What is YouthVERGE?
YouthVERGE is a leadership & skills development program funded in partnership with Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation, The Yukon Territorial Government, and the Northern Strategy Trust Fund.
Why “VERGE”?
The acronym in YouthVERGE stands for Youth “Volunteerism and Education Resulting in Gainful Employment.” We felt that the term “verge” was especially appropriate because the definition of the word is very apt: “the point beyond which something begins.”
What is the program trying to achieve?
YouthVERGE is designed to bring together the Non-Profit Organizations of the Yukon with the youth population in the territory, to foster mutual benefit. Youth ages 14-25 will be engaged by Volunteer Yukon to commit volunteer hours to be donated to NGOs with need of volunteer support. It is the hope of Volunteer Yukon that, though volunteerism, youth in the Yukon Territory can gain the skills and experience they need to take an active role in shaping their own futures, and that of their communities. We want to help them complete their graduation requirements and improve their résumés and university applications. We want to help them feel connected with the world, and empowered to affect it in positive ways.
Who is this program for?
*Youth of the Yukon Territory, ages 14 through 25 years.
*Non-profit organizations in the Yukon Territory who have need of volunteer support.
Why should I join?
*Youth: YouthVERGE is all about helping you. Do you have a school requirement this semester to put in volunteer or “work experience” hours? We can help you find a fun and enjoyable way to complete the assignment! Are you thinking about taking a particular program after high school? We can help you find a position where you can gain some skills and experience in your field of interest to boost your application and résumé profiles! Is there a cause or movement that you feel passionately about? We can help you get in touch with the right organizations or learn the right skills to help you make a change in the world
YouthVERGE is designed to bring together the Non-Profit Organizations of the Yukon with the youth population in the territory, to foster mutual benefit. Youth ages 14-25 will be engaged by Volunteer Yukon to commit volunteer hours to be donated to NGOs with need of volunteer support. It is the hope of Volunteer Yukon that, though volunteerism, youth in the Yukon Territory can gain the skills and experience they need to take an active role in shaping their own futures, and that of their communities. We want to help them complete their graduation requirements and improve their résumés and university applications. We want to help them feel connected with the world, and empowered to affect it in positive ways.
* YouthVERGE is all about helping you.
Do you have a school requirement this semester to put in volunteer or “work experience” hours? We can help you find a fun and enjoyable way to complete the assignment! Are you thinking about taking a particular program after high school? We can help you find a position where you can gain some skills and experience in your field of interest to boost your application and résumé profiles! Is there a cause or movement that you feel passionately about? We can help you get in touch with the right organizations or learn the right skills to help you make a change in the world!
*Organisations: This is a fantastic opportunity to gain the services of new volunteers by tapping into the pool of youth recruited by our program. Volunteer Yukon will develop a pool of youth, and do our best to match keen volunteers to your cause. All that’s left for you is screening and supporting your new volunteers! Volunteer Yukon will also support your organization by making training sessions available on subjects relating to your new youth volunteer support needs.
How do I join?
*Youth or Organizations wishing to participate should contact Gael, the Volunteer Manager at the Volunteer Yukon office by phone 867-456-4304 or e-mail volunteermanager@volunteeryukon.ca
Is there a cost?
*Youth pay no membership fee to join this program, as part of the agreement with our funders.
*Organizations wishing to participate in this program are asked to become Volunteer Yukon members in order to access program benefits. There is a $25 annual fee associated with Volunteer Yukon membership. For more information about membership, contact us at info@volunteeryukon.ca
How can I help?
*Youth: apply to serve as your community’s CVLO ; commit to volunteering! ; tell your friends about the YouthVERGE program ; look for ways to be involved in your community ; Does your school have a school newsletter or a yearbook committee? Join in or start one up! ; Is there a particular cause you care a lot about? Use our events calendar to help organize an awareness campaign!
*Organizations: invest some thought into creating an engaging and exciting youth volunteer position in your organization ; complete the organization application form ; ensure you have a strong volunteer co-ordinator to offer direction and support to your new volunteers ; contact Volunteer Yukon about special training sessions to help you run a successful, ongoing youth volunteer program!
How can I contact you?
*Call our office: 456-4304
*E-mail Dorraine youthmanager@volunteeryukon.ca
*You can keep up with us through our Blog or follow us on Twitter and Facebook or keep an eye on VY website:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Volunteer-Yukon/98510622437
http://VolunteerYukon.posterous.com (Blog)
http://www.twitter.com/VolunteerYukon
http://www.volunteeryukon.ca (our main site)