Issue #48 | February 2022
Hello Changemakers - from all of us here at United Way Youth Venture (UWYV), Changemaking and Portrait of a Graduate (POG).

We are excited to host our 2nd Annual Healthy Minds Virtual Youth Conference on April 13th from 10am - 1pm. See below for a "save the date" flyer and be sure to watch for more information to come soon!

If you're looking for an exciting and fulfilling position - - UWYV is hiring! Part-time Outreach Specialist positions are open and applications are being accepted now. See below! And please share with anyone you think would be interested and a great asset to our team.

There are some inspiring videos to watch this month. Scroll down to watch videos of:

  • Game Day at South Street Elementary School, that was hosted by the South Street Changemakers Youth Venture Team
  • How Gardner High School used information gathered through Portrait of a Graduate to make decisions to support their students
  • Heal Winchendon's Youth Changemakers Mobile Café panel with students from Murdock High School and The Winchendon School

Scholarship applications are now being accepted, through March 25. Please share with high school seniors and college students that exemplify leadership and changemaking, and are involved in United Way Youth Venture.

As always, we are grateful for your continued support.

~the United Way Youth Venture Team!


South Street Changemakers Game Day

After raising money through a Penny War they hosted at their school, the South Street Changemakers purchased grade-appropriate games for each classroom, and they held a school-wide Game Day! We were fortunate to be able to have a film crew there to capture all the fun and inspiration! See how these United Way Youth Venture students promoted "friendship" at their school!
Each year the UWYV staff are proud to support outstanding Venturers by awarding $1,000 and $2,000 scholarships to graduating seniors and current college students who exemplify leadership and changemaking. Click here to learn about past scholarship recipients and to apply! Applications are due by March 25.
Reingold Donation and Prize Day

The Reingold Changemakers were able to make a sizable donation to the Fitchburg Leominster Animal Control and recently presented them with a check. They held a successful week-long Penny War at their school and, as a result, they were able to make a difference to what they care most about - - animals! Congratulations Reingold Changemakers!
Heal Winchendon's Youth Changemakers Mobile Cafe'

Youth from The Winchendon School and Murdock High School were inspired to create a mobile cafe' and they recently presented their idea to a panel of community leaders.
Gardner High School Video Shoot for Portrait of a Graduate

Watch the video below to learn how Gardner High School utilized all the data that was gathered through the Portrait of a Graduate to make decisions to support their students based on what they said they needed for their future.
Click on the image above to view the entire portrait!


Click here to visit our website for more information about POG.
McKay Arts Academy Team Building

United Way Youth Venture students at McKay Arts Academy recently participated in a fun team building exercise using a giant Jenga game that helped to create empathy, understanding, and connection - - all while having a great time!
Join a fun and dynamic team in a rewarding and inspiring position as a part-time Outreach Specialist supporting and guiding K-12 youth in North Central Mass!

United Way Youth Venture (UWYV) is a program that engages K-12 youth in the creation and development of their own socially benefiting, entrepreneurial clubs, organizations and projects. Young people involved in UWYV combine their passions and skills to address a problem they see in their community through an entirely youth-led and youth-created process. The Outreach Specialist will implement in-person and virtual delivery of UWYV at partner sites and promote programing to key stakeholders.

Responsibilities: 
  • Provide outreach for the UWYV program in North Central Massachusetts, ensuring delivery of high quality programming;
  • Support the growth and expansion of UWYV at partnering organizations, including K-12 schools, and engage meaningfully with youth, families, and educators across the region;
  • Support new and existing groups of participating youth;
  • Support and maintain established relationships with partnering organizations, including K-12 schools, through communications and outreach;
  • Implement UWYV programming with on-site and virtual partners as well as independently lead and facilitate direct support to youth and adults;
  • If allowed, travel to several partner sites to conduct site visits and outreach;
  • Help the Assistant Director in determining and scheduling program training sessions and dates, as well as generating content for activities and facilitating workshops;
  • Proficiently use virtual collaboration tools (Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams) to deliver the program remotely in a meaningful and engaging way;
  • Utilize database to record and track outreach to youth, program partners and adult volunteers;
  • Support evaluation of students and adults engaged in UWYV through targeted outreach and follow-up;
  • Participate in the planning and implementation of in-person/virtual events for UWYV, and other related initiatives including Changemaking and Portrait of a Graduate;
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High School graduate or equivalent (GED);
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills;
  • Proficient in the use of technology;
  • Ability to set and achieve goals and take initiative within the workplace;
  • Spanish-English bi-lingual preferred;
  • Experience working with students, faculty members, businesses, and/or nonprofit agencies desirable;
  • Belief in the power of youth to create positive change;
  • Must have access to reliable transportation and high quality internet connection.