Mission:
Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads engages youth in meaningful volunteer opportunities that positively impact the lives of others.
Fundamental Goals:
1. Engage youth in service projects that are rewarding and educational.
2. Serve the needs of the community.
3. Create opportunities for youth to build relationships across neighborhoods, schools, backgrounds, and abilities.
4. Instill the need for a strong commitment to life long volunteerism.
About YVC of Hampton Roads:
Established in 2009, the Youth Volunteer Corps of Hampton Roads (YVCHR) is the first affiliate in the state of Virginia and is one of more than 50 affiliates of Youth Volunteer Corps of America. Founded in 1987 this organization has involved over 240,000 youth volunteers in more than 4 million hours of service.
Our Partnership with CNU:
YVC partners with the presidential leadership program (PLP) at Christopher Newport University. In the fall of 2010, YVC will become an intrical part of the PLP curriculum which gives access to many talented, motivated young adults who will facilitate YVC service projects and YVC Club meetings in area schools.
YVC’s Impact; October ‘09 - May ‘10:
Youth Volunteers – 272
Adult Volunteers – 37
Volunteer opportunities – 50 plus
Volunteer hours – 1,500 plus
22 different schools represented
Youth Volunteer Corps Clubs – 2
Why YVC?
Youth Volunteer Corps members are from diverse backgrounds but united in their willingness to serve their communities. Team building exercises are used at our service projects to help form friendships and break down stereotypes. Our projects are not only productive, they’re fun! Our youth are encouraged to take an active role in planning and implementing projects. Through their involvement they are able to realize they themselves can make their world a better place to live in.
Summer Component:
During the summer youth volunteer on teams supervised by trained Team Leaders. They work on extended projects, days or weeks long that allow them to accomplish projects on a larger scale. The intensive design of the summer component reinforces teamwork, civic responsibility, and appreciation for diversity.
School Year Component:
During the school year, YVC Program Directors, Team leaders and staff work closely with teachers to design and implement age-appropriate service projects. In addition, young people from varied communities work together after school, on weekends and during school breaks.
YVC Clubs:
YVC Clubs are optional and are formed in schools and in teen centers. Students are responsible for designing a project that meets their goals as a club and as individuals. Projects are completed with general guidance from the YVC Team Leader.
Service Projects Include: