Empowering Baltimore's Youth: Join the Board of Directors of BCYF Today

Uniting Young Voices: Join the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund

The Baltimore Children & Youth Fund (BCYF) is embarking on an important mission and is inviting young leaders aged 14 to 24 to play a pivotal role. By becoming a part of the Board of Directors, passionate individuals will have the chance to influence the development and investment in their community, specifically focusing on youth initiatives.

This initiative brings forth an exciting opportunity for Baltimore's youth to engage deeply in the fabric of their community. The Fund emphasizes the critical importance of incorporating young voices to guide future decisions. Alysia Lee, the President and CEO of BCYF, remarked on the organization’s dedication to equitable engagement, stating, “BCYF’s Board of Directors is a driving force behind our commitment to equitable investment in Baltimore’s young people.”

Board Responsibilities and Impact

The responsibilities of youth board members are multi-faceted and aim at fostering positive change through strategic governance and community advocacy. Board members will:
1. Provide Strategic Oversight: They will ensure that BCYF stays true to its mission through proper governance and oversight.
2. Advocate for Community-Led Investments: Board members will be key advocates promoting funding directed toward organizations that serve the youth.
3. Ensure Financial Stewardship: Participants must commit to overseeing the financial resources to ensure the sustainability of the organization.
4. Collaborate with Local Stakeholders: They will work with leaders, grantees, and other community participants to enhance the Fund’s impact.

Each board member’s involvement will enhance BCYF’s efforts to ensure that community issues are addressed adequately through youth-oriented programs.

A Call for Diverse Leaders

BCYF seeks young individuals who not only have a commitment but also represent diverse perspectives and experiences of the Baltimore community. Ideal candidates will possess skills in nonprofit leadership, finance, education, advocacy, or organizing, and must be actively engaged in board meetings and committees.

Larry Carlton Simmons Jr., the BCYF Board Chair, emphasized the significance of youth participation, stating, “As a youth board member, you have the opportunity to directly impact the future of Baltimore’s youth.” By being part of the board, young leaders will steer critical funding decisions, thus shaping policies that foster sustainable community investments.

Important Dates and Application Process

The application process for prospective board members is straightforward. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the BCYF online portal. Applications officially opened on April 2, 2025, and will remain open until May 2, 2025. An information session is scheduled for April 15, 2025, at the Impact Hub from 4 PM to 5:30 PM, offering insights into the application process and expectations.

Subsequent to the application period, candidates will partake in interview processes from which new board members will be announced during late Spring 2025.

BCYF firmly believes that the input from committed young individuals is not only a means to enhance the organization but also a way to empower the next generation of leaders in Baltimore. For further details, interested applicants can visit the BCYF website for board recruitment and to access the application link.

In essence, this call for young leaders modulates a significant shift towards inclusivity and community engagement at BCYF. It paves a pathway for the youth to not only voice their concerns but also actively participate in the governance and development of their community, ensuring that their insights resonate in the strategic direction of Baltimore.

About the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund

BCYF was initiated to conjure partnerships that uplift Baltimore's youth, providing necessary funding and opportunities for development in light of historical inequities often left unaddressed. Since its inception, particularly after the tragic events surrounding Freddie Gray’s death, BCYF has distributed over $31 million to programs centered around the city's children and youth, showcasing a firm commitment to cultivating an equitable future for Baltimore’s younger generation.