Now Recruiting: The Voices of Youth Advisory Council
The Voices of Youth Advisory Council consists of 6 young people (18-28), 1 board member, and 1 staff who use their lived experiences to voice and influence planning, governance, and decision-making at YouthLink; this is done to strengthen and continuously improve the quality of services provided to youth served by YouthLink.
This Council was created to provide a platform for young people who have experienced homelessness or being unstably housed at some point in their lives
Responsibilities
- Participate (attend and engage) in all meetings and activities
- Advise administrative leadership and members of the Board of Directors on policies, procedures, programs, and partnerships
- Advocate for youth at YouthLink
- Develop and facilitate focus groups and surveys
Expectations
- Make a 1-year commitment to serve on Council
- Be between the ages of 18 and 28
- Willingness to participate in personal and professional leadership development
- Willingness to build and strengthen new relationships
- Interested in mentorship
Compensation and Support
- $20/hour for all work/events done with YouthLink
- One service award at 6 months, and one at the completion of a year
- Food will be provided at each Council meeting
- Professional advocate/mentor
Additional Benefits
VOY advisory members will receive the opportunity to meet and collaborate with peers, professionals, and community leaders from all over the state of Minnesota on projects aimed at reducing homelessness to a temporary and non-reoccurring experience. This opportunity will help selected young people grow professionally and use their lived experiences to advocate for policy and programs that are culturally responsive and promote transformative opportunities. VOY advisory members will receive training to develop lifelong skills and capacity needed to access and sustain employment in their interest, as well as professional competencies necessary to develop as leaders. VOY advisory members will also gain confidence from their exposure while making the community a better place and helping the state prevent others from long term experiences of housing insecurity and unemployment.
VOICES OF YOUTH (VOY) ADVISORY COUNCIL: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the (VOY) Advisory Council?
We are young people (18-28), disproportionately black and brown youth, with lived experience of homelessness (and/or currently); this could mean unsheltered living on the streets, staying at shelters, couch surfing, extended foster care and many other ways. Our purpose is to center and inform our -“voice”- in the governance, policy, procedures, partnerships, programs, and activities of YouthLink. We are agents of change to better the lives of youth experiencing homelessness served by YouthLink and the community.
What does the Voices of Youth Advisory Council do?
We use our voices to work together with YouthLink and youth experiencing homelessness to make sure the most impactful, relative, and inclusive services are provided. We use our lived experiences to inform board members, leaders, staff, community, and policy makers of the real solutions needed for removing barriers for youth to achieve equity in long-term stability and self-reliance. We use our collective unity to conduct regular community forums in the community to keep the issues of youth homelessness on the agenda for change and action.
How often do they meet?
The Voices of Youth Advisory Council meets at least once per month; but more than likely will meet 2 times per month. Youth selected for the VOY council are asked to make a one-year commitment to the VOY advisory council. VOY members are paid a stipend for meetings and VOY sponsored activities attended. Members are also awarded two service awards per year.
How do I know if I qualify?
Required eligibility criteria incudes: candidates must be between 18 and 28 years old and have experienced being formerly unstably housed. This could mean living on the streets, staying at shelters, couch surfing, extended foster care or living in unsafe housing conditions. This lived experience helps guide the work that you will do as a member of the advisory council.
Would I get paid if I am on the VOY?
Yes. You will get paid $20 for all VOY meetings and sponsored activities. You will also be awarded two service awards per year of $1,000 each pending participation and engagement.
How do I apply?
Just follow these 2 easy steps:
Complete the attached application and email it to: keegan.rolenc@youthlinklinkmn.org
When will I know if I got selected?
All applicants will be notified by email and phone call regarding the process. You will hear back within one week of the application being received. Qualified candidates will be asked to meet the selection committee on a scheduled date.
