Youth Challenged with Small Change 4 Big Change

For many youth it is an overwhelming task to find a way to make a difference in the world. Many get inspired by Outreach International's mission and want to do something but get stopped by lack of funds or just the feeling that at such a young age they have nothing to offer.

The Challenge

Outreach International took a step to show kids that they do have something to offer and to find ways to turn that motivation into change . . .literally and metaphorically!

In December of 2009 Outreach International picked ten Community of Christ youth in Independence, MO to turn small change into big change.

The ten were selected in front of their congregations and presented with their challenge: take $100 provided by Outreach International and create a project to multiply the funds.

What could they turn their small change into? They had one week to come up with their idea and three to implement it.

Cory's Story

Cory Arnold, a member of Colonial Hills congregation in Blue Springs, MO, took his $100 and used it to create packets and publicity materials for his project.

He and his Outreach International club at Blue Springs High school drafted a list of local businesses to visit and invite to contribute to their goal of $5000; the price of a farm. (An option available in the Outreach International gift catalog.)

Arnold and his club presented dozens of businesses with this proposition, offering a certificate of partnership with Outreach International and publicity for the business in the Blue Springs Examiner newspaper and the high school Examiner.

Eli's Story

Another student, Eli Wilson, took his challenge in a different direction. His crisp $100 bill went towards supplies for a family movie night at his congregation.

"I was really excited. I was ready to have some fun!" Wilson said about how he felt when he was presented with his challenge. He provided snacks and a movie for a free will donation.

Just as Arnold had a goal for his donations, Wilson wanted his money to go to projects in South Texas. He had spent a lot of time on mission trips in South Texas and had become passionate about the work being done there.

Wilson said, "I was thinking, Oh, Texas, I've done a lot of mission work down there and I love to help people. I'd love to give back to Outreach International and their cause for greater good."

Small Change Becomes Big Change!

Altogether the ten youth around Independence turned their small change into $3085.75! These youth became the inspiration for other youth as an example of what small actions can do to create big change all over the world.