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YouthServe AmeriCorps Serving at-risk youth in Western Massachusetts. Nurturing youth work professionals. Changing our community. What we do: YouthServe AmeriCorps Members mentor at-risk youth through a variety of youth-serving agencies in Western Massachusetts. YouthServe Members are trained in Positive Youth Development Theory and use practices rooted in that theory to create opportunities for youth to be meaningfully involved in their communities. YouthServe Members implement programs that empower youth by building their skills and their confidence. YouthServe Members inspire youth achievement by modeling a professional, enthusiastic, and compassionate attitude toward community involvement. Why we do it: Franklin and Hampshire Counties in Western Massachusetts are in an area known as the Pioneer Valley. Two hours west of Boston, the Valley has universities, museums, live music, and vibrant retail districts. It also has gentle hills, a quaint New England atmosphere, great skiing, and as much outdoor recreation as a person could want. In this idyllic setting, however, 40% of families live below the poverty line; there are fewer social programs and there is less state and federal funding to address critical community needs than in the more densely populated areas of Massachusetts. YouthServe AmeriCorps strives to minimize the effects of rural poverty on area youth by providing youth the support and opportunities they need to become successful, self-sufficient adults. Our impact: Since 1996, YouthServe has served over 5,000 youth. Local initiatives such as the Annual Franklin County Legislative Forum for Youth, the Night Owl Teen Warming Center, the Community Edge Teen Page, the Youth Voice Youth Center Newsletter, a Communities In Schools-style project, and dozens of afterschool programs have all been initiated or sustained by YouthServe Members. For twelve years, youth participating in Member-led programs have reported feeling more engaged and valued in their communities, and less inclined to engage in risky behaviors, as a result of YouthServe’s efforts. In addition to the difference they make in the lives of young people, YouthServe Members collaborate with each other as a team of dedicated, passionate, engaged individuals learning how to become influential citizens. YouthServe provides Members with an opportunity for professional development and personal growth. Many YouthServe Members go on to complete graduate degrees or become employed at not-for-profit agencies. Find out what past Members say about their service with YouthServe.
Apply to Join YouthServe: Please download and fill out the 2009 YouthServe Application. Return your completed application, along with your resume and two written recommendations to: Kate Allen, YouthServe Director Members must be at least 21 years old and U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or lawful Permanent Residents. Youth Work experience is recommended, but not required. Some work or volunteer history is necessary, and Members must have a valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation. YouthServe is required by law to conduct background checks on all Members, including state criminal registry checks and a national sex offender registry check. YouthServe does not discriminate on the basis of color, race, national origin, sex, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, religion, or disability. All materials will be furnished in alternate formats upon request. YouthServe makes reasonable accommodations for interviews and service. Member Service Sites – Our Partner Agencies: Members serve 35 hours per week at sites that provide critical youth services in Franklin and Hampshire Counties. Each Member undertakes a specific project that is unique and that enhances the services offered on-site. In return for this service, sites provide Members with ongoing training and supervision, as well as contributing a small cash match toward the Member stipend. Current and Previous Site Partner Agencies include Athol-Royalston Middle School, Big Brother Big Sisters of Franklin and Hampshire Counties, The Brick House Community Resource Center, Community Action ! Youth Programs, Community Coalition for Teens, DIAL/SELF, Gill-Montague School District, Greenfield Community YMCA, Greenfield Community Youth Center, Greenfield Recreation Department, Greenfield School District, Hampshire Educational Collaborative, Montague Catholic social Ministries, Northampton Mayor’s Youth Commission, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Tapestry Health Systems, Upward Bound, and the Young Entrepreneurs’ Society. Click here for a list of 2009-2010 Member Position Descriptions. How Members Benefit: In return for 1700 hours of service (which is normally completed in 10 months), members receive:
The Commitment Members Make: The service term begins in mid-September, and continues through mid-July of the following year. Members commit to serving a total of 1700 hours during that time, normally at a rate of approximately 40 hours per week. More Questions? Feel free to contact the YouthServe Director via email or phone (see below) at any time! For answers to frequently asked questions, click here. Member and Site Partner Resources: Here is a Resource Page for current and prospective Members that contains information you’ll need before the term begins and the forms you’ll need during the term. Here is a Resource Page for current and prospective Site Partners that contains Site Partner forms and important dates. For more information contact Kate Allen at 413 774 7054 ext. 106 or americorps@dialself.org |
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