Youth United

• Providing leadership roles for young people
• Bringing diverse youth from different organizations, faiths, age groups and backgrounds together in meaningful volunteer roles
• Actively involving Habitat homeowner children as volunteer partners
• Engaging young people in Habitat for Humanity's mission and in their communities

"Youth United provides a platform that allows teens to speak their minds and gain positive feedback from their ideas. Within this atmosphere, we are not restricted by an adult's superior knowledge or opinion; instead, we are greeted with respect and understanding that encourages creative thinking and inspires us to do more. When our fundraising concepts are put in action, we learn the importance of coordinating, networking, and overall support within a community - things that many people do not learn until they are entering the job market. Youth United offers a win-win situation: betterment of the community and skill development of the youth for greater success in the future." -Mary Means, college chair of Youth United

2012 Youth Build

What will you build? Since 1983, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis and its supporters have worked tirelessly to build homes in partnership with local Memphians. Despite our best efforts, the need is still very great. As we look to the future, we believe one of the keys to our success is involving our city’s future – our children. Since 2007, our youth program, Youth United, has engaged youth of all ages in Habitat’s mission, while providing them with positive leadership and learning opportunities. The main goal is for local youth to fund and build a Habitat home every spring. While the program is a huge benefit to our organization, it is equally important to the students who are deeply invested in every aspect of the process – from planning fundraisers and advocacy events to working as a team to build the home.

Youth United’s members are currently planning their sixth Youth Build, which will take place in March 2012. The ultimate goal is to raise $70,000 and recruit 480 volunteers to complete an entire home. For example, if 20 groups raised $3,500 each, we could make this Youth United-built home a reality. Of course, not every group can do fundraising at that level, but we can all contribute something, whether it is $50 or $5,000! And, we can all serve as volunteers by joining Youth United’s committee, by helping with events or by attending the home dedication ceremony. There are many ways for students of all ages to help Habitat and Youth United build a better Memphis.

We hope your group will consider joining Youth United’s 2012 Youth Build efforts. To download the official commitment form, click here.

Youth United Leadership Roles and Committee Meetings

History of Memphis Habitat's Youth United Program