Youth United is an affiliate-driven program, developed and supported by the Youth Programs department, in which community youth come together to completely fund and build a Habitat home. Youth ages 5 to 25 serve as the leaders, planners, fund-raisers and public relations specialists while youth ages 16 to 25 build the house on site. Since 2003, Youth United groups have built more than 60 houses. The future is building!
Communities throughout the country are planning their Youth United projects. Join the excitement! Is your local affiliate participating in Youth United? Check our list of participating affiliates to find out. If your affiliate is participating, call or e-mail them to get involved. If your local affiliate is not participating, here is what to do: 1. Call your local affiliate to get involved. (Use the online search engine to find the Habitat affiliate nearest you.) 2. Contact your Youth United Coordinator for more information and work with them to talk with your local affiliate. 3. Learn more of the details of Youth United with the help of your Coordinator. 4. Set up a meeting with your local affiliate to discuss starting a Youth United program. What resources are available to help me? E-mail youthunited@habitat.org or any of the Youth United coordinators to get the Starter Guide for Students, Youth United DVD or introductory Power Point.
How does Youth United work? Youth United is an initiative run by youth for youth. It is supervised by an appointed advisor and steering committee. The advisor provides direct support to the Youth United Steering Committee members by sharing vital information about Youth United, overseeing over all projects and events, and providing leadership. The Youth United Steering Committee is the core of this great program. The group is usually made up of high school and college age youth who work closely together to develop a strong Youth United project. Ideally, the steering committee would oversee all fundraising, recruitment, advocacy and outreach, with the help of their advisor.
The Youth United Steering Committee is made up of a Chair, Co-Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Chairperson of committees. The overall goal of Youth United is to involve youth in a meaningful way to fully fund and build a Habitat house. How do Youth United groups raise the money to build a house? Youth United groups across the nation are doing a remarkable a job creating ways to raise funds to sponsor a house. There are several different ways to raise money for a Habitat house from running a good old fashion car wash to youth applying to grants. Youth United has been fortunate to have the sponsorship of the Argosy Foundation and State Farm. Ask your coordinator about how to apply for these grants! How long does the project normally take? Building a Youth United house usually takes 12 to18 months, depending on whether the affiliate has a history of youth involvement How can youth under 16 participate in Youth United? Youth under the age 16 can participate in fundraising, advocating, outreach, event planning, etc. Youth United will not allow youth under 16 to be present on the build site while construction is taking place. This is strictly enforced to prevent any unforeseen injuries or mishaps. Youth under the ages of 16 can paint, landscape and stock cabinets when there is no active construction work taking place on the build site. What role can you take on? Everyone involved with Youth United has the opportunity to become a leader. You determine how much you invest into the program! Youth United Membership: This position is best suited for individuals who want to be involved with Youth United but are not ready to take on a leadership role. Members help build a Youth United house, assist with fundraisers and attend Youth United meetings. Sub-Committee Member: Member assists the sub-committee chairperson and other sub-committee members in the planning and coordination of various projects. Also attends monthly general meetings and any necessary committee meetings. Steering Committee Member: For individuals who would like to be more involved with planning of events and are willing to make the time commitment necessary to fulfill the requirement of the positions. We also ask that each individual make at least six months to a year commitment to leadership positions to ensure positive growth within the Youth United project.
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