YAB

The Youth Action Board (YAB) is made up of students from high schools in the greater Grand Rapids area. Students work to plan and implement projects in their schools/district. These could be fundraisers, food drives, service projects, or awareness building activities. Members to work educate their fellow students about the issue of hunger and enable them to make a difference.

Students also work as a whole group to plan the Kids Helping Kids Celebration, which takes place in the spring. This event recognizes and celebrates the work of kids to better the lives of other kids in our community. YAB members plan nearly every aspect of the event, which includes activities, entertainment, and food, with help from the KFB staff

Each meeting consists of guest speakers, activities, and projects to help to students to develop their skills in the areas of public speaking, creative problem solving, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. Students are also introduced to the issue of hunger in our community, how non-profits, such as Kids’ Food Basket, work to combat the problem, and the tools they use to do so.

There are seven meetings during the year. Meetings in September and April are mandatory. Of the five meetings in October, November, January, February, and March, students must attend at least three.

Meeting Schedule for 2011-12: (All meetings are on Mondays and begin at 7:00 p.m. at Kids' Food Basket.)

September 17, 2011 - Project & Event Planning

October 17, 2011 - Teamwork

November 14, 2011 - Hunger in Grand Rapids

January 23, 2012 - Communication & Public Speaking

February 20, 2012 - Creative Problem Solving

March 19, 2012 - Social Media

April TBA - Wrap Up and Final Planning

For more information, contact Kyle, kyle@kidsfoodbasket.org