Pay It Forward Projects

Because so much is given to students through the Warren J, Brown Foundation many of them have expressed a desire to give back to the community. At the WJBF, we have found that the best ways in which young people can truly affect change in their communities in through volunteerism and “Paying It Forward.”

“Pay It Forward” is a book written by Catherine Ryan Hyde, but it’s also an idea. It’s an action plan within a work of fiction. In fact, since the book was released in January of 2000, a real-life social movement has emerged, not just in the U.S. but worldwide. What began as a work of fiction has already become much more.

Reuben St. Clair, the teacher and protagonist in the book “Pay It Forward,” starts a movement with this voluntary, extra-credit assignment: THINK OF AN IDEA FOR WORLD CHANGE, AND PUT IT INTO ACTION. Trevor, the 12-year-old hero of “Pay It Forward,” thinks of quite an idea. Trevor comes up with the idea that one person should do a favor for three people and each of the recipients would then do favors for others.

During the WJBF Pay It Forward Project, volunteers will help make repairs to the home such as, painting and scraping, landscaping, trash removal, and cleaning. All volunteers will be provided a free t-shirt, lunch, and beverages throughout the day.