“There are so many injustices people face in this world. Being with B.L.I.N.G. helps me see first-hand the impact that I make on my community.” – BLING Boardmember Ryan
At their final and decisive convening during Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, BLING carefully selected a total of 7 youth-led projects to fund with their $30,000 budget. BLING is a social justice youth philanthropy group that makes equitable funding decisions that impact young people across San Francisco.
During every funding cycle, BLING grantmakers convene for BLING Decision Day. While Decision Day is their longest day in the year, it is also BLING’s favorite day. After reviewing applications and interviewing all youth applicants, grantmakers pitch each project to their fellow boardmembers. In two rounds, B.L.I.N.G. decides which projects to fund and manages their total budget accordingly. For a snapshot of BLING’s Decision Day, watch this timelapse video!
Congratulations to the following projects!
1. Boys Can Cry Too: 100% True, a project of Rooftop’s Social Justice Committee
GOAL: To create a documentary that critically looks at the way we view masculinity and host screenings to raise awareness about dangers of stereotypes around masculinity.
2. Young Mothers Stand, a project of Young Women’s Freedom Center
GOAL: To provide resources and continued support for teenage mothers and have every mother feel accepted and empowered to get the help they need.
3. Bayview Hunters Point Youth Summit, a project of the BVHP Summit Planning Committee
GOAL: The 5thAnnual Bayview Youth Summit will improve the community by holding workshops and educating youth ages 13-18 about safety. Topics will include violence, safe sex, drug abuse prevention and domestic/relationship abuse. We want youth to be encouraged to take action against these vulnerabilities.
4. Living Roof, a project of City Arts and Tech’s Environmental Class
GOAL: To turn the roof of our science classroom into an exemplar showcase of sustainable technology that is a source of both education and sustenance for our community. We will design a system that incorporates solar power, greenhouse tech and promotes local biodiversity.
5. Dragball, a project of SOTA
GOAL: We want to host a successful Drag Ball that at least 400 students attend, creating an event that is inclusive of all to make LGBTQ+ feel like they belong and normalize something that is generally marginalized.
6. GWHS Youth Outreach Workers
GOAL: To reduce the stigma around getting help for mental health services, by surveying students and creating a PSA for students to learn how to help themselves and others.
7. PYM Conference, a project of CHALK Justice Leaders
GOAL: Bring justice awareness to youth all over San Francisco and provide an outlet for youth to talk about violence in the community, and build unity, empowerment and transformation.
