Changemaker Councils are groups of service-minded and community-focused youth that are introduced to civic engagement through YouthServe’s project-based service-learning model. These student-led councils participate in bimonthly after-school sessions during which they​:

• learn about the functions and needs of their community
• identify opportunities for community engagement
• devise ways to address these needs through the implementation of a student-led community project

YouthServe partners with local middle and high schools to facilitate this program and provide the resources needed for project completion. To receive information about starting a Changemaker Council at your school, email YouthServe Director of Programs, Whitney Zeigler, at [email protected].

Past Changemaker Council Projects

Fall Needs Drive & Distribution Event (2023-2024)
Ramsay High School Changemakers

For their Changemakers project, this group of youth decided to focus on addressing homelessness. Although they could not provide people with housing, they sought to make their conditions more bearable. They decided to address the need by supplying fall/winter necessities, such as gloves, hats, scarves, coats, pants, shoes, etc. Everything they received was donated by fellow students, adults, and even other organizations. After collecting their donations, the youth decided to host a distribution event, which took place at Linn Park in December. In total, the group collected over 500 clothing items and were able to help over 100 community members!

Native Pollinator Garden (2022-2023)
Red Mountain Community School Changemakers

​This group of 7th-12th graders channeled their energy into improving Avondale Park. The students are in the park often and had several great ideas for where it could use some extra love. They presented their ideas to the Friends of Avondale Park board and got the green light to plant a native pollinator garden in an unused plot. With their teachers' support, they spent days prepping the plot, harvesting native plants, and planting them. They also spent time investigating the current maintenance plan of the pond and enlisted help from a local expert on sustainable ponds, Chuck Thomas. 

Research on Academics & Mental Wellness (2022-2023)
Ramsay High School Changemakers

Our Ramsay students spent their year focused on the intersection between academic and mental wellbeing. They asked questions about how they could be more prepared for their futures and the decision they are making now as Ramsay students. They identified some helpful resources and some resources that could use some updates. They sat down with the school administrator Ms. Sharpe, to share their thoughts and explore the topic from the faculty perspective. The returning students left feeling prepared and ready to pick up their work in the fall!