Volunteer Opportunities

• Paint an office or program space (2-5 people)
• Deep clean a program space (5-10 people)
• Assist with inventory/organization (2-10 people)
• Cook a meal for youth (2-4 people)
• Seasonal: Landscaping (up to 20 people)
• Seasonal: Outdoor clean up (up to 20 people)
• Seasonal – In November: Host a gratitude feast for youth (5-10 people)
• Seasonal – In December: Host a gingerbread house-making contest (2-5 people)
• Seasonal – In December: Host a cookie decorating night (2-5 people)
• Seasonal – In December: Wrap holiday gifts for youth (Up to 15 people)

• Purchase supplies and assemble kits for youth
  • Hygiene kits
  • Winter gear kits
  • Self-care kits
  • Back-to-school kits
  • Seasonal activity kits
• Organize a holiday gift drive (Note: Holiday wish lists and details on shopping for youth will be sent out in early November. Gifts can be delivered directly to The Bridge and should be received by December 22nd)
• Assemble fleece tie-blankets

PURPOSE OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: The Bridge for Youth Board of Directors governs the overall execution of the organization’s mission. Principally, the Board manages organizational finances and sets long term priorities for programs. Additionally, the Board oversees the Executive Director, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the organization.

Composition

Membership consists of a diverse group of interested persons who are committed to the mission of the organization. The Board of Directors has up to 25 voting members. 

Terms

Terms are approximately 3 years commencing upon election to the Board, and each ends on the September 30 closest to a full 3-year term. Members may be re-elected to serve no more than three consecutive terms.

Officers

Officers of the Board of Directors include Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. The Executive Committee is composed of the Officers as well as the Chairs of the Board’s Governance and Development Committees.

Fundamental Legal Duties

Duty of Care: Each board member has a legal responsibility to participate actively in making decisions on behalf of the organization and to exercise his or her best judgment while doing so.

Duty of Loyalty: Each board member must put the interests of the organization before their personal and professional interests when acting on behalf of the organization in a decision-making capacity. The organization’s needs come first.

Duty of Obedience: Board members are responsible for the organization’s continued adherence to its mission. Unlike a firm, a nonprofit cannot simply change its mission without the threat of losing either its nonprofit status or tax-exempt status, or both.

The overall responsibilities of a member of the Board of Directors

• Approve the organization’s vision, mission and purpose.
• Hire, support, evaluate and set compensation for the Executive Director with the goals of the organization in mind.
• Ensure effective organizational annual and strategic planning.
• Assure programs are aligned with mission and strategic plan, and monitoring progress toward goals.
• Approve annual budget aligning the organization’s strategic and financial goals.
• Hold fiduciary responsibility for management of organizational capital, review monthly/annual financial statements, review financial policies, and ensuring appropriate filings with federal, state, and local authorities consistent with the organization’s status as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
• Adhere to legal and ethical standards and norms.
• Establish and regularly review policies, which govern the organization according to nonprofit best practices.
• Evaluate the structure, effectiveness, composition, and engagement of the board of directors annually.

The individual board members responsibilities

• Act in alignment with the vision, mission, and values of The Bridge for Youth and center youth voice in your governance and leadership.
• Make a commitment to being an engaged champion of the organization. This includes working with the Executive Director, board chair and/or committees to discuss opportunities and develop a plan for your engagement on the board and in the organization.
• Invest at a leadership level in the organization through monetary donations – the amount at your discretion – such that 100% of the board of directors are contributors and support a board-level annual giving goal
• Serve on at least one committee – Finance, Development or Governance – and participate in other ad hoc groups, such as Racial Justice Cohort, Human Resources, Strategic Planning.
• Strive to attend all board and committee meetings and functions, such as special events and invitations from the Executive Director. Provide as much advance notice as is reasonable in the event a conflict prevents attendance.
• Arrive at meetings well-prepared and ready to engage in thoughtful dialogue. Differences of opinion will likely arise. Board members should keep disagreements impersonal. By practicing discretion and accepting decisions on a majority basis, the board can accomplish unity and confidence it its decisions
• Stay informed about the organization’s mission, services, policies, and programs, as well as developments in the field.
• Review agenda and supporting materials prior to board and committee meetings.
• Actively participate in the recruitment of potential board members who can make significant contributions to the work of the board and the organization.
• Follow all Board policies, including but not limited to conflict of interest, confidentiality, and whistleblower.
• Refrain from making special requests of staff. In general, the Executive Director communicates with Staff, and Board members communicate with each other and with the Executive Director.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY, PLEASE INQUIRE:
Lisa Mears, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 612-508-1279 (mobile)

The Bridge Mobile Youth Outreach Center prioritizes meeting the immediate needs of BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and sexually exploited youth ages 10-21 in the Twin Cities; bringing services directly to youth, providing mobile intervention to meet immediate basic needs – healthy food, gender affirming clothing, resources for harm reduction and safety planning, assessments and referrals, case management, and most importantly, connection through both 1:1 in-person and virtual support.

Position Overview

This position will assist staff by unpacking, sorting, and labeling various food items, health products, clothing, and more for The Mobile Youth Outreach Center. Will keep track of inventory, expiration dates, and advise staff on both needs and excesses of item. Must be able to remain confidential and non-judgmental. Must be able to lift 25 pounds.

