Gain Valuable Experience & Give Back

 

A Special Note to Our Volunteers

The Winnetka Youth Organization thrives because of our devoted teen volunteers and passionate adults, who believe in giving back to others! Thank you to all of our weekly volunteers for helping us move towards our mission and having fun while doing it. Your support, time, and positive outlook is what holds our organization together, we appreciate you!

We are happy to provide proof of service and  letters of recommendation to share with others our experience with you during our volunteer opportunities. To be eligible for a letter of recommendation, you have to devote at minimum of 15 volunteer hours with the organization and remain in good standing.

FOR TEEN volunteers

  • Weekly community service opportunities offered on Saturdays
  • Assist with monthly special events and gain experience in event planning
  • Youth Board
    • A year-long commitment that requires regular attendance to 2 youth board meetings per month, in addition to attending outside community service or WYO programs at least 1-2 times a month.
    • As a Youth Board Member, to be eligible for a recommendation and the Youth Leadership Award (awarded at the WYO Annual Spring Benefit) you must follow the guidelines and expectations under the Youth Board constitution.
  • Senior project
  • Fulfill mandatory community service hours through assisting the WYO staff during drop-in hours and programs

To learn more, please contact: Mary Komlofske, Program Director at maryk@winnetkayo.org.

For College Student volunteers

Youth Worker Volunteer

Volunteers must be at least a standing junior in college.

During this experience you will aid prevention based activities meant to foster healthy relationships for teens and apply counseling theories. You will be apart of a team of professional staff (that either hold a degree in social work or education) and students from surrounding universities, that promote teen’s individuality and strengths. Our programs are meant to address teen’s needs and utilize the staff’s skills focused on prevention, leadership, service, art & music, and cultural education.

Time Commitment: 2 shifts per week (4pm-7pm); 1 Friday shift per month; and 1 Saturday shift per month.

To learn more, please contact: Christina Gikas, Executive Director at christina@winnetkayo.org.

FOR ADULT VOLUNTEERS

Board of Directors
3-year commitment that requires regular attendance to 1 board meeting a month, in addition to outside committee meetings and assist with fundraising efforts.

Alumni Association
2-year commitment to bring WYO alum together for annual networking and fundraising events, to support the generations to come.
Must be a WYO alum to hold a leadership position.

Event Volunteer
Assist with the monthly youth concerts, social service events/projects, and outreach events.
Provide support during fundraising preparation and events.

 

Professional Mentor
WYO is looking for successful leaders from an array of professional fields to come talk to our Youth Board and other teens at least 1-2 times per month.
Requires a submission of your CV/Resume to the Executive Director.

Marketing Volunteer
Looking for an adult with marketing experience to devote 5-7 hours a week updating and maintaining our brand on social media platforms.

Archive Volunteer
Help archive the WYO’s memories from the last 50 years and transfer them digitally to keep the WYO memories alive.

To learn more, please contact: Christina Gikas, Executive Director at christina@winnetkayo.org.