“Volunteering to make a profound difference in a young person’s life!” 

YES!Atlanta recognizes, given today’s hectic, fast-paced lifestyle, that time available for volunteering is limited. That’s why we provide numerous opportunities to make a difference. Groups or individuals can volunteer for just one day, one event, or commit to a full year of supporting a youth who wants to turn his or her life around. Volunteers gain no matter how they participate! So read on to learn how you can help change the life of a young person - and yourself as well.

RISING STAR: YES!Atlanta's signature program, provides volunteers with the most opportunities for getting involved.

The RISING STAR 5-DAY YOUTH INTENSIVE Volunteer Program begins with Youth Enrollment and ends with a “Welcome Home” ceremony after the Five-Day Residential Intensive. YES!Atlanta is currently enrolling volunteers for Rising Star XII. Volunteer Information Meetings are periodically. Contact Mary Mitchell at (678) 596-5438 for more information

YOUTH ENROLLMENT TEAM VOLUNTEERS A vital function, as the first YES!Atlanta contact with potential Rising Star participants. Volunteers staff Youth Orientation sessions that brief interested teenagers and parents in the benefits and responsibilities of being a Rising Star. Youth Enrollment volunteers must attend a two-and-a-half-day training workshop.

Responsibilities include:

• Orienting program participants and their families to Rising Star and the organization;

• Interviewing the youth and their parents (home visit may be required);

• Preparing and filing all required paperwork;

• Transporting youth to all events, and being present on Medical and Departure Days.

COMMITTED PARTNERS experience life-altering interaction with their assigned youth. These volunteers work one-on-one with youth, ensuring they achieve the goals set upon enrolling in Rising Star. Committed Partners attend a two-and-a-half day workshop in preparation for supporting their youth during the Follow-Through year. Committed Partners often report that they received more than they gave during the experience. 

Committed Partners must:

• Complete the entire Committed Partner Workshop;

• Commit to a 12-month program;

• Attend the last one-and-a-half days of the Youth Intensive;

• Contact the youth at least three times a week, once in person;

• Attend monthly (Friday night) Committed Partner Meetings, and a Saturday Follow-Through Session with their youth.

COURSE PRODUCTION TEAM (on-site) Volunteers are on-site during the five-Day Youth Intensive Course, managing all behind-the-scenes activities that support the coaching and well-being of participants. They are trained for each task at a one-day workshop.  

• Full Time Course Production Volunteers must:  

• Attend the Course Production Workshop;

• Participate on an on-site training;

• Attend the five-day intensive

• Learn the technology and philosophy of YES!Atlanta

PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS volunteers perform all necessary tasks at the various workshops and events prior to the five-day intensive, and during the year-long FollowThrough Program. A volunteer may participate in one or multiple workshops and events.  

Production & Logistics Volunteers must:  

• Register to participate in advance of workshops and events;

• Honor commitments to attend and volunteer at events and workshops;

• Receive training about YES!Atlanta’s technology and philosophy

MEDICAL DAY TEAM volunteers assist for one day, during physical exams that are provided to the program participants free of charge. These volunteers do not have to attend a training program, but must commit to the entire day’s program.

PRE-COURSE DAY volunteers assist for one day, when all program participants gather for the first time. At this meeting, new Rising Stars are provided with detailed ground rules for the Youth Intensive. These volunteers do not have to attend a training program, but must commit to the entire day’s program.

DEPARTURE DAY volunteers assist during the morning when Rising Stars depart for the five-Day Intensive Course. Because this is the last opportunity for the youth to turn back, to decide not to participate in the program, enthusiastic and welcoming volunteers are needed to ensure the Rising Stars “board the bus” to a better future. These volunteers do not have to attend a training program, but must commit to the entire day’s program.

WELCOME HOME TEAM volunteers serve at the ceremony and celebration that marks the end of the five-Day Intensive Course. At the event, the youth and their Committed Partners are acknowledged for successfully completing the course, reinforcing their commitment to each other and to life. The Executive Director, members of the Board of Directors, and other dignitaries will be present, along with parents and friends, at this usually emotional event. These volunteers do not have to attend any type of workshop, but must be willing to assist in room setup, refreshment preparation, etc. on the last day of the 5-Day Intensive.

DONATED GOODS AND SERVICES volunteers assist in soliciting materials and services to offset the cost of producing the five-Day Intensive and the Follow-Through Program. Individuals and businesses often provide these necessary items or services in lieu of cash donations. Goods and Services Volunteers are contacted on an as-needed basis.

LEARNING PARTNERS support the Follow-Through Program by tutoring Rising Star participants once or twice a week during the year. They must attend a one-day program training held after the five-Day Youth Intensive. 

Learning Partner Volunteers must: 

• Participate in the one-day training; and

• Regularly tutor a youth (schedule flexible)

YES!Atlanta also has a number of “behind the scenes” activities on a year-round basis that are necessary to produce and support the Rising Star Program, the Learning Center, the Parenting Program, and the other aspects of YES!Atlanta. Some of these include Volunteer Recruitment, Publicity and Public Relations (including our website), Fund-Raising (including grant writing), and Office Staffing (including database management). Time and skill requirements vary for these, of course. Please contact Shelby Jackson at (678) 596-5438 for more information about these opportunities, or to sign up.

What does YES!Atlanta expect from volunteers?

That volunteers will:  

• Honor commitments made to the youth and the organization;

• Maintain open and honest communication with those around them;

• Manage their own well-being, and not take on anything that can’t be handled.

• Ask for support when they need it, in order to fulfill their commitments.

• Contribute their creative energy to the organization and make suggestions and offer constructive criticism.

What can volunteers expect from YES!Atlanta ?

Volunteers will receive: 

• Training, support and encouragement in fulfilling their commitments to the organization;

• Indoctrination into YES!Atlanta’s vision of the organization as it seeks to make a difference in the community;

• Professional planning and execution at all levels;

• The opportunity for fun, satisfaction and self-fulfillment with a group of interesting, active and dedicated people!