The Youth Board
PURPOSE
From the beginning ROOTS has been dedicated to allowing youth to have a voice in creating, implementing, and operating the Teen Center. As an organization, ROOTS believes in young people's innate ability to discern what their peers and community need. The youth board is an opportunity for young people to advocate for themselves and their peers by playing a meaningful role in the decision making process. The youth board should work directly with the staff to maintain a healthy Teen Center, and are encouraged to engage with the Northern Berkshire youth through outreach at community events and at the schools. Youth board voices will have the opportunity to bring about change within their communities. The youth board is also an opportunity for members to learn valuable leadership skills about operating a non-profit, to help them remain active/ engaged community members throughout their lives. The youth board is also an opportunity for members to learn valuable leadership skills, about operating a non-profit, to help them become active and engaged community members throughout their lives.
THE VISION OF ROOTS YOUTH BOARD:
Through our hearts, minds, hands, and voices, we strive to be healthy and impactful youth, ready for the challenges of today and dedicated to building a stronger tomorrow.
The youth board is dedicated to creating a space where youth feel seen, heard, safe and empowered.
Heart- health and wellness, mentoring
Mind- drop in homework center, job skills, internships
Hand- artistic expression (visual, musical, drama)
Voice- leadership development, social justice, service learning
YOUTH BOARD MEMBER ROLES/ RESPONSIBILITIES
- Plan and execute Youth Board fundraiser
- Design flyers
- Volunteers (18+)
- Attend community events
- Participate on adult board committees
- Contribute to design of the physical space
- Help recruit youth for ROOTS Drop-In/ programming
Youth Board Members
President- Alexa MacDonald
My name is Alexa MacDonald, I am currently nineteen and in my second year at MCLA. I graduated from Drury high school in 2021. As of now, I am participating in several community affairs, including being a part of the North Adams Library Youth Board and Haiti Plunge Board of Directors. I have always loved to volunteer my time; it has helped me grow personally and professionally. I have been with ROOTS since 2018 and I’ve been the president of the Youth Board since I was sixteen. I care deeply about the community I was raised/ born into, and I try to be involved in any way possible. ROOTS Teen Center means a great deal to me, and I feel I am learning a lot being a part of it. This fall, I am partaking in the internship program we have at ROOTS which will be a great asset since I am a sociology major.