The Portage la Prairie chapter of Habitat for Humanity is searching for a youth ambassador. Betty-Jean Checkley, steering committee secretary, says she plans to visit local schools to help with the search.
"I know they have youth in Philanthropy projects at Portage Collegiate Institute, and they also get credits now for volunteer work they do. There's also a wonderful national contest called the 'Meaning of Home' contest for students in Grades 4 to 6. They write either a poem or a short essay on the meaning of home. They're so heartwarming. We get money for every entry that you get from the area. I think that's just a beautiful way for young people to get involved," says Checkley.
She says youth can give back to their community and encourages people to read the heartfelt writings by students online (https://meaningofhome.ca/entries/province).
"They'll fill your soul. We're really looking for a youth ambassador. They wouldn’t be able to help build a house project on site, but they could do a little fundraising and spread the word," she explains.
A youth ambassador would ideally be from among the grades 9 to 12. Checkley notes one chapter in Dauphin, Man., has a youth ambassador.
"I thought that is such a good idea, and I know City Council has a youth ambassador. United Way used to. It’s just a good idea to get youth on board because they're building the future, and they're phenomenal," she says.
Checkley describes the qualities they are seeking in a youth ambassador.
"It would be a person with a lot of energy, perhaps a global view, with patience and leadership skills, the ability to connect with others, to listen to others, to inspire others, to organize, and someone who understands what home really is.