WHITELION..Roving Reporter Anthony L discovers more about what Whitelion has done in its 10 years after having a chat with the youth charity's co-founder Glenn Manton.

Roving Reporter Anthony L discovers more about what Whitelion has done in its 10 years after having a chat with the youth charity's co-founder Glenn Manton.

HEAR ME ROAR

As complicated as the life is for young person is in the 21st century, there will always be others who are worse off.

However even at this tender and underdeveloped time in life, many face hurdles to get the most out of themselves from a past littered with heartache brought upon by themselves and those around them.

After a decade Whitelion has grown to become one of the leading youth charities in Australia, with a mission to provide a positive influence for young people lacking the role-models and support.

With the help of dedicated volunteers Whitelion today continues to assist and educate thousands, mostly within schools and other youth facilities across Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania.

Humble Beginnings

It's a far cry from his playing days for Essendon and Carlton. The sight of Glenn Manton charged with comedic enthusiasm is as infectious as it is hard-hitting.

In his mid-thirties the former premiership player with the Blues has taken a rather unusual path post-AFL career.

However for all his accolades it's the co-founding of Whitelion which is easily his most satisfying.

Together with now CEO Mark Watt, Whitelion was born in 1999 after 'a year of ad-hoc work' by Manton.

"My initial foray into the world of youth justice was the result of a one off invitation to work with 'clients' behind the wall," Manton says.

"After just one visit with both male and female prisoners I had an inclination that more could be done to maximize their time behind bars and assist them to make positive life changes once released."

No longer a cub

Living up to its slogan 'Courage to Grow' Whitelion has grown considerably in a short space of time, now conducting numerous programs outreaching to the community further than ever.

Manton says he's "surprised" at how much his creation has grow to become which is now staffed by around 200 dedicated volunteers and employees.

"Whitelion has a small army of dedicated people from all walks of life who, more than anything, continue to give up their time."

What's happening today?

With such a diverse range of 'clients' Whitelion has a range of programs in place to meet the needs of all the young people it assists on a daily, monthly or yearly basis.

"We don't subscribe to one shoe fitting all feet. Connections - real connections - are the desired outcome and such connections require options," says Manton.

The ROAR Program (Real Original Amazing Role Models) is one of these targeting a range of schools in communities where children and teenagers are more susceptible.

Integral to the operation of this program and other support services is the use of role modeling. Sportsmen and women are the background to what a lot of Whitelion does, with the North Melbourne Football Club partnering up for the cause.

"Sporting people have a heightened responsibility. They are but one of a number of important role models for youth including artists-musicians-trades people-emergency services representatives and more," Manton says.

In addition to its regular activities every year is the once off Bailout. Members of the public 'lock' themselves up in the old Melbourne Goal and are bailed out when $1,000 or more is raised. In 2009 a whopping $230,000 was accumulated.

"The night is a complete experience. All monies raised go back into supporting our programs those who facilitate them and those to whom they are targeted."

The Future

Despite the leaps and bounds Glenn is modestly expecting little growth in the future.

"Whitelion may not necessarily get bigger in the future but more focused and strategic - the NFP sector is challenging and as such we must look to ensure a sustainable direction which builds communities and the individuals within them," says Manton.

However there's little doubt Whitelion wouldn't be where it is today without the promotion through the media (The Footy Show) and its volunteers.

"Without the promotion of our message and basic community support we would simply come up short."

Join the pride

According to Glenn there are so many ways to become part of the not-for-profit organization which garnishes significant support from major companies.

"The best way to involve yourself with us is to look carefully at our website and consider where you may fit," says Manton.

"Once you can see an area that you would like to support the next step is to make contact and we can consider the 'fit'."

And the biggest effect Whitelion can have on you - "thought".

"What each individual chooses to do with that 'thought' is solely up to them."

More information

For more information on what Whitelion does and how you can become involved, visit www.whitelion.org.au  (new window), email whitelion@whitelion.asn.au, or call 9389 4420.

If you would like to get in contact with Glenn Manton, visit www.glennmanton.com.au, or email gm@glennmanton.com