Introducing the Oakland Youth Friendly Business Awards and the Oakland Youth Friendly Business Directory
It is no secret that too many of our youth are grappling with tremendous obstacles ranging from poverty, violence, poor health, struggling schools and a lack of role models. So many of our young people are drifting aimlessly and could go in any direction. Often all they need is a little extra guidance and support and someone who can show them a way forward. Luckily, through formal and/or informal internships and apprentices many of our businesses have been working behind the scenes to nurture, educate and guide some of our youth to be the leaders and achievers they are meant to be.
It is time that these businesses receive the recognition they deserve and that the transformative experiences they are providing these youth be brought to light. In a town with so much bad news, let’s take time to give our businesses our thanks. Hopefully this recognition will inspire other businesses, and workers in general, to think about mentoring our youth.
Oakland’s first Youth Friendly Business Award provides an opportunity to recognize Oakland, California's most generous businesses and workers who provide workplace mentoring opportunities. The Jonas Family Fund will be presenting cash awards and honorary recognition certificates at an Awards Ceremony in June. Three five hundred dollar cash awards will be granted- two will honor businesses that show a deep commitment to youth internships (one big and one small business), another will be given to a work mentor who is deemed exceptionally helpful by their mentees. All nominees will be listed in the new Oakland Youth Friendly Business Directory and will receive significant recognition from local press outlets.
The Oakland Youth Friendly Business Directory, a program sponsored by the Jonas Family Fund, will be posted on the new Oakland Youth Friendly Business Awards website that can be found at www.oaklandyouthfriendlybusinessawards.org. The directory will be updated once a year in June and hard copies will be provided to interested parties as needed. Our hope is that conscious consumers will consider utilizing the services of these businesses first when shopping around for goods and services.
Oakland residents can start nominating today. (See application attached) or visit www.oaklandyouthfriendlybusinessawards.org
for a nomination forms. Nominations will be accepted through May 15th. Winners will be selected based on number of nominations and their substance, and chosen by an cross sector, impartial selection committee. The Awards Ceremony will take place in early June (date and location to be announced).
Our hope is that local and national media attention will be drawn to this event/endeavor. As far as we know, Oakland is the first locality to have such an award.
Please contact Lendri Purcell of the Jonas Family Fund at (510) 798-4962 or lendrip@gmail.com with any questions.
