4-H Youth Volunteerism - MSUE Jackson County

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Youth Volunteer Action Center

Mission Statement - The mission of the Youth Volunteer Action Center is to stimulate youth to volunteer in different helping agencies in the Jackson County area. Through this program youth will gain confidence, communication skills and job skills. Volunteer service will be self-rewarding and develop positive self-esteem. How volunteer experiences can help prepare kids for the world of work

Career Development

Explore different careers.	Establish contacts in the world of work.	Improve communication skills.
Learn how people interact in a real work environment.	Gain work experience.	Secure references for future employment.
Develop or improve specific career skills.	Develop work habits.	Identify future career goals and job preferences.

*Personal Growth*
Develop new friendships.	Identify personal values.	Learn how to bring about community change.
Meet interesting people.	Set priorities and manage time.	Use individual creativity and explore new ideas and concepts.
Improve self-esteem.	Develop citizenship skills.
Develop leadership skills.	Learn skills in problem solving and decision making.

Community Benefits

By volunteering with community agencies youth contribute their time, energy, talent, creativity, and insight towards making the community in which they live a better place to live. This in turn improves the quality of life of the individuals and families in their community.

AGENCY INVOLVEMENT IN YOUTH VOLUNTEERING

R Develop a concise, easily understood volunteer position description with responsibilities suitable for youth volunteers.	R Insure on-going supervision to insure safety and to guarantee a positive experience.
R Interview youth volunteer prospect to determine their interests, skills, aptitude and goals.	R Provide on-going job training.
R Place the youth volunteer in volunteer positions which match their skills and capabilities.	R Evaluate and provide feedback on volunteer performance. Maintain accurate records of services provided by the youth volunteer. Provide appropriate letters of references, when requested by the volunteer.
R Provide a comprehensive program covering your agency and include the youth volunteer orientation packet. In addition, include the volunteer work responsibilities and work place expectations related to punctuality, confidentiality and related topics.

Rights & Responsibilities For a Youth Volunteer

Youth Volunteer Rights:	Youth Volunteer Responsibilities:
Right of being offered the opportunity to be a volunteer and be regarded as a productive citizen.	Responsibility to be open and honest with your job site supervisor and co-workers from the beginning.
Right to be provided orientation, training and supervision for the job he/she accepts.	Responsibility to accept assignment of his/her choice with only as much responsibility as he/she can handle and to understand commitments of time and tasks and to fulfill them.
Right to be assigned a job that is worthwhile, challenging and satisfying.	Responsibility to respect confidentiality and serve as ambassador of goodwill for the job site.
Right to know whether work is effective, how it can be improved and a chance to increase understanding of self, others and the community.	Responsibility to follow guidelines established by organization such as codes of dress and decorum, etc.
Right to be kept informed verbally, through newsletters, memos, etc., about what is going on in the organization.	Responsibility to decline work not acceptable to him/her and to notify designated person early enough so that a substitute can be found.
Right to be involved with his/her evaluation.	Responsibility to use reasonable judgment in making decisions when policy is unclear or has not been communicated, then as soon as possible consult with supervisor and inform him/her of the action.
Right to a safe, well supervised work environment, free from discrimination, harassment or physical barriers to accomplish work assignments.	Responsibility to seek and provide honest feedback and suggestions and recommendations with staff members.
	Responsibility to participate in evaluation when asked to do so.
	Responsibility to bring the priceless gift of enthusiasm and service that lightens the load of all.