Alex Orban and Katie Hush, Junior Board Co-Presidents

In 2003, Urban Pathways launched the Junior Board (JB) as a group of emerging leaders concerned about the growing number of homeless in New York City.  Today, the JB is central to helping raise the visibility of the organization and building new programs through fundraising, technical assistance and professional expertise.   The JB is provided with the opportunity to build leadership skills while learning about the City's ongoing homelessness issues and the ongoing challenges facing the non-profit sector.

While each member is encouraged to participate in all activities spearheaded by the Junior Board, he or she is asked to join at least one of three committees:

Client Services:  The Client Services Committee plans biweekly workshops on topics like hygiene, nutrition, and resume writing, as well as seasonal events like barbeques and holiday parties for Urban Pathways' clients.  Each year, they focus on one program, with Ivan Shapiro House as their choice for fiscal 2009.

Holiday Gift Bag Drive:  The Gift Bag Committee is responsible for collecting goods and funds to provide every single Urban Pathways client with a holiday gift.  In all, they solicit enough products and cash for thousands of gifts each December, which are then sorted and packaged by the entire board.

Fundraising:  The Fundraising Committee plans small-scale fundraisers, like open bar events and cocktail parties.  The number and size of these events varies each year, depending on the committee's vision, but they continually raise thousands of dollars for UP programming annually.

In addition, members have the opportunity to:

• Spearhead individual projects such as in-kind drives
• Serve on additional planning committees including the staff leadership luncheon and the organization's annual gala
• Volunteer for program assignments such as conducting mock interviews with job training clients ready to enter the workforce
• Meet with the Central Board at a Board cocktail reception help each spring.

Click here to download the Junior Board application.  For more information call (212) 736-7385, ext. 220.