YOUNG PEOPLE. REAL RESPONSIBILITY.
Our Youth Team is an opportunity for middle and high school students to become community leaders through hands-on service, collaboration, and real-world impact. Throughout the year, our youth team works alongside adult volunteers to brainstorm and plan events, support local charities, and help shape the future of our organization.
As opposed to the typical youth leadership club, our Youth Team provides students a unique opportunity to take ownership of meaningful projects, develop leadership skills that can be used in the workplace and beyond, and make decisions that have a direct impact on our community.
We know that the most valuable lessons happen when youth are engaged in real, hands-on work that many students don’t encounter until college or the workplace.
Some of the responsibilities of our youth team include:
Planning our annual Charity All-Nighter
Volunteering at fundraising and community events
Interviewing nonprofit partners to learn about their missions
Presenting recommendations and thought processes to our Board of Directors
Representing Youth for Change during television and radio interviews
Practicing public speaking in front of peers at each all-nighter
Collaborating to solve real challenges and roadblocks during the planning process
Every opportunity is designed to build confidence, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership while making a positive difference in our community.
Hands-On, Real World Experience.
Some of our youth team members stay involved after graduation, like Dominic Monti ‘23!
YEAR-ROUND LEADERSHIP
Even after our all-nighter wraps up, the work doesn’t stop. Our Youth Team meets approximately twice each month throughout the year, along with additional volunteer opportunities and special events. All Youth Team members assist at an additional two (or more) YFC events.
A major focus of the team’s work is planning our annual 25-hour Charity All-Nighter, where months of creativity, teamwork, and preparation come together to create an unforgettable environment that emphasizes the importance of giving back.
"All of the Youth Team was so welcoming, and I felt like a part of the group immediately. I have learned about collaborating with others, sharing ideas, and brainstorming when making decisions about the events." — Izabela Rutkowski
"Every single member does their best to make Youth for Change a warm and welcoming environment both among ourselves and our community. Raising money for charity doesn't just do good; it feels good." — Aaron Boyd
Our youth team seniors present closing remarks during our all-nighter, too!
ALUMNI OPPORTUNITIES
After our youth team members graduate high school, they’re given the opportunity to stay involved with Youth for Change through a variety of means. Whether they want to help virtually from anywhere in the world or stay a local volunteer, we’re always happy to have alumni stay connected with our organization.
While our alumni base is small, it’s growing quickly as our youth team members graduate each year. Izabela Langford, Class of 2022, stays connected with YFC through volunteering at each annual charity all-nighter. Dominic Monti, Class of 2023, oversees the marketing for our organization. Andrew O’Sullivan, Class of 2024, helps as an MC at our all-nighters, as well. Justin Romanelli, Class of 2025, still meets with the youth team and offers support to our manager.
These alumni are living proof of our mission in action – youth growing up who believe it is important to continue giving back, long after their involvement with YFC first ended.
Andrew O’Sullivan, Class of 2024, left, volunteers as an MC at our all-nighter each year!