1. Volunteer Summary
You can make a difference in the lives of young people by volunteering to work with youth in your community! You will help our staff team with programs, interacting with youth and helping us to ensure a positive, nurturing environment. You will be responsible for assisting in our out-of-school time program, which includes providing excellent customer service in a safe, enjoyable, and positive atmosphere that promotes member and program participant safety and satisfaction in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.
2. General Responsibilities
Volunteers may support in the following areas based on interest, need, and fit:
Academic Enrichment:
- Provide homework assistance and tutoring to students, helping them understand concepts and complete assignments in various subjects.
- Facilitate academic enrichment activities, such as reading groups, math games, or science experiments, to enhance learning beyond the classroom.
- Encourage the development of effective study habits, organizational skills, and a positive attitude toward learning through personalized support and guidance
Group Facilitation:
- Lead or assist with the facilitation of enrichment groups or workshops on topics of interest to teens, such as arts and crafts, music, sports, leadership development, or career exploration.
- Create a supportive and inclusive environment where teens can express themselves, develop new skills, and connect with peers who share similar interests.
- Encourage participation, creativity, and collaboration among group members.
Field Trips:
- Plan and coordinate engaging and educational field trips to local attractions, cultural institutions, and recreational venues.
- Supervise teens during outings, ensuring their safety, adherence to rules, and respectful behavior.
- Facilitate learning experiences and encourage exploration and reflection during field trip activities.
General Program Support:
- Assist program staff in monitoring all youth in after school programs.
- Assist with the setup and cleanup of program spaces, ensuring that materials and resources are organized and accessible.
- Help promote and publicize program activities and events to teens and their families through various channels.
- Collaborate with program staff and fellow volunteers to brainstorm ideas, plan activities, and evaluate program effectiveness.
- Help with preparations for after school activities such as handing out snacks and taking attendance
- Engage in activities set out for participants to keep youth interested
- Follow all procedures and policies of the department, branch and Association
3. Qualifications
Minimum age of 18
Genuine interest in working with teenagers and supporting their personal and academic growth.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with teens from diverse backgrounds and build positive relationships.
Patience, empathy, and a nonjudgmental attitude when providing academic assistance or facilitating group activities.
Reliability, flexibility, and a willingness to adapt to the evolving needs of the program and its participants.
Prior experience in tutoring, youth mentoring, education, or youth development is desirable but not required.
Dedicated to member safety and the Y mission and philosophy
4. Requirements
- Volunteer Application
- Face-to-Face Interview
- Criminal Background Check
- Reference Check
- Signed Code of Conduct
- Completion of New Volunteer Orientation (NVO)
- CPR & First Aid certification (paid by the YMCA)
5. Time Commitment
Volunteers are typically needed for a minimum of two to four hours per week, with flexibility based on individual availability and program needs. Opportunities may also arise for additional involvement during field trips or special events.
6. Benefits- Make a meaningful difference in the lives of children by providing academic support, mentorship, and encouragement.
- Gain valuable experience in education, youth development, and community engagement.
- Build positive relationships with children, staff, and fellow volunteers in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Enhance your communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills through hands-on experience and interaction with diverse populations.
7. Additional Notes
This volunteer opportunity represents the primary needs identified at this time but is not intended to be all-inclusive. The volunteer will also be responsible for taking direction from the Program Director, Branch Executive or other designated YMCA team member..
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Pledge
The Y of the North is committed to the work and everyday practices of eliminating disparities and eradicating of unjust systems to become a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive organization. YMCA of the North team members and volunteers must exemplify the association’s mission, vision and values of caring, equity, honesty, respect and responsibility.
The YMCA of the North continues to develop plans and strategies to ensure team members and volunteers reflect the demographics of the communities we serve. We will continually conduct institutional racism and oppression review of our policies, procedures and practices in recruitment and selection; compensation and benefits; professional development and training; promotions; transfers; layoffs; terminations; and the ongoing development of a multicultural, anti-racist and anti-oppressive work environment and culture that promotes equity and respect for the human dignity of all. We value and respect this diversity and choose to be inclusive through our acceptance of all.
