United Way of Laurens County to Hold Youth Volunteer Rally

On Sunday, November 14, 2021, at 3:00PM, there will be a Youth Volunteer Rally on the Public Square in Laurens (rain location at the picnic shelter at Little River Park) for high school students who would like to become more involved in county-wide volunteer efforts to improve quality of life for our residents. Participants will be invited to create a Youth Advisory Committee and a Youth Volunteer Team, which will be advised by the United Way of Laurens County, through their staff and representatives of the Board of Trustees.

Background

The United Way of Laurens County is seeking to be more responsive to the needs of the entire community, increasing our representation across under-represented groups. In auditing our Board of Trustees and volunteer rosters, we observed a low representation among the under-25 population. To be more aware of needs that this age group sees – and to encourage future volunteerism and community spirit, we are seeking to establish a Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and volunteer program.

This effort is only one of the steps we are taking to make sure we represent the entire county. Over the past two years, we have had more point-of-service engagements with the community, such as on-site food and school-supply distributions and other engagements directly with residents in addition to grants to local agencies. Residents may visit the United Way of Laurens County website to find information about 211 emergency support, local resources/agencies (comprehensive, downloadable list), and more.

Youth Advisory Committee Overview (Provisional)

• The YAC will provide feedback and insight to the Board of Trustees of the United Way of Laurens County, helping us have a better understanding of the needs of the community from the perspective of our youngest citizens. (If unable to send a representative to our monthly meetings because of school schedules, this can take the form of a YAC report each month.)
  • They can share insights from their neighborhood and other connections regarding needs which are not being met.
  • They can suggest ways to make ongoing programs more effective for youth.
  • They can communicate to their peers about ways to become involved with the various agencies supported by the United Way of Laurens County and promote education about available resources.
• The YAC will support Bags of Love, Day of Caring, and the annual School Supply Drive by helping with assembly of bags/backpacks or with other projects on Day of Caring.
• The YAC (and possibly a broader group, interest permitting) will develop one or two annual projects to be spearheaded by the YAC and supported by the Board of Trustees. (A possible project may involve a service day on MLK Monday in collaboration with PC’s annual service day, allowing high school students and college students to volunteer side-by-side at UW agencies and elsewhere. If they choose to adopt this, only one other project would be needed.)
• Youth Advisory Committee participants should anticipate no more than an hour to ninety minutes per month of meeting and  communication commitments, except for participation in projects. Other youth participants can choose their level of engagement and time commitment.

For more information about the United Way of Laurens County, ongoing programs, and ways to become involved, please contact our Executive Director, Alesia Carter or our Board Chairwoman, Jamie Adair.

PO Box 544
Clinton, SC 29325
864-833-3623
[email protected]