Teen Leadership Board

We offer a variety of skill-building leadership opportunities for teens who wish to make a deeper commitment to our mission. These programs go hand in hand with our Fellowship Awards, provide comprehensive leadership development, and happen to be excellent credentials on college admissions applications.

Meetings

Participants provide integral, hands-on support to Philly Friendship Circle programs and participate in community engagement activities. Through our dynamic and rewarding meetings, teen leaders engage in group workshops and strategic discussions building the future of Philly Friendship Circle. We infuse the program with exciting, thought-provoking events which raise awareness and strengthen advocacy for the special needs community. Leaders gain hands-on experience working alongside the staff to recruit new members and run our programs.  

Impact 

Our program offers different tracks which have varying degrees of commitment and responsibility. These opportunities create various access points for any teen to get involved where they feel comfortable. 

Teen Leadership Roles

General Board

General Board members work to  enhance our programs, making them more meaningful and enjoyable for all – as well as recruit peers to join our circle!  General Board members learn fundamental maturity-building skills like: presence and consistent attendance, making valuable contributions via their feedback and ideas, accountability via clear communication and time management, speaking publicly, and being flexible!

Executive Board

The Executive Board is composed of teens who have previously served on the General Board and want to further their commitment to Leadership. They are the Co-Chairs for the General Board committees. In addition to the skills listed for the General Board, Executive Board members enhance their project management skills, like: planning and implementing meetings, creating agendas, delegating and following up on tasks, and gathering feedback. Executive Board members ultimately learn to take initiative, make final decisions, and set reachable goals.

Mentors

Our mentors are a group of our most dedicated teens who have participated in our leadership programs throughout their high school years. Mentors have the distinct privilege of being chairs of our annual fundraising events, as they learn about the fundraising and development side of our community events. This is also a chance for them to mentor and guide the incoming group of teen leaders and share insights from past boards and experiences.

Teen Board Liaison

This position is the connection point between our organizational board of directors, and our teen body. The Teen Board Liaison will periodically collect program assessments from Teen Leaders via feedback sessions, and act as a representative of the general teen body to Philly Friendship Circle staff and our Board of Directors.

Requirements

Every Leadership Board member is required to participate in the following:

  • 3 General Board Meetings, monthly committee-specific meetings, and additional check-in meetings as needed
  • Be an active part of the Philly Friendship Walk campaign
  • Be an active part of the Art Show  
  • Pack and deliver “mishlochei manot” packages for Purim
  • Attend and play an active role in our Annual Gala
  • Attend 50% of programming or 15 hours of Friends@Home

Applications open in the spring.

Email our Communications & Engagement Lead, Chava Tova, to learn more!