YOUTH VOLUNTEER CORPS OF CALGARY

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

Youth Volunteer Corps (YVC) began in 1987 as a summer service program for Kansas City youth. Today, YVC is a network of affiliated organizations across the U.S. and Canada running that same program.

Mission: We engage youth in team-based service experiences that build life and work skills while inspiring a lifetime ethic of service.
Vision: Communities defined by compassion, selflessness, and respect for others.

ENGAGE

Engage youth in service projects that are challenging, rewarding and educational.

SERVE

Serve the needs of the community and its residents.

DIVERSITY

Cultivate a greater understanding and appreciation for diversity.

SERVICE

Promote a lifetime ethic of service in youth.

Youth Central’s YVC program started in 1993, and has grown to be one of YVC’s largest affiliate. Youth Central collaborates with over 100 organizations in Calgary to create hundreds of youth-approved service opportunities year-round for youth volunteers. The focus of each volunteer opportunity is to create meaningful, educational and engaging projects that address a wide variety of community needs while providing thoughtful leadership opportunities.

The YVC Steering Committee is a group of like-minded youth who work on initiatives to improve the YVC program. This is an opportunity to become more involved in the YVC program through event planning, project improvements, and getting to know other youth volunteers. The Steering Committee runs from October- June of each year.

`HOW IT WORKS`

YVC is open to any youth in Calgary between the ages of 12-18.

Once a month, Youth Central posts carefully reviewed volunteer opportunities on our project database. YVC registered volunteers can continuously view the database to search and sign up for opportunities that interest them. A Youth Central staff member (Team Leader) will connect with signed up youth volunteers approximately one week before the event to communicate important information. On the day of the volunteer opportunity, the Team Leader will run an ice-breaker activity, guide the youth in their volunteer role, and facilitate a reflection at the end. Your volunteer hours will also be recorded within 48 hours of your volunteer project on your account, so you’ll be able to keep track of your completed hours.

New Brighton Residents Association Easter

DO YOU NEED YOUTH VOLUNTEERS FOR YOUR UPCOMING NON-PROFIT OR CHARITABLE EVENT?

Youth Volunteer Corps projects must meet the following criteria:

• Outside of school hours and a minimum of two hours in length
• Reoccuring projects must not require the same volunteers each time
• Minimum of eight volunteers required
• Projects ideally are accessible by public transit

Have an idea for a project that requires youth volunteers, but not sure if it’s a fit? Contact our YVC Program Coordinator.

REQUEST VOLUNTEERS

HOW TO SIGN UP

Step 1:

MAKE A PROFILE

Step 2:
Download the parental consent form here, and attach it to your profile.

Step 3:
Wait 1-2 business days for your application to be processed.
Then, log in to your account here, view projects, and begin signing up!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE YVC PROGRAM

MEET THE YVC TEAM LEADERS

Alexia

YVC Team Leader

Hi! My name is Alexia and my pronouns are she/her. I'm a team leader with Youth Central, and I'm in my fourth year of nursing at the University of Alberta. When I'm not in school, I love to spend my free time catching up with my friends. My favourite part about being a team leader is getting to meet all the volunteers and making connections! Hope to see you at one of my projects!
Ali

YVC Team Leader

Hi everyone! My name is Ali Hussain and I'm a first-year student at Mount Royal University, currently studying Business. I've always been an avid fan of books, anywhere from mystery to historical fiction and I'm always looking for a good recommendation! I guess what I enjoy most about being a TL is trying to base my decisions on my own experiences as a Youth Central volunteer, and hopefully create an enjoyable experience for current volunteers. Pronouns: He/Him.
Andy

YVC Team Leader

Hi! My name is Andy (he/him), and I attended UCalgary majoring in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology. During the week, you'll likely find me in a lab working with all types of cancer cells and different drugs to help discover new treatments. In my spare time, I enjoy volunteering, going bouldering, and playing badminton. As a TL, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help connect youth to their communities through fun, unique and meaningful projects!
Anwar

