GET ON BOARD! Dear Continued Supporter,
Young Artists Initiative (YAI) is delighted to have been able to provide the Twin Cities community with quality productions and top-notch, accessible artist training for the last six years, bringing the arts to as many young people as we can.
You may not know it, but YAI currently consists of only four people. We are very proud of our work, and we believe the high quality of our productions and youth experiences speaks for itself. As we enter our seventh year, however, we need to be honest and tell you that the four of us are stretched very thin, and unfortunately, this is preventing us from taking advantage of additional opportunities that have come along where YAI could reach even more young people. Perhaps, you can help.
We aren’t asking for money (though we always need that, too.) Instead, we are asking for your time. Our primary goal this year, as an organization, is to expand our Board. YAI is in need of additional community members willing to invest their time and talents to help guide the organization, allowing our artistic and educational staff more time to focus on the needs of the youth we serve. Our goal is to be efficient, maintain high quality, and grow in areas of need. This is why we would like you to consider serving on our Board.
You decide your level of commitment; a typical level of commitment might be 5 to 10 hours each month. Our regular monthly meetings are the second Thursday, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Perhaps you’re thinking, “Oh, I’m not creative!” Or, “I’m not artistic!” That’s okay. We need all types of people to get involved — not just theater or “artsy” people!
First, ask yourself, “Am I passionate about kids?” That’s where all of us start: with the kids. Next, ask yourself, “Do I believe that the arts provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn, develop, and grow?” If you do, and you have a talent or passion that fits with our organization’s needs and mission, then you’re a great fit for YAI.
Here are just some of the ways you could help:
• Help coordinate our amazing volunteers
• Use your writing talents to help YAI secure grant funding
• Serve as an ambassador to the community, promoting YAI’s work
• Coordinate sponsorship opportunities for local businesses
• Plan exciting family and community events
• Design or maintain Internet communications
• Visit schools to help inform students and teachers
• Teach your skills to interested young artists
• Assist with specific production needs (costuming, sets, lights, sound)
• Provide thoughtful leadership and guidance to the organization
• And much, much more!
If you are interested in learning more, or even just curious about getting involved in some capacity, please contact us today!
Thank you, again, for all your support ... from all of us at YAI!
VOLUNTEER! We are always looking for volunteers like you who are interested in helping with building sets, costumes, fundraising, promotions, administrative help, designing, and a whole lot more!
Or do you have a great idea for an arts class that you would like to offer through us and teach? We would love to have your help in anyway.
Please note that all volunteers are required to submit to a background check. This is to help insure the safety of all our young artists.
Please call us at 651-222-KIDS or send us an e-mail at info@youngartistsmn.org
Performing & Visual Arts Teachers Wanted!!!
Do you have a passion for the arts? Whether it's acting, film making, painting, sculpting, improvisation, weaving, photography, dance or another visual or performing arts, it doesn't matter. All that matters is an enthusiasm to pass your specific craft on to a new generation of
young artists. If this sounds like you, come join us to help create a rare learning opportunity for every child!
The Young Artists Initiative (YAI) is looking for arts teachers for our Fall/Winter Class schedule. The YAI offers arts education and performance opportunities for youth in the Twin Cities. We strive to provide quality arts education at affordable prices. This is achieved through a large volunteer base of community members and professional artists. We also rely on the financial support of corporate and individual donations. We believe that arts education should be accessible to ALL youth regardless of their race, religion or economic status.
The Young Artists Initiative provides arts teachers with opportunities to teach their skills to up and coming young artists. We are an innovative education institution that offers great flexibility and freedom to it’s teachers. If you have a class that you would like to propose, simply submit your class idea, how often you want to meet and the age group that you wish to focus on. Your class can be a one day workshop or one that runs over several weekends or evenings. When your initial proposal is approved, you then would meet with us to establish a tuition fee and develop a strategy to help make the course a success. Lastly, your course will be included on our website as well as in our Fall/Winter brochure. Your teaching fee is based on a percentage of the tuition/enrollment for the class, the other portion roles back into YAI to help cover operating costs and for student scholarships. Please note that all volunteers are required to submit to a background check. This is to help insure the safety of all our young artists.
If you have any questions please contact Benjamin Lacina, Education Director, at benjamin@youngartistsmn.org or by calling 612-222-KIDS. You may also submit resumes/cover letters/proposals to:
Young Artists Initiative
Attn: Benjamin Lacina
463 Maria Avenue
Saint Paul, MN 55106-4428
