Hi everyone!
I’m Amanda, Colin’s wife, and I’m taking over the blog today with an idea I’ve been thinking about for a while now.
A Spark from Volunteer Alberta
A few years ago, I had the chance to participate in a really inspiring program through Volunteer Alberta. While I wasn’t technically a youth (that ship has sailed!), the experience left a lasting impression on me. And it’s something I think could be a great fit for our town.
The Big Idea: Youth on Non-Profit Boards
Here’s the idea:
What if we gave local youth the opportunity to sit on the boards of directors for non-profits in our community?
The concept is simple but powerful. Youth participants would join as either voting or non-voting board members, depending on what works best for each organization. Each young person would be paired with a mentor already serving on the board. Someone they can go to with questions, concerns, or just to talk things through.
Overcoming Intimidation, Building Confidence
When I participated in the program, I saw firsthand how many youth felt a little intimidated at first. Sitting in a boardroom surrounded by adults with years of experience can be overwhelming. A few were hesitant to speak up. But that’s exactly why this kind of program matters.
It’s about giving youth a seat at the table and the support they need to use their voice confidently.
Why It Matters
This kind of experience offers so much more than just resume-building. It gives youth real exposure to how decisions are made, how organizations function, and how they, too, can play a role in shaping their community.
It helps them build leadership skills, understand governance, and, maybe most importantly, see that their perspectives are valued. My hope is that this would get them more involved and more likely to stay involved.
Could This Work in Our Town?
So, what do you think?
Could our town be the next place to launch a youth board mentorship program?
I’d love to hear your thoughts. And if you’re part of a local non-profit that might be interested in piloting something like this, let’s connect!
Thanks for letting me pop in today.
Amanda
Count on Colin!
Leave a Reply