YVC Team Leader

My name is Anwar Subhani (he/him) and I am currently doing a bachelor's degree in Health Sciences at Queen's University! I'm super passionate about being involved in health and human rights causes, but in my free time, I love to spend time playing volleyball or dodgeball with my friends! As a former volunteer with Youth Central, I really enjoy seeing recurring volunteers and seeing them grow in character and skill sets throughout their volunteering journey!
Calla

YVC Team Leader

My name is Calla and I am in my 4th year of Nursing at MRU. My favourite part of being a TL is getting to experience so many new things and meeting new people! In my free time, you can find me reading or studying at a cafe, spending time with friends and family, and learning new languages. I also love exploring the food scene in Calgary. If you also share a love of bubble tea, we’ll be instant friends! Pronouns: she/her.
Cerena

YVC Team Leader

Hi there! My name’s Cerena (she/her). I’m majoring in Anthropology and minoring in Psychology at Mount Royal University. I love movies, photography and traveling! I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and being part of making a meaningful impact in our community and the WORLD!! If we can all spread kindness and lead with empathy we’ll make a big difference!! See ya down the road 🙂
Dana

YVC Team Leader

My name is Dana (she/her). I go to the University of Calgary and I major in general kinesiology. What I enjoy most about being a TL is getting to meet and talk with all the different and amazing volunteers of Youth Central! Outside of Youth Central I really enjoy baking cookies and being active with my dodgeball team!
Donna

YVC Team Leader

I’m Donna (she/they), and right now I’m at the University of Calgary finishing up a Bachelor’s degree in Education this spring! I love being creative through baking, painting my nails, and photography. And fun fact, I recently learned how to drive stick shift! Being in Education with a specialization in Early Childhood, I naturally connect with younger kids and I love being a team leader since it allows me to connect with a different age group that can be misunderstood.
Eva

YVC Team Leader

Hi all, my name is Eva (she/her) and I am so excited to be involved in YVC again. Being in YVC really developed me as a leader during my junior high and high school journey, and I continue to volunteer in the community now! After switching careers from engineering to counselling psychology, I am now catching up on some more psychology courses in pursuit of registering as a psychologist. Outside school, I like to cook, run and learn Korean!
Fathima

YVC Team Leader

Hello! My name is Fathima (she/her). I am majoring in mechanical engineering at University of Calgary. In my free time, I love spending time with my friends and binge watching my favourite shows. Additionally, in my role as a Team Leader, I find great fulfillment in the opportunity to meet dedicated volunteers, assist them in establishing meaningful connections within their community, and support their personal growth.
Gaby

YVC Team Leader

Hey, my name is Gaby and I am in my second year of Exercise and Health Physiology at the University of Calgary. Some things that I love are playing the violin, cooking, and getting active outdoors, especially with my dog. I love working with Youth Central because I get to work with so many great youth and get to serve many different areas of need throughout the community.
Melanie

YVC Team Leader

My name is Melanie (she/her) and I am a Team Leader for Youth Central. I graduated in 2021 from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor's of Social Work. My hobbies include painting my nails and playing trading card games. What I enjoy most about being a Team Leader is having the privilege to get to know youth from all over the city and support their growth in the organization.
QK

YVC Team Leader

Hi! My name is QK (she/her), and I am in my 2nd year at UCalgary, majoring in Exercise and Health Physiology. Fun fact, I can speak 4 languages, and reading mystery/thriller novels is a hobby that I really enjoy. Being part of Youth Central is an amazing experience as it allows you to serve the community at different fronts and through different means. It's great to do what we possibly can to help.
Sophie W

YVC Team Leader

Hello! I am Sophie (she/her)! I am in my 2nd year studying biochemistry at the University of Calgary. Some of my hobbies include hiking, reading, and painting. I especially like to paint skies and the occasional animal. One thing I appreciate about Youth Central is its ability to connect youth to various communities that make up Calgary, providing a chance to explore the diversity we see around us!