California Association of Student Councils
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Being in CASC has given me so much, from the life-long friendships to leadership skills and increase in confidence. Before CASC. I didn't know where i was heading and I didn't know much about myself, personally. CASC forced me to step outside my comfort zone and face challenges that I never would have faced alone. It has taught me that team work and trust are essential to any successful organization. The skills that i have learned and gained from CASC will be beneficial to the rest of my life.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
I recently attended the Student Advisory Board on Education and it was truly life-changing. The people I met were intelligent, motivated, and passionate about education reform. I had never before gone to such a conference where us high school students were able to make a difference, and even advise adults, and being able to participate in this conference made me feel extremely accomplished. It was a one of a kind experience working with youth from all over California to draft proposals for the State Board of Education, and it is an experience that I will never forget.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Student Advisory Board on Education
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
let more people know about its amazing programs!!!
Would not recommend. Organization is mismanaged, outdated in its practices, and grossly over-priced.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Was not worth the time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I really don't know where to start.
CASC has helped me develop as a student, citizen, and leader. In my position on CASC's State Council, I have gained experience that I know has taught me skills that I will apply for the rest of my life. The people that this organization has given me the chance to get to know are phenomenal.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
my leadership skills
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have more people attend the conferences! Truly life-changing experiences
In the spring of 2009 I found out about a nonprofit organization that hosted local leadership conferences throughout the school year and I heard about one coming up called the California Association of Student Council's Summer Camp. I seemed interested at first because of my friend's comments about his attendance the year before. So I signed up for a scholarship in order to attend the conference and I got it. After going through Summer Camp at UC Santa Barbara through Track 1, I found out that I had the potential to do more than just get good grades, so I decided to join the Region Cabinet. After joining this organization I learned to come out of my shell by stepping outside of my comfort zone and helping others realize the potential they have. Today I continue to stay involved within the organization by attending this past Summer Conference(Track 2), the Staff Development Program, and soon in November by attending the Student Advisory Board on Education which is one of the only opportunities where students get the opportunities to present proposals to the State Board of Education. Last but not least I would like to thank all of those who participate in this organization for keeping the statewide movement going by empowering youth to take action. - JMH
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the way it has helped me grow as a leader within my school and community.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
When I attended my first CASC conference in the summer of 2007, I was an incredibly shy, insecure freshman in high school who thought she had literally no place in the world. At the end of my four days at UCSB Summer Camp, I was a changed person. I knew that, as a leader, I had a purpose, and I had finally found that purpose. Through CASC, I have found myself, I have learned to believe in myself, and I have been able to shape myself around one of CASC's core values: the power of the youth to change the world. Because of CASC, I have been inspired to change my community, and to fight for student rights, and representation in our education systems. CASC provides pathways for students who want to have a voice, who want to hone their leadership skills to be the best they can be, who want to make lifelong friendships. After four years of being involved in this incredibly organization, I am a completely different person than I was on the first day of Summer Camp in 2007. I can honestly say CASC has changed my life for the better.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Myself. CASC strives to teach leadership skills and educate the youth on opportunities for reform in our schools and communities, but it truly changes each individual who goes through a CASC program. CASC programs helped find inner confidence.
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How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
It's hard to put into words what CASC means to me. It has changed my life. I went into the organization as a timid and extremely insecure person and left much less timid and far more confident. It allowed me to see that I have the power to make change and it gave me the skills to do so. It changed my perspective on the world and has affected my life in every way. I would recommend it to any person from any background. It's an amazing organization and you'll meet some of the most inspirational, intelligent, and genuine people out there.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
trying situations. For example, if a conflict arises, I can refer back to some pieces of CASC curriculum that deal with conflict.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it more well-known and give as many people as possible a chance to experience it.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the inspiring people involved and the amount of work given to us. It really made me more mature and hard-working.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
some of the smartest and most loving people that I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
make a much larger impact than it already is.
Ways to make it better...
I would have known about it a long time ago.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the current economic climate and raising enough funds to bring in more students from lower-income districts to attend CASC events.
One thing I'd also say is that...
