The Montana Continuum of Care Coalition’s Youth Action Board (YAB) is a group of young adults with lived experiences of homelessness who work to advocate for and support other homeless youth across the state of Montana. As someone who has been a member for the , I can say without hesitation that it has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.
As a YAB member, I have gained invaluable experience in running and maintaining an active board that meets HUD requirementshelps agencies better serve youth and young adults. This includes knowledge of board governance, meeting procedures, and financial management. I’ve attended multiple professional conferences, including the Women’s Policy Leadership Institute and the Montana Nonprofit Association conference. These conferences provided me with the chance to network with professionals in the field and gain a better understanding of the nonprofit sector. Through the YAB, I have gained experience in grant writing and have successfully secured funding for the organization. This experience has been valuable in my personal and professional development, as it has provided me with skills that are transferable to other areas of my life. Beyond the skills gained and connections made, serving on the YAB is an incredible resume builder for anyone interested in a career in the nonprofit industry. In fact, more than 50% of our members go on to work in professional nonprofit roles, citing their time on the board as a key factor in their success.
It’s not just about the resume, though. Serving on the YAB is an opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of youth experiencing homelessness in Montana. It has also helped me meet others who have had similar experiences and build community. And as an active member, we receive a stipend to compensate you for your time, expertise, and dedication to the cause.
One of the most important aspects of the YAB is recruitment, as we are constantly wanting to build our community and uplift youth and young adults who have experienced housing insecurity and homelessness. We are always looking for new members who are passionate about making a difference in their community and have a desire to help others who are experiencing homelessness. Being a part of the YAB not only provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, but also valuable professional development opportunities. It doesn’t hurt that it gives us all a little extra cash in our pockets too!
Our organization is currently looking to expand our reach further across the state. If you’re a Montana resident between the ages of 16 and 24 with lived experience of homelessness, I encourage you to consider joining the YAB. Not only will you be making a difference in the lives of others, but you’ll also be investing in your own professional future. Click here to learn more to become a member and join us in the fight against youth homelessness in Montana.
Ashlie Wise
YAB Chair