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

YES!Atlanta provides numerous opportunities to make a difference. Groups or individuals can volunteer for just one day, one event, or commit for as long as a year to support a youth who wants to turn his or her life around. Volunteers gain no matter how they participate!

CLICK HERE FOR YES!ATLANTA'S 2010 PROGRAM SCHEDULE

PROJECT LIFT: To volunteer for YES!Atlanta's newest program, call the Project Lift office at 678.596.5438

COACHES (Coaching for Success or Rising Star Intensive) 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 Coaching for Success or the Rising Star Intensive. Coaches attend a weekend workshop in preparation for supporting their youth. Typically they meet with their assigned youth once a week during the school year. Coaches often report that they got more than they gave during the experience. 

ANNUAL RISING STAR 4-DAY INTENSIVE: YES!Atlanta's most complex program, provides volunteers with the most short-term opportunities for getting involved.

The Volunteer program begins with Youth Enrollment and ends with a “Welcome Home” ceremony after the Four-Day Intensive. YES!Atlanta Volunteer Information Meetings are held periodically. Contact Shelby or Dottie at (678) 596-5438 for more information

YOUTH ENROLLMENT TEAM 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 weekend training workshop.

COURSE PRODUCTION TEAM (on-site) Volunteers are on-site during the Four-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.  

PRODUCTION & LOGISTICS volunteers perform all necessary tasks at the various workshops and events prior to the Four-Day Intensive, and during Coaching for Success Program. A volunteer may participate in one or multiple workshops and events.  

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 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 Intensive Course. 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 Four-Day Intensive.

DONATED GOODS AND SERVICES volunteers assist in soliciting materials and services to offset the cost of producing the Intensive and the Coaching for Success 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.

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 and Coaching for Success, as well as other administrative functions 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!