Connect2Youth

About Us

The approach of a many charitable programs and non-profit organizations seems to be based on an assumption that inner-city kids (like the underprivileged) are needy because they are less capable of solving their problems than those offering the help and support.

We start with the assumption that inner-city students are smart and capable. We will facilitate support that builds the foundation for a 21st century life and enhances their dignity. We believe that given the resources, opportunities and support many can meet their challenges without the unlikely event of a massive and immediate social revolution.

Our goal is to be transparent, accountable and authentic. We will provide an alternative to the one-size fit all program model because we believe young people are at different stages and their needs vary.

Our approach will decentralize from a donor-charity system to an immediate impact person-need model. We not only provide more donor control over where the social investments go: we provide a truly philanthropic experience by enabling direct (person-to-person) connections and real relationships. Donors see their investments arrive, see the destination, follow the progress and watch their contributions make a difference.

We eliminate the need for expensive overhead and bureaucracy by using the Internet to facilitate direct connections and deliver resources. The nature of the Internet will allow us the flexibility and adaptability to respond to new demands and expand to other communities.

Our innovative plan is to use the following business practices & models:

Micro-finance & crowdfunding – funding (*primarily but not exclusively)

Crowdsourcing model - collaboration for special projects

Supporter engagement marketing- Social media

Our development will continue to progress through a series of stages including partnerships with a financial institution and learning centers.

If it truly takes a village then the village has to expand beyond politicians, spokespersons and educators; to include everyone. As we move forward with development, anyone can play a small role. Whatever expertise or special talent you would like to contribute will be greatly appreciated.

Start-up Board

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girlsChair

Reform: why we can't wait

Social Justice and the void

21st Century demands

Jonathan Geeter over the last 10yrs Jonathan has been involved in non-profit community work in a variety of projects involving youth, education and technology. Including OpNet Community Ventures, a non profit organization that provided technology access, training & employment for low- income young adults. Jonathan also played a crucial role in the early stages of Oakland Technology Exchange West; a program that has distributed over 10,000 free computers to Oakland public school students, over 10,000 to Oakland public school classrooms and community based labs. He also worked on an innovative Social Marketing campaign that received the San Francisco Institute of Transportation Engineers, transportation project of the year award. He was also the Technical coordinator for the Bay Area Regional Tech Prep Collaborative, a California Department of Education funded project in conjunction with the Peralta Community College District to establish relationship between education, business and workforce development activities in the Bay Area. Before joining the non-profit world Jonathan worked in advertising and public relations. This experience includes a major daily newspapers, a top Bay Area radio station and with the Golden State Warriors. Jonathan was also instrumental in a start-up Executive search firm in San Francisco. Jonathan graduated from San Jose State University receiving a degree in Advertising. In addition to his passion for community service Jonathan loves the outdoors, travel, exploring great Bay Area food spots and competing in golf tournaments. Jonathan is married and has a daughter who attends the University of Oregon. He lives in Oakland.

James Gordon is currently a Financial Analyst Consultant providing accounting, forecasting and budgeting services to major corporations and start-up companies. He spent six years with Hewlett-Packard Company and almost 20 years as a board member of the Bill Wilson Center, a non-profit counseling agency and shelter for youths. James graduated from San Jose State University with a major in Business Administration, Finance and a minor in Computer Science/Mathematics and now lives in Oakland, California with his 21-year old son. In addition to his professional career, James plays soccer and tutors high school mathematics.

Ron Ellis is a Regional Business Development Manager with Sabrix, Inc. He has over two decades of experience with start-ups, as well as small and larger companies in the high-tech industry including positions at Thorn EMI Computer Software, Informix, Sybase, Calico and Extensity, where he was the Western U.S. Regional Sales Director and Asia Pacific Sales Director. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from San Jose State University and a Masters in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Ron resides in Piedmont, California with his wife of over 17 years and their three children, and enjoys traveling, golf, team sports, almost all music and great food.

Brian Turner spent 15yrs at Blackrock (formerly Barclays Global Investors) and held a variety of positions in finance and technology over that time. Most recently as VP in Business Finance providing business analysis and financial consultation and strategy to business executives. Raised in Los Angeles County and a life-long LA Laker fan, he is a graduate of San Jose State University and now lives in San Ramon with his family. In his spare time, Brian is a past speaker for UC Berkeley’s Level Playing Field Institute (LPFI) and a volunteer youth basketball coach in the East Bay.

Change in progress, new member added soon.

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Advisory consultants

Coming soon