Raise your voice, tell the world who you are and what you're going to do!

One of the largest service events in the world is just around the corner. Watch out, here they come! The youth of today are the professionals of tomorrow, and they are a generation of concerned citizens, more watchful of their resources, more giving of their time and want to live in a better world! United Way of Kootenai County supports their dreams to improve the lives of people in our community. Global Youth Service Day, a program of Youth Service America - April 17-19, 2015 - will showcase high-impact, high-visibility youth service activities and celebration events supporting youth engagement. By encouraging our youth to serve, we are a vital part of creating a culture where all young people have the opportunities and support to find their voice, take action, and make an impact on vital issues in their community.

Many of you probably don't know that high school students in our county can earn one credit in high school for 80 hours of service (per semester for up to 4 credits) by volunteering in a local nonprofit.

These bright young adults are intelligent, hardworking and fast thinkers. They are proficient with computers and social media, and love to get dirty and work outside. Many serve at their schools as mentors to middle and elementary school children within their districts. Tutoring and opportunities to provide younger children's activities are great! Some are National Honor Society Students, key clubs and student government. Others are groups of sports teams or enrolled in Youth Service America.

Youth Service also provides a much needed mentorship in our society, most often, teaching students the essential soft skills they need to enter the job market after high school and college. The ability to communicate and work as a team player, or serve in a leadership role all plays a significant part in interviewing and attaining a future position in the career world. Join United Way of Kootenai County in honoring youth service in our community in April.

Thank you for celebrating all Volunteer service in our community during April, National Volunteer Month!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Hospice of North Idaho is the community's resource for end-of life and grief and loss information. As the only nonprofit hospice in our area, it is our mission to not only provide the highest quality hospice care available, but also to educate the community and encourage a healthy dialogue about serious illness, end-of-life issues, death, and grief and loss.

Idaho's only inpatient hospice facility, the beautiful and peaceful Hospice House, is seeking high school or college students with green thumbs to prep and do some much needed clean-up work in their gardens. The work will need to be done the weekend of April 18-19.

New Vision High School in Post Falls is seeking inspiring adults who care to make a difference in the life of a child. Training and support is provided following a completed background check for the safety of those we serve. Each mentor is matched to four mentees and mentoring takes place each Wednesday starting April 15 for one hour during 1-2:30 p.m. Mentors will assist students in a variety of activities to strengthen the students' lives, build valuable skills and promote success. This program is provided through Goodwill GoodGuides. Mentoring opportunities are also available in the Spokane and Spokane Valley areas.

Twinlow Camp and Retreat Center is a ministry of the Pacific Northwest Conference of the United Methodist Church. Its mission: To be sanctuaries of Christian hospitality, renewal, and learning within God's natural world. Sanctuaries that celebrate diversity, inspire love and service, and fulfill our special partnership with local churches in nurturing disciples and spiritual leaders.

Twinlow always has meaningful and needed work available, especially during the spring season. It is looking for students to help prepare the site for a busy summer season.

For more information on how to register for these volunteer opportunities, visit www.kootenaiunitedway.org, click on the "VOLUNTEER" link to view this listing and other volunteer opportunities in YOUR community, or contact Jeanette Laster at United Way of Kootenai County, (208) 667-8112, Ext. 101.

Get Connected!

The United Way of Kootenai County Volunteer Center

GET CONNECTED!

* "One-Stop Volunteer Resource Center" for the whole community

* Ongoing and one-time volunteer opportunities

* TAKE ACTION

(208) 667-8112

Visit the United Way's Volunteer Center website: www.kootenaiunitedway.org

GIVE. ADVOCATE. VOLUNTEER