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Matt Wilhelm - National Winner
New Hampshire Chapter
Northeast Region
 By bringing to action his philosophy of giving what you can and never giving up, Matt Wilhelm is truly an inspiration to youth. He not only devotes his talent and time to giving to others, but also is described as one who’s “able to get people involved in a way no one else can.”
Matt’s passion to help and his gift of motivating others to get youth involved is demonstrated through the various activities and programs he participates in with the New Hampshire Chapter of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. He recruited young people to participate in a Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity project in Vermont. He also worked with the chapter and City Year New Hampshire (CYNH) to inspire more than 2,000 people — including young people, corporate employees and civic leaders — to take part in a JOIN HANDS DAY service project uniting volunteers in the United States and South Africa.
Through his extensive involvement with CYNH, an organization that unites young people of all backgrounds for a year of full-time service, Matt has energized countless people for the good of his community.
He demonstrated his passion for the future of CYNH by working with his peers to redefine and relaunch the first CYNH alumni board, bringing excitement and big ideas about what is possible.
Through his work with ServeNext.org, Matt led strategy sessions with the CYNH executive director to educate and engage political leaders to support national service in New Hampshire. As a result, the organization implemented a strategy that educated all presidential candidates and New Hampshire stakeholders about CYNH’s work and future goals.
Using his social entrepreneurship skills, Matt founded Concert Corps, an innovative way to inspire young people to volunteer. The organization connects touring performing artists and their fans with non-profit partners to provide meaningful community service.
In his church, Matt has been active by hosting social gatherings and trips, and teaching Sunday school classes to high school students. |