VOLUNTEER YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBER DESCRIPTION

TITLE:Member, Youth Advisory Council

REPORTS TO:

OBJECTIVE OF POSITION:

To actively engage in issues specific to youth ensuring that current initiatives, new programs and policy is reflective and responsive to the needs of youth who are Blind, Deafblind or Partially Sighted. The Council will provide a forum to ensure the voice of youth who are blind or partially sighted is reflected in the work of CNIB while increasing the number of opportunities youth have to contribute to social policy and development.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Play a critical role in ensuring that the youth perspective is heard
  • Provide feedback and advice to CNIB and its National Board
  • Research emergent youth trends, challenges, successes and innovations that contribute to the well-being of Blind, Deafblind or Partially Sighted youth
  • Serve as a voice for youth in Canada
  • Engage in activities that support CNIB’s work and youth initiatives
  • Have fun
  • Share ideas, innovations and achievements
  • Investigate opportunities for raising funds that support Council activities and initiatives

SUMMARY OF TASKS:

  • Provide information, ideas and advice to CNIB at Divisional and National levels on issues related to Blind, Deafblind and Partially Sighted youth
  • Advocate on broad-based issues and work together to enact change
  • Advise provincial Advisory Boards of identified regional needs and priorities
  • Assist in building existing relationships and developing new relationships with key community partners
  • Promote CNIB’s vision health strategy
  • Attend regional volunteer, fundraising and donor recognition events
  • Participate in local projects dependent upon interest, skill, selection and training. Projects may include but are not limited to:

- Regional advocacy initiatives such as those with the United Way

- Public awareness about disability/accessibility issues

- Pre-election advocacy activities

  • Submit Council participation hours on a regular basis

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Genuine interest and desire to see CNIB do well
  • Strong leadership, communication, and networking skills
  • Willingness to deliver CNIB’s key messages to designated audiences and through personal networks
  • Professional decorum

COMMITMENT REQUIRED:

  • Submission of:

- Volunteer Application Form

- Council Application Form

- Current Personal Resume

  • Once appointed, members will be required to:

- Submit a criminal records check

- Attend CNIB orientation/training

- Review and understand the following CNIB policies:

  • Conflict of Interest
  • Prevention of Workplace Harassment
  • Confidentiality

- Sign the Volunteer Code of Conduct

- Meet on an as-needed basis, at a minimum twice a year

- Commit to attending 2 to 4 meetings per year

- Commit to serving a two-year term

TRAINING & SUPPORT PROVIDED:

  • Comprehensive orientation to CNIB and its services
  • Specific training related to the role as member of the Youth Advisory Council
  • Training in CNIB key messaging
  • Information on CNIB processes/procedures
  • Ongoing training on teamwork, advocacy, communication, leadership and civic responsibility

BENEFITS:

  • Opportunity to learn new skills
  • Experience with a national agency

DATE:

SIGNATURES:

CNIB Volunteer CNIB Supervisor

For office Use:
Volunteer Worker # 194455 for service tracking
Service Recipient # 194692
Primary Service: Volunteer Service
Sub Service – General
Activity: W-Agency Support
Delivered To: 3 Ancilliary