Ok, so maybe they’d rather listen to the latest Jonas Brothers song than my Capital Cause pitch. But while I have 30 seconds of their time, I tell them that small steps eventually lead to big changes. And because it would be a disservice to the community to perform my rendition of the song outside the confines of my shower, I spread the spirit of change by telling them about collective giving.

When I look at the work that Capital Cause Young Philanthropists have done in underserved communities – through collective giving of small financial contributions and expert skills – I think about the growth of my nephews. Whenever I come home for the holidays, they are so much taller and wiser (sometimes, unfortunately) than they were the last time I saw them. But their growth didn’t happen overnight and it didn’t just happen inside the home. It required the nourishment of their bodies and minds through healthy food options in their neighborhood, access to public parks for exercise, and schools with the necessary academic resources. These small changes happened on a daily basis and it has taken a community to raise them.

Capital Cause Young Philanthropists have ensured that these types of communities exist across Washington, DC. It is no surprise that the organization continues to grow and gain recognition for the life-changing work they do in underserved communities. Recently, they were featured in Philanthropy Daily for a number of their Giving Circles Projects, which included recruiting 100 mentors for 100 children, sponsoring children from low-income families to attend a healthy living camp, and helping low-income families with laundry needs. With their limited time, skills, and money combined, Young Philanthropists have generated an impact that has improved the lives of many DC residents. Just like my nephews, I want millions of children across the country to have access to the types of resources, services, and infrastructure that allows them to live healthy lives.

Capital Cause has created a platform for hundreds of young professionals like me to pool their money and time for a cause they are most passionate about. Through small financial contributions and lending my writing, editing, and social media skills to nonprofit organizations, I no longer hesitate to extend the definition of “young professional” to include “young philanthropist” and “changemaker.” Working with Capital Cause has enabled me to better define my capacity to give and in doing so, I have learned to take ownership of my impact.

If you are not already a member of The Young Philanthropist Program, I urge you to join the movement with a $30 donation. I can’t think of a better way to spend $30 than to contribute to a growing pool of funds that help nonprofit organizations make a tremendous impact in underserved communities. Well – there’s that… and maybe some singing lessons. Although I’m back in sunny California, I don’t appreciate my nephews throwing me shade for my vocal range deficiencies.

Be good. Do good. Capital Cause.

Click here to read the full article: bit.ly/10BXwJo

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Check out their recap here: http://bit.ly/18ARH1m

Check out these great pictures and event vignettes: http://bit.ly/1bjMgs7