Get Involved
Youth Outlook would not be where it is today without the help of thousands of volunteers, donors, sponsors, community partners, parents, and much more. Do you want to make a contribution to the lives of young people in your community? We have opportunities for you!
Volunteer
Youth Outlook seeks volunteers to help with events, community outreach, and to facilitate our Drop-in centers sites across Northern IL (training required). If you have questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please email us.
We are now recruiting volunteers for our Fall Volunteer training session.
Volunteers who work with youth will need to complete a five-session hybrid virtual and in-person training. Spring Virtual Training via Zoom on March 21, 23, 28, and 30th (6-9 pm) and the final in-person training on April 9th, 2022 from 9-5 pm. Fall Virtual Training via Zoom on September 19, 21, 26, and 28th (6-9 pm) and the final in-person training on October 8th from 9-5 pm.
Join the Board or Committees
Youth Outlook has both a Board of Directors and several committees that work together to provide fiduciary support and governance to the organization. Our board meets on a monthly basis, currently meetings are being held virtually. When able to return to a format of every other month in person (with a virtual call in) and opposite months virtual only. Committees meet as needed with variation to their large scale projects or events.
Committees Accepting Non-Board Membership Individuals:
Client Services
Fundraising: Subcommittees for Special Events, Vision of Pride Society and 25th Anniversary
Marketing
Training
Internships
Programming: Youth Outlook accepts interns for BSW and non-clinical MSW placements. In order to accrue needed hours for internships, all applicants must be available to participate in a minimum of three evening groups per week in our drop-in centers. Youth Outlook must be a registered preceptor with your collegiate program in order to receive credits. If you do not require credits you may apply for the program; however you will be classified and considered a volunteer under Federal and State Labor Laws.
Interested? Please complete the volunteer application here, we also encourage you to send your CV/Resume and letter of interest to Director of Programs & Operations, Carolyn Wahlskog, LCSW at carolyn.wahlskog@youth-outlook.org
Employment
Youth Outlook is a team of dedicated staff living across Northern Illinois as our work has always been administratively virtual. This allows us to meet the needs of communities across the state by having Program Staff Leaders who live in and represent the communities where our Drop-In Centers are located.
If you have questions regarding employment opportunities, please email us.
Donate
More than half of Youth Outlook’s funding comes from individuals like you, so that we can provide our youth services at no cost. Youth Outlook does not accept any state or federal funding: our programs are made possible entirely by the support of the communities in which we operate.