Skate for Change: The Enthusiastic, Unorganized Charity of Nebraska Millennials

The perceived high work ethic and associated integrity of Nebraskans has been showing up in interesting ways for the state’s millennials (people reaching young adulthood around the year 2000). Although young Nebraskans participate in charities of all kinds, some are noticing a trend in “unofficial” charity taking place.

One example is the Skate for Change movement, which began in western Nebraska with one skater and has expanded to several other states and countries. The skaters take care packages to the city’s homeless, often in downtown areas, where the kids go anyway to find some of the best areas for skating.

This unofficial charity trend also can be seen anecdotally by simply observing young people in action. Individuals take it upon themselves to deliver food to indigents. They help one another without question when a friend is down on luck, pass along acts of kindness, and clean up garbage on the streets.

Alex Ruybalid, Skate for Change’s international communications director, believes these unofficial charitable acts being performed by young people is due to a frustration with the status quo of charity.

“Because of the internet, my generation is exposed to the billions of problems in the world, and a billion ways to get involved,” Ruybalid explains. “We are tired of politics not doing anything, we are tired of the established religion in America not doing anything. We are tired of big media preaching a message of polarization and "us vs. them.” That is the media our parents consumed. My generation wants to take ownership, build a better world of acceptance and accountability.” 

He believes we live in a “really special time” in which young people are determined to spread messages of love and personal participation to build better communities.

For more information about Skate for Change, visit http://skateforchange.org.