Just In: Application for youth to join Free The Children’s Canadian Board of Directors
In order to ensure that youth continue to play a pivotal role in the organization, Free The Children will be electing two new youth members to our Board of Directors in Canada. Two positions will be open for Canadian youth between the ages of 13 -24; we are looking for one member under the age of 18 and one for a member over the age of 18. Applications are due by July 15, 2006.
We would therefore like to announce a call for applications from anybody who wishes to be considered for election as a youth member to the Free The Children Board of Directors in Canada. The application must consist of the following;
- A complete, updated resume;
- A cover letter (max 250 words) outlining why you wish to be elected to the Free The Children Board of Directors as a youth member and why you are an appropriate candidate;
- Two letters of reference (not written by Free The Children staff).
All applications will be reviewed by the Free The Children Board of Directors Nomination Committee (including youth members), who will then contact a short list of applicants for a possible interview. Following the interview process, a final decision will be made and those chosen will be contacted to confirm their willingness to become a Free The Children Board Member.
It is extremely important that all applicants understand the requirements for youth board members, which include the following:
1. A minimum two year commitment as an active board member;
2. Actively representing Free The Children in accordance with the organization’s mandate and philosophy and assisting in the promotion of the Free The Children message and presence;
3. Attending 2 board meetings per year;
4. Writing for Free The Children monthly newsletters and other publications;
5. Maintaining regular communication with the Free The Children Youth Programming Department; and the other Youth Board members;
6. Acting as a liaison between youth and the Free The Children Board of Directors, i.e. representing youth to the Board during decision-making processes;
7. Working in coordination with the adult Board of Directors on various decision making and executive duties for the growth and development of Free The Children;
8. Stand up for the voice of youth within the Board;
This commitment will consume a minimum of 5 hours weekly, and as such, all applicants must be able and willing to contribute their time and energy and enthusiasm to the organization. Please review the above requirements carefully, before deciding to submit an application.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applications are to be sent to the following address by July 15, 2006:
Free The Children
ATT: Jessica Bentley-Jacobs
233 Carlton St.
Toronto, Ontario
Canada M5A 2L2
Ask the Professor
Calling all inquiring minds! 
Do you ever have questions about chilren’s rights and human rights that you just can’t find the answers to?
Starting this fall, Dr. Jonathan White will select a handful of your questions to answer in detail. Both the question and the answer will be posted on the “Ask the Professor” page.
Look out for the new interactive page on Free The Children’s website where you can pose questions and receive reliable answers from a professional in the field of chilren’s rights and human rights issues.
This is a great way to expand your knowledge about issues affecting our world. You will also learn how your efforts as Free The Children supporters are helping to change the world.
Put your thinking caps on and e-mail your questions to asktheprofessor@freethechildren.com.
Adopt a Village Update: A Bittersweet Spring
Jason is welcome by students involved in the Adopt a Village campaign.
Hey Everyone!
This update is bittersweet for me. It is sweet because June is a great time to reflect on the past year of amazing work that schools have done, but also sad because this will be my final update. I am heading off to University next year and no longer be working full time at Free The Children. But don’t worry, the new outreach coordinator for next year is super cool!”
This past year has been filled with incredible accomplishments of youth taking action through the Adopt a Village campaign. This year has been a time of expanding minds and broadening perspectives. Students have not only raised funds, but raised awareness through school wide presentations and class projects on global issues.
The creative and fun events held to support the Adopt a Village campaign this year have been incredible: from rock concerts and pie throwing contests (in which I was given a pie in the face) to docu-dramas and bake sales, schools have realized that changing the world can be an incredibly powerful and fun experience.
As I look back upon the 2005-2006 year, I can only help but smile and imagine how many more creative ideas and actions will change the world in the year to come.
Thank you so much for a great year!
Peace!
~Jason
jason@freethechildren.com
