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[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"39913","attributes":{"class":"media-image","typeof":"foaf:Image","style":"","alt":"Andrew Power of Children"}}]]Current Intern Andrew Kimmel is working on a number of our special 10 year anniversary projects for the Power of Children Awards. He shares his story about being introduced to this endeavor and the impact it's already created in his life.
If you, or someone you know in grades 6-11, is making an extraordinary difference in the lives of other, nominate them for the Power of Children Awards at http://www.childrensmuseum.org/poca-apply.
On my desk is a stack of applications and questionnaires from previous awardees of the Power of Children Awards. (That’s right, interns get desks!) I’ve been rereading them to prepare for POCA’s 10th anniversary. Part of my internship is to follow-up with our previous winners and create a “Where are they now?” book in time for this year’s ceremony in November. I’ve also been analyzing the impact all of our winners have collectively had.
And it's been a wild ride already! Millions of dollars have been raised, hundreds of thousands of people have been impacted, and many others have been inspired to volunteer. I’m not even done counting yet. Whenever I get in touch with another POCA winner, I tell them they can add another tally mark to their impact column. Reading their stories has inspired me to seek out volunteer opportunities myself.
I didn’t think that coming into work every day and feeling inspired to change the world would be my favorite part of my internship. It is. I’m hoping to bring that same feeling of inspiration to others with our book celebrating each of our previous winners and teaching the next generation of philanthropists ways to make their own impact on the world.
I spend a lot of time in between reading and writing walking up to our Power of Children gallery that highlights the stories of Ryan White, Ruby Bridges, and Anne Frank. I’ve been to the gallery almost 100 times, but each time I'm reminded again and again through these stories of perseverance and altruism that even the tiniest voice can reach millions.
Learn more about the award's 10th anniversary and past winners.
