The GP Connect team was gathered during Thursday lunch excited not just by the promise of food but of the possibility of a new partnership.

We met with two smart and engaging young women meeting us on behalf of the Youth to Youth (Y2Y) community of the World Bank, a group that focuses on bringing up and addressing issues regarding youth not only in the World Bank but across the world. The main topic was the upcoming Global Youth Conference 2012, a yearly event and one of the main projects of the Y2Y where the main objective is not only to acknowledge and provide information about present issues affecting youth today but to facilitate tangible opportunities for action.

Proving that GP Connect! is an organization of action, the GP Connect team began pitching ideas for outreach and potential guests, more than willing to collaborate. It was amazing and encouraging to see a mutual exchange of ideas. Already I cannot wait for what promises to be a very successful collaboration on such a significant project.

By Elizabeth Carrera 

I was first introduced to GP Connect by a very engaging fellow when volunteering at the 2011 Global Fairness Awards on November 8. Missing my California friends and sunshine I welcomed the opportunity to relay my passionate interest for the nonprofit sector to any passerby.

It was a cloudy and windy morning when I made my way towards GP Connect’s downtown building in freshly pressed interview clothes to pursue an internship. I didn’t know whether it was chance or fate, but I welcomed the opportunity to learn more about the organization and the people behind it. Amidst a string of confusing acronyms during the interview — SFP, GPC, CDD to name a few — I began forming a better idea of what this organization stands for. I was amazed at GP Connect’s efforts to help give communities all over world a voice and the opportunity to play an active role with the development of their communities. Glancing at a list of 2010 projects and programs that were effectively implemented, the range of issues addressed and the diversity of the projects was refreshing to say the least.

I have to admit, I left the interview feeling inspired, here is an organization successfully putting theory into practice in obtaining practical and sustainable solutions in communities all over the world! Moreover I love the diversity that this organization offers within its members most from different parts of the globe, it is with great excitement that I look forward to being a part of the GP Connect team.

By Elizabeth Carrera