Youth United Volunteer Opportunities

Youth United—The Future is Building

In 2007, Nashville Habitat built our first ever Youth United house and we are gearing up to build our second in the fall of 2008. The Youth United Build is an affiliate-driven program in which community youth come together to completely fund and build a Habitat home.

Youth United FAQ

What is Youth United?

Youth United is an affiliate-driven program, developed and supported by the Youth Programs department, in which community youth come together to completely fund and build a Habitat home. Youth ages 5 to 25 serve as the leaders, planners, fund-raisers and public relations specialists while youth ages 16 to 25 build the house on site.

Who can be involved?

We are recruiting a diverse group of youth including homeowners' children, youth groups, schools, clubs, college students, and individuals.

What are the age requirements for Youth United?

• Youth ages 5 to 25 can serve as leaders, planners, fund-raisers and public relations specialists!
• Youth ages 16 to 25 can help build the house on site.

No one under the age of 16 can be at the build site. They may however, build something on their own (such as a bird house, bench, bookshelf, picnic table) and give it to the new homeowner.

Why should I get involved?

Most importantly, you and your peers will help make a deserving family's dream of owning a home come true. You will meet people from different backgrounds and become friends while working hard to raise money, awareness, and build an entire house. A project like this will also help you develop invaluable leadership, social, and construction skills. It is also an exceptional addition to college applications and resumes.

In what ways can I be involved?

• BE A SPONSOR: You can develop and/or participate in a fundraiser to help sponsor the house. You can make a present for the family who will purchase the house.
• BE A LEADER: You can serve on the Youth United Steering Committee and by doing so, help plan and execute fundraising and awareness campaigns. You will also make friends with other young leaders who have a passion for serving their community!
• BE A BUILDER: You can help in one of the many steps of the building process. (16 and older only.) Younger kids can build picnic tables, bird houses, etc. on their own and present to the homeowner at the house dedication.
• BE AN ADVOCATE: You can spread the word about Youth United, Habitat's mission of providing affordable houses to those in need, and help shape our community for the better!

What is the time commitment for being on the Youth United Steering Committee?

The Youth United Steering Committee typically meets one time each month for about an hour, in the late afternoon or early evening. Habitat staff will help facilitate the meetings, goal setting and planning. Youth serving on the steering committee are expected to also plan and execute fundraising projects and awareness campaigns. Steering committee members will also help to recruit other youth participants as well as help build the house.

Related Links

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