The mission of the YLC is to develop young leaders who recognize community needs and who commit to making a difference for all. Working with United Way of Madison County (UWMC) staff and local community leaders, YLC Members focus on achieving their potential and developing skills in Servant Leadership, Philanthropic Leadership, and Needs Awareness.
Servant Leadership
UWMC believes the best way for youth to discover their potential and impact their community is through hands-on volunteer projects. As YLC Members learn how to serve the needs of those who need it most, they lead the way for their peers to follow.
YLC Members are required to complete 16 volunteer hours per school semester (32 hours total). Members are encouraged to participate in a variety of volunteer projects. Volunteer projects that meet a need in the community done with groups outside of YLC may count toward required volunteer hours, pending approval from YLC Advisors. Any Member may also present a group volunteer project to the YLC after it has been approved by the YLC Advisors.
Needs Awareness
YLC Members learn about the community’s needs in the areas of Education, Financial Stability, and Health. Being aware of the community’s needs in these areas allows the YLC to plan volunteer projects, and raise and allocate funds to make the greatest impact.
YLC Members learn about the community’s needs by participating in tours of UWMC Partner Agencies, listening to guest speakers from UWMC Partner Agencies at YLC Business Meetings, researching online, and volunteering with programs of UWMC Partner Agencies.
Philanthropic Leadership
Fiscal Responsibility is something every leader must learn. YLC Members learn how to raise and allocate funds in a way that is similar to UWMC’s Allocation Process.
At the beginning of each year, the YLC sets a fundraising goal and decides how to meet the goal through YLC-sponsored fundraisers and individual school campaigns.
School campaigns run in tandem with UWMC’s Annual Campaign. School campaigns are usually led by the YLC School Chair and YLC Members from that school. Some schools do not allow fundraising or campaigning. If this is the case, the YLC School Chair and YLC Members from the school in question will need to develop a fundraising strategy for their school. In the spring, monies raised by the YLC throughout the year are awarded to local United Way Partner Agency Programs following an Allocation Process.
Requirements
YLC Members are required to:
- Attend the orientation in September
- Complete 32 volunteer hours per school year
- Attend regular monthly meetings
- Participate in YLC-sponsored volunteering and fundraising activities throughout the year.
All public, private, and homeschool students in grades 9-12 are eligible for membership.
Learn More
If you are interested in the Youth Leaders Council but would like more information, we encourage you to download this free brochure.