|
"I love you guys. Thank you for everything. CATALYST has changed my life since I joined three years ago."
"I had so much fun and met the greatest people. I learned a lot too."
Are you going to be a high school freshman, sophomore, or junior? Do you have a passion for service? Do you believe that young people can effect
positive change through service? If so, CATALYST is for you.
YSCal is currently recruiting new CATALYST ambassadors to fill positions that will be vacated by our outgoing senior class. There will be up to 15 open positions and up to 2 positions each in Regions 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 (see California's 12 Service-Learning Regions map).
CATALYST ambassadors serve locally in their schools and communities, regionally with their
Regional Service-Learning Leads and regional partners, and statewide at
events such as the California Service-Learning Leadership Institute to
promote youth service and service-learning. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
- Commit to actively doing service at a high school-, community-, or faith-based organization or volunteer center in their community.
- Participate in local or regional projects, events, or initiatives to support and promote youth service or service-learning (e.g. writing an article in a local newspaper; speaking to peers, teachers, community members; collaborating with local partners or organizations; or more directly, planning and implementing a service-learning project).
- Develop and maintain relationships with local service organizations or community members such as businesses, policy makers, or school board members.
- Collaborate with Regional Service-Learning Leads and/or regional partners to support and promote regional youth service or service-learning events, conferences, or initiatives.
- Attend two retreats a year: in the Fall, to receive training in service-learning and leadership; and in the Spring, to reflect on their year of service and to promote youth service and service-learning at the annual Leadership Institute.
- Attend a monthly conference call (as their schedule permits).
"I always love the in-between time when we get to know each other and relax but the most helpful was the Regional-Lead CATALYST meeting because we made a game plan for what we're going to do."
NON-MONETARY BENEFITS
The non-monetary benefits of CATALYST ambassadors include:
- Opportunities to collaborate and connect with like-minded peers and adults.
- Access up to $500 to support a service-learning project or $200 to attend a service-learning event or conference.
- High-quality training in areas such as workshop facilitation, public speaking, advocacy, and event planning.
- Personal and professional skills development in leadership, collaboration, communication, critical-thinking, accountability, and self-confidence.
- Travel to two yearly statewide retreats.
"Every activity made me think so much. I feel as if I have reassured by values and feelings about service and diversity."
QUALIFICATIONS
The position requires:
- Current participation in a school-based or community-based service/service-learning club or organization.
- A commitment to serve throughout his/her high school career (a minimum of 2 years or a maximum of 4 years).
The successful candidate will have:
- Passion for service and volunteerism, and for the ability of young people to make a difference in the world.
- The ability to take charge, to work independently and as part of a team.
- Exceptional communication and organizational skills.
"I enjoyed this weekend [2008 Fall Retreat] and I grew a lot as an advocate for service as a person."
APPLICATION PROCESS
CATALYST only accepts applications from youth who will be high school Freshmen, Sophomores, or Juniors in their upcoming or current school year. Unfortunately, CATALYST does not accept applications from youth who are currently or will be high school Seniors.
The application process includes an application form and a phone interview. Once the completed application form is received and reviewed, prospective applicants will be contacted to schedule a phone interview with the CATALYST Program Coordinator and an outgoing ambassador.
Regular Application Deadline: Friday, June 12, 2009
Interviews for applications received on or prior to Friday, June 12, 2009, begin Monday, June 15. Applications received after June 12 but before August 3 will be contacted for interviews in the order they are received and based on available positions.
Late Application Deadline: Monday, August 3, 2009
To be eligible to attend the 2009 CATALYST Fall Retreat, September 25-27, applications must be received no later than 5:00 PM on August 3rd.
Please send completed application form and resume via snail mail, fax, or e-mail to:
Snail Mail: Sher Moua Fax: (510) 302-0551
Youth Service California
P.O. Box 70764 E-Mail: catalyst@yscal.org
Oakland, CA 94612-0764
OTHER INFORMATION
The CATALYST ambassadors report to the CATALYST Program Coordinator, Sher Moua.
To request an application or for more information or questions, please e-mail Sher Moua at catalyst@yscal.org or call (510) 302-0560.
|