The volunteer schedule is flexible with shifts available Monday-Friday. Following training, the volunteer will work independently.

Desired Skills, Experience and Qualifications

This position requires the following:

• Inventory Management
• Operations
• Basic Computer Skills
• Verbal / Written Communication
• Project Management
• Complete a background check

The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. For over 50 years, The Bridge has been at the forefront of addressing youth homelessness in Minnesota, positively impacting the lives of the most vulnerable youth in our community, through youth-centered programs that offer a pathway out of poverty and chronic homelessness.

Volunteer Position Information

Position: Volunteer Interpreter
Reports to: Supportive Housing Program Manager

Position Overview

This position will act as a Spanish language interpreter for youth receiving support services at The Bridge. The position will confidentially facilitate effective communication with youth ages 10-22 and may assist youth with day-to-day activities and homework help, as needed.

Early morning, evening, and weekend shifts available. The Bridge asks that volunteers commit to volunteering 1-2 days per week for a minimum of six months.

For compliance with the Department of Human Services, volunteers are required to complete training with program staff prior to having unsupervised contact with the youth at The Bridge, including an interview, background check, and orientation.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be proficient in reading, writing, and spoken Spanish. Must be able to comfortably interpret confidential information and be able to work with diverse populations of youth. Must be 21-years or older, clear a background check and commit to volunteer 1-2 days per week for a minimum of six months.

To Apply

Complete the online application

The Bridge for Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to embracing diversity and individuality and opposed to practices which discriminate on basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, handicap, disability, age, or nationality. We apply this policy of unbiased consideration not only to our employment practices, but also to any contractual opportunities. We are further committed to taking affirmative action to ensure these opportunities are accessible to individuals who meet the qualifications, and we encourage all interested parties to apply. EEO/AA.

The Bridge for Youth centers youth voice, justice, and equity in all we do, and empowers youth experiencing homelessness through safe shelter, basic needs, and healthy relationships. For over 50 years, The Bridge has been at the forefront of addressing youth homelessness in Minnesota, positively impacting the lives of the most vulnerable youth in our community, through youth-centered programs that offer a pathway out of poverty and chronic homelessness.

Volunteer Position Information

Position: Greeter
Job Type: 4-hour shifts (8a-12:30p, 12:30-5pm) M – F
Reports to: Engagement Manager
Posting Date: November 15, 2021

Position Overview

The Greeter is part of a pool of 4 – 6 volunteers who are central to the organization’s goal of creating a community at The Bridge that is welcoming, impactful, and safe for staff and youth. This begins in the lobby /main entrance where the Greeter warmly welcomes youth, staff, and all visitors to The Bridge.

The Greeter is the youth’s first interaction with The Bridge, and plays a key role in beginning to build safe youth/adult relationships, connecting youth to program staff in the Youth Response Center (YRC), and helps meet the immediate needs of youth – water, food, blanket, clothing, etc. The Greeter invests in a culture that builds trust, community, and environment that is mired in justice and equity. Additionally, the Greeter builds staff capacity by assisting with supportive tasks – mail and package dissemination, transcribing notes from meetings, data entry, scanning files, preparing materials, etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Emulate and enthusiastically promote the organizational culture as defined by the identified values statements and racial justice and equity opportunities of The Bridge
• Presents with a high level of confidentiality, boundaries, ethical standards, and conduct
• Warmly welcome youth, staff, donors, and visitors to The Bridge
• Connect youth to the appropriate program staff in the YRC upon their arrival
• Tend to the immediate needs of youth such as water, food, blanket, clothing, etc.
• Cultivates strong, connected, and trusting relationships with youth, staff, funders, and visitors through a trauma informed and person-centered approach
• Establishes a welcoming lobby; making coffee, stocking snacks, maintaining a safe and organized environment
• Answers organization’s main phone and connects callers to staff
• Builds capacity of staff by supportive tasks and projects, such as mail and package dissemination, note consolidation, data entry, scanning files, preparing materials, etc.
• Maintains annual training per the requirements of The Bridge and Department of Human Services (DHS)
• BFY believes in team, collaboration, and constantly developing a supportive and caring environment for each other. Sometimes we are asked to lean in above and beyond our position description and we enthusiastically do so

Volunteer Hours

• Monday – Friday 8am – 12:30pm; 12:30-m – 5:00pm; minimum one shift per week, and coordinate with the pool of volunteers if needing to switch shifts

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 – 5 years of experience in working directly with youth, such as social worker, teacher, therapist, daycare, afterschool programming, mentoring, etc.
• Preferred – work with youth experiencing homelessness, including those who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQ+, pregnant and/or parenting
• Preferred – bilingual Spanish (written, oral)
• Passion for and commitment for the mission, vision and values of The Bridge
• Demonstrated commitment to racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
• Problem solving, verbal communication, organizational skills, public relations, and ability to work with others internally and externally
• Must clear a background check per DHS requirements

Technology Skills Required

• Experience in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
• Equipment used – computer, electronic mail system, telephone

To Apply

Complete the online application

The Bridge for Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to embracing diversity and individuality and opposed to practices which discriminate on basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, handicap, disability, age, or nationality. We apply this policy of unbiased consideration not only to our employment practices, but also to any contractual opportunities. We are further committed to taking affirmative action to ensure these opportunities are accessible to individuals who meet the qualifications, and we encourage all interested parties to apply. EEO/AA.