Ready to Make a Difference? YMCA's My Fresh Page Project Accepting Entries for Ideas that Uplift Local Communities

The most creative and inspiring entry will receive $5,000 to bring an idea to life

CHICAGO, April 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- YMCA of the USA (Y-USA) is looking for innovative community improvement ideas from around the country as part of the second-annual YMCA's My Fresh Page Project. My Fresh Page Project encourages more individuals to get involved in strengthening their communities through ideas large and small.  

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130403/DC88165)

The Y recognizes that a single idea can go a long way in improving the quality of life in neighborhoods. As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y believes that everyone has a role to play in improving their hometowns.

Individuals can submit and vote for their favorite projects by visiting the Y's Facebook page. The five projects with the most votes will have a chance to win one of two grants ($5,000 or $2,500) to make their project a reality.  

Entering is as easy as describing the idea that will strengthen community. Simply:

1. Visit the My YMCA's Fresh Page Project Facebook page and select "Enter" from now until April 21
2. Give the idea a name.
3. Describe the idea (500 words or less) and upload a photo or video.
4. Share the idea with others and encourage them to vote. Users may vote for an idea once a day through April 28.

Entries with the most votes will advance into the finals where a panel of Y experts will select a winner. The top idea will receive $5,000 and the runner-up entry will get $2,500 to fund their community improvement project.

Last year's winner designed and planted Veteran's Affairs Healing Garden in Greenwood, S.C.

Ideals that can make a difference come in many sizes and the Y is looking for ideas that:

• Nurture the potential of children and teens. Proposed projects should build values and skills that help kids learn and make smarter life choices. Examples include a class that teaches kids how to address bullying, community-wide suggestion boxes (physical and digital) for kids to share what's on their minds, or a sponsored teen club.
• Provide support and resources to improving the nation's health and well-being. Projects could include healthy cooking shop-alongs or a call for Saturday morning neighborhood walks.
• Support those who need help most. Examples include creating a career closet for clothes, mentoring children or providing books and materials for the neediest schools.

For a complete list of rules or to submit an entry, visit the YMCA's My Fresh Page Project at Facebook.com/ymca. 

About the Y
The Y is one of the nation's leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 21 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation's health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. ymca.net

Contact:
Mamie Moore 
YMCA of the USA
312-419-8418
[email protected] 

SOURCE YMCA of the USA