JASON CROWE

Through his hard-copy newspaper, use of technology, public speaking and entrepreneur efforts, Jason Dean Crowe, age 13, works to benefit the domestic and international communities and to motivate youth to join in problem-solving service. In 1996 (age 9) in memory of his grandmother, Jason created The Informer, a by-kids-for-kids newspaper, to raise money for cancer research. Today, it’s in 29 states, 16 foreign countries and several classrooms. He donates all profit. In 1999, his efforts resulted in $1,900 for the American Cancer Society.

His newspaper serves to “inform, inspire and interconnect” youth for service. He writes about school violence, racial prejudice, religious intolerance, world peace, multiculturalism and the environment. His “Kid Power” section features youth doing extraordinary service. His “GeoGem” feature, usually written by subscribers from foreign countries, promotes international understanding. He personally networks subscribers to help extend projects nationally and internationally.

Locally, Jason practices what he preaches in his paper. He serves with the library’s Teen Activity Council. He creates his own initiatives, i.e. Warrick County Annual Spring Food Drive (founded 1997), organizing kids to participate with him. Selected as Commissioner for the 50th Senate District of the Governor’s Youth Commission, he’s appointed Youth Ambassadors to help him identify and meet community needs. When a neighboring town was devastated (1/3/00) by a tornado, Jason set up drop points for food, supplies, toys at a grocery store, McDonald’s and Burger King. He contacted the Red Cross, obtained canisters, and mobilized his Ambassadors to put them in businesses and to execute door-to-door collections.

In April 1999, Jason originated “Operation Yellow Bow for Kosovo.” He convinced area businessmen to donate to the Red Cross, thus sponsoring his wholesale purchase of bows. He enlisted friends, tri-state youth organizations and adult civic groups to help him distribute bows to the community for $3.00, showing support for troops and raising money for refugees. He raised more than $4,000 locally for the Red Cross.

Touched by Bosnia’s ethnic cleansing, Jason founded (1998, age 11) The Cello Cries On, a 501 ©(3) corporation, which exists to unite youth across racial, ethnic and religious lines to work for human rights, social justice, multicultural harmony and peace. He speaks to school and state/national/international conferences about nonviolence and peace, motivating kids to work for domestic and international harmony. He has commissioned The Children’s International Peace and Harmony statue to be sent to Bosnia as a gift from kids worldwide who want to see an end to war and ethnic cleansing. Kids become “statue partners in peace.” In 1999, Jason appointed youth “statue ambassadors” in America and 9 foreign countries to head campaigns locally.

Jason is a member of Youth Service America’s National Youth Advisory Council and a member of the National Youth Advisory Board for Drug Prevention. He was selected by M.I.T. for their 1998 on-line International Junior Summit and is still active. During 1999, Jason’s efforts resulted in some $45,000 to local charities other than his own.