**The application window for 2022-23 is now closed. Please contact Kate Kile for more information.**
Global Philanthropy Leaders (GPL) is an initiative at St. John’s that started in 2020. This small group for high school students meets for lunch and a monthly discussion on Sundays (October through April) to learn how to share in God’s abundance through investment. Due to the response from our young people and the overwhelming success of our first two years, St. John’s has added a third class for the 2022-23 program year!
WHO IT IMPACTS: Through the GPL program, Youth are entrusted with church funds to make micro-loans (through kiva.org) and positively impact people in the US and around the world.
WHAT YOU LEARN: Using scripture and group discussion, we will consider “who is our neighbor?” and how can we share God’s abundance by investing in others. Additionally, Youth learn about risk, diversification, barriers to capital, and debt. They will acquire a basic understanding of loans, what life is like for the poorest of the poor, and what kinds of programs do and don’t help. They will learn the difference between spending one’s own money and being entrusted with the responsibility of being good stewards of church funds. They will take on leadership roles, deepen their faith, and work together to create a final presentation for the parish.
PROGRAM LEADERS: GPL will be led by Kate Kile (Director of Finance & Stewardship) and Youth Ministry leaders, along with parishioners and professionals from the Tallahassee community in the fields of education, finance, government, economics, biology, and technology: Stephanie Amidon, Ben Bowersox, Austin Carroll, Jeff Couch, JR Saginario, and Bo Shippen.
COURSES OFFERED: All new students must first attend the “Year 1” session. Returning students will have the option of continuing with our “Year 2” curriculum or advancing to our “Year 3” offering.
- Year 1: global philanthropy, micro-loans, personal finance, global poverty, and hunger
- Year 2: economic impact of racism in America
- Year 3: creation care – investing for a sustainable future
TIME COMMITMENT: We ask that Youth commit to attending ALL sessions on the following dates. Gatherings will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 PM on Sundays, unless otherwise indicated:
- October 7, 2022 (Friday at 6 PM) – “Dinner & Movie”
- October 30, 2022
- November 13, 2022
- December 11, 2022
- January 29, 2023
- February 26, 2023
- March 26, 2023
- April 30, 2023 (Sunday at 11:15 AM) – Parish Forum/Presentation
FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION: Upon acceptance into GPL, we request that all first-year students contribute $25 at the first Sunday session in October, preferably from their own savings/earnings, to combine with funds provided by St. John’s to make loans. This by no means should be a barrier for anyone, need-based $25 scholarships will be available upon request. Returning students will invest with accumulated loan repayments.
**The application window for 2022-23 is now closed.**
We encourage you to download our program summary to keep on hand. Applications will be accepted through 6/30/2022. Please contact Kate Kile with questions regarding our GPL program or the application process.
