Volunteer Spotlight – Meet Annie, a Youth Board Member ready to spread Acceptance

GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego has some amazing volunteers especially when it comes to the youth in our awesome Youth Board. We’ve highlighted some in previous blogs but are still amazed when we hear what they have to say and share! Meet Annie, a new up and coming Youth Board Volunteer Member, who has the drive and passion for this community and GiGi’s.

We asked Annie to share her thoughts through a series of questions and of course we knew she would have some awesome insight:

How did you find GiGi’s Playhouse?

“I found GiGi’s Playhouse through a flyer posted at my school!”

We absolutely love hearing when people discover us through community outreach efforts—especially in schools! Outreach is a key component of our mission, and our GiGi’s Playhouse San Diego Youth Board plays a vital role in making that happen.

As an integral part of our Generation G and community outreach programs, these dedicated youth members help coordinate and run fundraising events, assist with program support, and most importantly, spread the message of acceptance for all. Their energy and leadership continue to make a powerful impact across our community!

What made you want to volunteer at GiGi’s?

“I wanted to start volunteering at GiGi’s to be able to help spread their message of acceptance for all! Before I started volunteering at GiGi’s, I had no connection to the Down syndrome community, which I realized when I was applying for the youth board. It made me reflect on how I believed in global acceptance for people of all abilities, but wasn’t actively doing anything to help make an impact. Being on the youth board and volunteering at GiGi’s seemed like the perfect solution! I love getting to volunteer not only behind the scenes but in programs with participants; getting to see participants learn new things and grow is so meaningful and inspiring!”

Do you think it is important for teens and high schoolers to seek out volunteer opportunities and why?

“I think it is essential for teens and high schoolers to seek out volunteer opportunities, not only because of how rewarding they can be but because of how much they can shape you going into adulthood. When I first signed up to volunteer at GiGi’s, a large part of why I was looking for volunteer opportunities at the time was to get more volunteer hours for college, but the reason I volunteer there now is because of how much joy and fulfillment I get from it—I think a lot of teens think of volunteering as “work”, and it can be, but it can also be a lot of fun! Volunteering for any cause allows us to give back to our communities and support underserved groups/populations, which I think is important to do as a teen to learn to be more compassionate and aware of the people and world around us. Getting to be on the youth board also teaches me crucial life skills, like teamwork, communication, and creativity!”

How do you think GiGi’s could make a bigger impact on your generation?

“I think GiGi’s could make a bigger impact on my generation by continuing to spread awareness about Down syndrome and the importance of being accepting. I know that a lot of people my age are invested in creating a more inclusive and equitable world, but don’t know enough about the people who are being disproportionately affected by our current, inequitable world, to take action against it. I think that expanding our youth board and running social media campaigns aimed at teens simply educating them about Down syndrome could be super effective.”

Absolutely!!!

What do you enjoy most about being a volunteer at GiGi’s?

“I truly enjoy every aspect about being a volunteer at GiGi’s, but my favorite part is definitely getting to connect with participants at the monthly programs GiGi’s provides, especially with younger ages, like Kid’s Club! It’s so much fun to play and hang out with them and see how comfortable they are letting their creativity and imagination run wild at the Playhouse, and getting to play a little part in their journey is just so special.”

What do you like least about GiGi’s?

“I love everything about GiGi’s!”

Is there anything you would like to see us improve on or incorporate?

“GiGi’s is amazing as it is right now! I think a goal we have for the youth board is getting new/more members, and I know ever since I started volunteering at GiGi’s there has been talk of wanting to move to a bigger location, so I can’t wait to see that happen in the future!“

Is there anything you would like to add?

“I am endlessly grateful for GiGi’s Playhouse, for the work that they do for individuals with Down syndrome but also the volunteer opportunity they have provided to teens. Volunteering at GiGi’s has definitely enlightened me and I know I am a better person because of it! I’m so excited for this next year of getting to be a part of the GiGi’s family!“

Thank you Annie for you time and dedication you have towards GiGi’s and your community. We can’t wait to see you blossom even more!

Did you know that GiGi’s Playhouse is 98% volunteer-run?

That means nearly every program, including the amazing work done by our Youth Board, is made possible by the generosity of donors like you. Your support goes directly toward sustaining free, purposeful programs and resources for individuals with Down syndrome in San Diego. Every dollar makes a difference. Join us in our mission to change the way the world views Down syndrome and to send a global message of acceptance for all by becoming a donor today.

If you are a teen and are interested in volunteering with the Generation G Youth Board, please visit the link below to learn more!