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| Home > Children, Youth & Families > Youth Engagement |
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| Youth As Resources |
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Young people want to be involved and make a difference.
The YAR program recognizes youth as invaluable community resources and engages them as partners with adults to bring about positive community-based change. Central Minnesota’s youth compose the majority of the board members of each YAR team; and with support and guidance from adult board members, they issue grant money to youth-led community service projects. We believe this model is one of the best ways to build valuable life-long skills and create positive community change.
How It Works
YAR starts with the identification of a host organization that will adopt and support the program. The host site provides a paid coordinator who dedicates adequate time to support the program (typically 8 hours per week). They also provide office space and support (access to meeting space, computer, phone, copier, etc.).
The YAR coordinator develops a YAR board or team that is representative of the community and is composed of roughly ¾ youth and ¼ adults. An effective youth-adult partnership is critical to the strength of a YAR team. This team meets at least monthly to conduct its business which includes: promoting the availability of YAR grants, reviewing submitted grants, reviewing grantee project reports, creating a fund development plan to replenish the grant pool and support the staffing.
Serving on a YAR team is a serious responsibility that requires a commitment from participants to attend and contribute at meetings, promote the mission and philosophy of YAR, and to follow-through on work plans developed by the team. Team members gain an understanding of the “ins-and-outs” of serving on a board, practice their public speaking skills and develop critical thinking skills through grant review and work planning.
YAR is a win-win program
- Youth and adults serving on the board gain skills, connections and are given the opportunity to make a positive contribution to their community.
- Grantees gain needed financial resources for completing their service project.
- The community gains the fruits of whatever service the grantees are involved in as well as the seed of service planted in youth in both grantee groups and on the YAR team.
YAR Teams and Activities
YAR related activities are numerous and varied, here's just a small sampling of the amazing things that local youth have accomplished.
Current YAR sites, inception dates and contact information:
- Brainerd Lakes Area (2000)
YAR Grants
We believe youth can and should be effective leaders and decision-makers in their communities. By working with adults, youth can identify and solve emerging needs and build on community opportunities. Each year we provide a limited number of grants up to $15,000 for new Youth As Resources teams. YAR boards identify ways to sustain the program from local donations and community fundraising activities. Future "challenge” grants for highly successful YAR programs are considered.
Technical Assistance and Support
In addition to start-up grants, we provide technical assistance and resources to help YAR boards with board development, local promotion and project funding. The foundation also hosts annual YAR training to further develop the leadership skills of those serving, or interested in serving, on local YAR boards.
How To Apply for a YAR Grant
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