Youth of the Year Job Description

A Youth of the Year (YOY) candidate embodies Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s three priority outcome areas of Academic Success, Good Character and living a Healthy Lifestyle. Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor bestowed upon Club members. The National Youth of the Year serves as a role model and spokesperson for America’s youth. They educate millions of Americans about the power of the Club Experience, and elevate the national focus on key issues facing children and teens.

The National YOY is purpose-driven and aware of the challenges facing young people today. Under the direction of BGCA staff, Youth of the Year representatives will attend state, regional and national events. They will serve as thought leaders on key issues by telling their inspiring personal stories. Potential audiences include youth, alumni, members of the media, and political, corporate and community leaders. Youth of the Year representatives may be asked to appear on television, make remarks before public officials and speak at events where they can make a difference. State, regional and national YOYs will serve in this role for one year.

Commitments

The primary commitments include, but are not limited to, the following:

Public Speaking: Youth of the Year representatives deliver speeches – without the use of props, notes or other memory aids – at a variety of events. They will keep speeches updated in an electronic format and submit them to BGCA staff prior to events. BGCA staff will work with candidates and advisors on a case-by-case basis to ensure an inclusive space for everyone.

Event Participation: Youth of the Year representatives will attend BGCA-sponsored events. They may be asked to make remarks, answer questions and engage guests in conversation. They must strive to remain responsive, courteous and gracious at all times. Appropriate business attire and punctuality are critical. State Youth of the Year are expected to participate in the Regional Youth of the Year event during the year they are named State Youth of the Year. Regional Youth of the Year are expected to participate in the National Youth of the Year event during the year they are named Regional Youth of the Year. Failure to participate in the successive events will result in the loss of the Youth of the Year title and scholarship awarded from the previous level of Youth of the Year.

Academic Achievement: Youth of the Year representatives must have a strong commitment to academic achievement and improvement, with an emphasis on maintaining excellent grades throughout the year in which they hold the YOY title. State, Regional and National YOYs must maintain a 2.5 GPA in order to maintain their scholarships.

Leadership

Youth of the Year representatives demonstrate leadership skills as individuals in their interactions with others and in their communities. They create meaningful change and motivate and inspire others.

Self-Leadership: Youth of the Year representatives demonstrate self-awareness and understand personal values. They set goals and take action aligned with their personal values. They make choices that positively impact their lives. And they inspire others.

Leadership With Others: Youth of the Year representatives understand the value of different perspectives; use effective and inclusive communication practices to work together toward a shared goal; and collaborate by including diverse perspectives.

Leadership in the Community: Youth of the Year representatives continuously seek to understand community needs; listen to and engage with people from diverse perspectives; and use self-knowledge and collaborate to make transformative change in communities.

Qualifications

Youth Advocacy: Youth of the Year representatives should be able to speak up and/or take action for themselves and/or others to support a cause or purpose they believe in.

Knowledge of Boys & Girls Club Movement Priorities: Youth of the Year representatives should have at least basic knowledge about current BGCA programming and events. They should be able to speak clearly about their Club Experience and the vital role the Club plays in providing opportunities for youth in their communities. They should be committed to leveraging the coaching and support of BGCA staff to become stronger in this area.

Communication: Youth of the Year representatives should possess strong verbal and written communication skills.  They should be able to articulate the impact their Club Experience has had on their lives. They should feel comfortable and confident both in delivering prepared speeches and answering spontaneous questions. They should also have strong listening skills.

Relational Ability: Youth of the Year representatives should demonstrate a high degree of relational ability by listening with understanding when others are speaking and thoughtfully answering questions. They should be able to appreciate diverse backgrounds and cultures, see the world from multiple perspectives and understand the value of these differences. They should be inclusive and able to effectively communicate and build relationships with others.

Character: Youth of the Year representatives are ambassadors for the Movement and youth around the world. They must emulate the highest standards of character, including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness and caring.

• Trustworthiness: Honest in communications and actions; reliable; has the courage to do the right thing; loyal and keeps promises
• Respect: Treats others with respect; tolerant and accepting of differences; considerate of others’ feelings; peacefully resolves conflicts
• Responsibility: Does what they say they will do; plans ahead; perseveres; does their best; uses self-control and self-discipline; accountable for words, actions and attitudes; sets a good example for others; and makes healthy choices
• Fairness: Open-minded; listens to others; treats all people fairly
• Caring: Kind; compassionate; shows empathy; expresses gratitude; charitable; helps others
• Citizenship: Makes the world better; involved; volunteers; obeys laws and rules; respects authority

Failing to maintain these standards could lead to the YOY being asked to relinquish their title and forfeit any scholarship dollars related to the YOY program.