I love CASC and it will always be a part of me.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every month
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
CASC changes people's lives on a profound level by giving young students the opportunity to be real leaders in their communities. Their leadership training seminars and summer camps covers content that most corporate CEO's have yet to grasp and in ways that makes sense to even junior high kids. What is most unique about CASC is that the entire organization is run by these same students. Students are the camp counselors, run the logics of the conference, serve as the governing body and even develop new leadership curriculm. When I worked with CASC I had the opportunity to meet with world leaders, travel around the world and make a difference in people's lives everyday. Those experiences have helped me in every facet of my life. When I served in the military fighting in Iraq I used CASC principles of sharing and giving to help win the hearts and minds of the local Iraqis. By giving small gifts of kindness (called warmfuzzies) to the local kids, the number of bomb strikes on our patrol dropped dramatically. When I returned home and started working for an advocacy organization for veterans, I used CASC's project planning and problem solving tools to address serious issue facing our nation's veterans. Using CASC's project planning arrow and tools for reaching agreement I was able to shepard the passage of the largest increase in veterans education benefits since WWII (over $70 billion). None of that would have been possible without the tools I learned through CASC. CASC is more then a great nonprofit... it is an amazing nonprofit.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
in my time serving in the military and as an advocate for veterans in Washington. CASC inspires you to make a difference and then gives you the tools and training to make it happen.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the opportunity to learn first hand the responsibility of being a leader.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
some of the most amazing people I will ever meet in my life.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world, by building a community of leaders that are engaged and trained to make a difference. This type of early investment is like buying Google stock before Apple IIe was invented.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
My first experience was at Stanford Summer Camp 2008 in which I was a Track I delegate and completely new to CASC. Admittedly it was a really overwhelming experience with all the curriculum taught as well as the high expectations counselors have on you to participate and be respectful. Yet, despite these set backs that I encountered in my first experience, through continued exposer to the organization I grew to love and appreciate what the organization did and what I could contribute back. By staffing in year conferences, going through SDP to be trained as a summer camp counselor, and then going through Track II, I would say that it was money and time well spent. Every moment I learned, grew, and achieved at levels I had never expected. As an inherent skeptic I found this organization surprisingly refreshing from other leadership organizations I have come in contact with. It has been such a pleasure that I pursued the prestigious positions on the State Council. Now as a member of that group, I truly feel that the benefits from being associated with this organization stem not from what you get from CASC but what you can give back due to what CASC has taught you.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Within my everyday life. I've learned skills such as presentation skills as well as ways to handle conflicts in a tactful and democratic manner. The education legislation that has been passed by CASC recently, SB1422, has led to great reform at my school.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Suggest that there be greater visibility of the organization and that they make an effort to be given credit for the hard work they put into education legislation as well as in training leaders of tomorrow in extremely effective ways.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
the people. They are fantastic and are the most passionate and hard working peers I have ever had the pleasure of working with.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Friendly, competent, and extremely helpful.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Spread the word of CASC 2020, as well as be able to increase diversity in socio - economic representation at all conferences year round.
Ways to make it better...
I had been more familiar with the organization prior to my first summer conference experience.
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
the support it needs from the greater California community. The accomplishments made by this organization often go unnoticed because it is student led.
One thing I'd also say is that...
CASC changes you and in turn, you change CASC.
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
CASC is and AMAZING organization that has changed my life. I have learned to love people for who they are and what they contribute to society. I have met so many wonderful friends through CASC and we all share the same love for improving the California Education system. At CASC, not only do you learn practical leadershiip knowledge such as project planning, problem solving, and team building, but you also learn a lot about yourself which in turn makes you a better leader for it. I will always remember the "CASC-high" and strive to feel that powerful for the rest of my life. CASC is a one a kind organization that all students should have an opportunity to experience.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've personally experience the results of this organization in my personal life with the relationships I have. Also, in my high school's ASB. We were a much stronger team after attending the CASC UCSB Summer camp.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
The only change I would make would be to include conferences for college students. Why stop at high school? The CASC experience is powerful no matter what your age is.
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What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
meeting friends from all over the state and making a positive difference in people lives and in the California Education system.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
Upbeat, positive, friendly, full of energy, helpful, kind, good hearted people who love to make things happen.
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
change the world :)
Ways to make it better...
nothing. It was great!
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About once a year
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
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