouraging my inner creativity. The organization is constantly uplifting young volunteers to share their voices because they can make a difference. I feel so honored to be part of BTSYA because I can see how the organization inspires confidence and creativity in young people.