The Youth Ambassadors is our way for high school students to volunteer. It’s an excellent opportunity to learn about Jackson Street Youth Services, issues that impact their homeless peers, and develop long-term leadership skills.

WHO’S INVOLVED?

The Youth Ambassadors (YA) is a group of 14 – 20 year-olds who’ve volunteered to work as an extension of Jackson Street to help the community. Some YA members receive classroom credit as part of a service learning class or other volunteer requirement. Some YA members have previous connections with Jackson Street through stays in our shelters or in visiting the drop-in centers.

All Youth Ambassadors aim to educate themselves and their community about issues related to youth homelessness, poverty, and hunger in Linn and Benton Counties.

WHAT DO WE DO?

In cooperation with shelter staff, the Youth Ambassadors chooses projects that are mutually beneficial to the work of Jackson Street Youth Services, and the boarder community. Projects are picked based on the interests of the members involved, but could include:

• holding small fundraisers,

• coordinating awareness campaigns within local high schools and/or the broader community like THIS ONE

• participating in service projects / volunteering for other nonprofits who serve and address issues of homelessness, poverty, and hunger,

• writing and filming PSA-style advocacy shorts,

• improving and broadening positive activities available to youth staying in-shelter

WHAT’S THE COMMITMENT?

It is our hope that members stay involved for as long as they’re able (preferably for multiple years). Students should work to communicate these goals and expectations with Jackson Street staff involved with the Youth Advisory Board. Long term involvement develops leadership skills and strengthens the students’ resume.

Meeting times vary based on current projects. Please contact Claudia Gallegos via email: claudia.gallegos@jacksonstreet.org with questions or to get involved!

Check out some great pictures of past projects on our Facebook Page!!