What is Youth Leadership Cabinet?

The United Way of the Brazos Valley Youth Leadership Cabinet (YLC) promotes civic involvement and responsibility by providing high school students, grades 9-12, with opportunities to participate with United Way by:

• Serving on the Youth Cabinet, committees and allocation panels
• Assisting in raising funds during the fall United Way campaign
• Performing community service projects

History

The YLC began in the summer of 2000 with eighteen students representing two high schools. Bryan and A&M Consolidated High Schools joined together and ‘combined’ their talents and fundraising ideas to build a better community.

Raising $4,270 during the 2000 campaign, the youth issued requests for proposals to United Way agencies. The YLC reviewed the requests; allocated the funds they had raised, and funded four programs. Just six years later, the YLC raised and funded thirteen local agencies and programs, totaling $12,000 during the 2005-2006 campaign.

Officers

At the beginning of each year’s campaign, the YLC selects co-chairs. The chairs, each representing the two school districts, are responsible for the overall implementation of the campaign within their respective high schools.

Orientation

Each year, the newly selected YLC meets prior to the campaign (usually in August). At this meeting, the Cabinet learns about United Way, tours United Way agencies, develops the theme, fundraising ideas and budget for the upcoming year.

Meetings

The YLC attend meetings beginning in July to organize their school campaigns. During the fall, students continue to meet to review their campaign progress. At the conclusion of the campaign, students meet several times to develop the requests for proposals to the agencies, distribute the funds, and award funds to the agency’s programs. Meetings are usually one hour in length.

Leadership Day

During the first two weeks of the campaign, the high schools identify 200 key leaders who attend a day-long retreat with the Youth Leadership Cabinet. At this time, all students tour United Way agencies, receive information about United Way and the campaign, and learn about their roles as United Way ambassadors.

Projects

All YLC members are provided the opportunity to volunteer and participate in community projects such as Salvation Army’s Food and Gift Christmas program, Boys & Girls Club mentoring programs, Brazos Food Bank’s Processing Center, Community of Promise Youth Summit, etc.

Benefits

YLC members:

Gain unique knowledge of the community

• Develop key contacts
• Develop leadership, organizational and planning skills
• Become a part of a “community-wide” effort
• Make a difference in a life and in their community