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Positive Values and Commitment to Service
Alongside substance use prevention efforts, Youth Alliance partners and members help provide opportunities for youth to build positive values and serve their community. This powerful initiative creates future leaders and lowers youth risks for substance use.
Strong communities don’t come about without concerted investment in individuals. Youth Alliance support programs like Youth Volunteer Corps which engage youth and families in service-learning projects throughout the year.
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC)
Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) of St. Joseph is an affiliate that is part of a network of organizations across the U.S. and Canada, with the headquarters located in Kansas City, Missouri. The organization aims to engage youth ages 11-18 in team-based, structured, diverse, flexible service-learning opportunities to inspire a lifetime ethic of service. To achieve this, YVC has four fundamental goals:
1 – Engage youth in challenging, rewarding, and educational service projects.
2 – Serve the need of the community and its residents.
3 – Cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.
4 – Promote a lifetime ethic of service in youth.
YVC of St. Joseph provides various service opportunities throughout the year including summer months. During the school year, weekly afterschool projects and weekend projects are available. The organization lists these projects on its website (YVCStJoseph.org) and emails registered youth, parents, and school staff. In the summer, YVC Summer Program offers 6-8 week-long service project opportunities, complemented by leadership and enrichment activities. Program enrollment is limited, and participants are required to complete registration.
All volunteer hours are recorded and tracked for every activity, providing an excellent way to complete mandatory hours of service for school graduation requirements, badge requirements, etc. Eligible candidates may be nominated for a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for the number of hours of service provided.
The Youth Advisory Board (YAB) serves as the body of youth volunteers who have been selected to serve in a leadership role due to their level of participation and display of leadership skills. YAB members provide feedback on current projects, suggest new project ideas, and contribute to youth volunteer recruitment, retention, and recognition. They also participate in public relations and fundraising activities. Meetings and special projects are held monthly and typically last 1 to 1.5 hours. The YAB provides a platform for young volunteers to exchange ideas, express concerns, and share resources.