DENVER - For 16-year-old Simon Kaufman, volunteering is not just a matter of the heart, it's also a matter of heritage.
The motto Simon lives by, "Tikkun Olam," means repairing the world. It's a concept that, along with his Jewish heritage, has shaped his life and his service as a volunteer with the Rose Youth Foundation. Simon is also one of the 2010 9Kids Who Care.
Simon volunteers as a board member with the Rose Youth Foundation, which gives kids the power to change their community by awarding $60,000 in grants to non-profit and educational efforts. Every other Sunday, the foundation meets around a board room table where every opinion is equal. Simon's voice always stands out from the crowd.
Discussing the topic of whether to fund projects supporting victims of genocide who have relocated to the Denver community, Simon told the group, "If we have the opportunity to help people who have been in genocides and near death situations versus another type of effort, I don't think you can necessarily compare the two situations." Simon's heart is always close to his Jewish heritage and its history within his thoughts, words and actions.
"I love when the kids are in charge and are able to make different decisions that we know are making a difference," Simon said. "The student voice is especially strong. We see the world through a different pair of eyes. I think that's especially important."
Simon's passions about ending genocide may be rooted in an event from the past (the Holocaust), but his mind is set on the present and ending
and preventing genocide the in Darfur, as well as reaching out to the victims of that conflict. Simon frequently speaks and inspires on behalf of "Change The World: It Just Takes Cents," which raises funds and awareness about the Darfur genocide.
"I'm especially close to that cause because, being Jewish, we've seen what can happen when people don't act when genocide goes on. We have to stand up wherever and whenever people are suffering and make a difference," Simon said.
Simon is also helping plan the 2010 Maccabi Games, which will bring more than 2,000 young Jewish athletes from around the world to Denver in August.
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