If you want to feel good about the future of Oakville, look no further than Charlotte Bright! Charlotte is a grade eleven student at White Oaks Secondary School, and for the last few months, a communications intern with The Foundation. Charlotte has been using her unique vantage point to help us better understand what’s going on with Oakville residents under the age of 18.
Of course, volunteering in Oakville isn’t something new for her. Charlotte is currently a member of MP Pam Damoff’s Youth Council and also a youth stakeholder in the Halton Environmental Network. That’s in addition to being a competitive dancer and working part-time at a grocery store.
Last year, Charlotte launched her own website called ingagedyouth.ca which is focused on informing and engaging other people her age to educate them on the mechanics of government and how to become connected on a local level.
Interning at The Foundation has given Charlotte the opportunity to learn more about the local charitable sector and the different initiatives The Foundation works on in the Oakville community. She tells us that she has enjoyed seeing how The Foundation functions and how our team members work together to meet a common goal to benefit local charities and residents.
Charlotte has the following advice for anyone planning a future internship at the Oakville Community Foundation:
“Be sure to take lots of notes during meetings and know that everyone on the team is more than happy to answer any questions you have. Contribute your own ideas and perspective to the table – your voice is valued and The Foundation team wants to learn from you as much as you want to learn from them. Be sure to make time for the Monday morning Comms meeting; lots of great ideas, laughs and fascinating conversations!”
Sadly, Charlotte wrapped up her time at The Foundation on April 22, but we know we’ll see her again.
Her future plans include one day attending either Queen’s or McGill for her undergraduate degree, with plans to one day end up in Ottawa. Charlotte’s ultimate career goal is to eventually work internationally in the humanitarian sector, as she wants to help those in need through policy development and implementation.
We wish her all the best in her future endeavours, and are excited to continue to watch her thrive in her community work!
