United Way Toronto and York Region
is looking for the next generation of youth leaders.
The organization is currently recruiting for its GenNext Cabinet, an elite group of volunteers who will govern the Millennial-focused GenNext program and provide it with strategic leadership and visioning over the next year. “It is a highly coveted and competitive volunteer role comprising dedicated young professionals who are deeply committed to making our region a better place for everyone to live and work in,” explains Dana Stanescu, Manager of the GenNext program at United Way.
The cabinet will be made up of twenty volunteers, who Stanescu describes as “highly accomplished and engaged volunteers, from diverse sectors and business lines, who have been identified as emerging leaders in our region,” and divided into four teams. The Ambassador Network will help grow United Way into new workplaces, and provide training throughout the year; The Community and Agency Engagement Team will look for what Stanescu calls “meaningful volunteer opportunities targeting our GenNext demographic to allow them to be more deeply connected to the work we do in the region”; the Fundraising and Awareness Events Team will organize major events throughout the year; and the Leadership and Legacy team will focus on “creating unique opportunities to further demonstrate impact for our GenNext leader donors.”
The GenNext program encourages people in their 20s and 30s to become involved with United Way. Volunteers work on several different initiatives, including outreach in the workplace, and United Way TYR’s annual event Rouge. The group also organizes events such as speakers’ series and networking opportunities, and works on projects like 100 In 1 Day and youth mentorships.
Becoming involved with GenNext, says, Stanescu, allows young people “to more fully understand the issues that confront people in our region, to actively connect with and contribute to the community, and to influence positive change through meaningful volunteering and giving opportunities."