VOiCEup Berks

Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading Opportunities

Youth Racial Equity Discussion Series -- Session 2

Calling on all students who want to be part of the national YVC youth movement addressing racial inequality in our communities – “Stand Together Against Racism!” Youth Volunteer Corps is launching a virtual youth-directed series of discussions on racial equity which will culminate in a session on youth action. The six-part series will be held on Saturdays in March and April from 2:00-3:30 ET/1:00-2:30 CT beginning March 6. Be part of the conversation – listen, share, learn and create change. No matter where you are on your learning journey, don’t be afraid to participate and talk to like-minded youth! The sessions will be led by students from YVC Reading and YVC Kansas City. To register, visit https://www.yvckc.org/volunteer.html. For questions or more info contact christi@voiceupberks.org. Session 2: Educate Us (Saturday March 13, 1:00-2:30 CT/ 2:00-3:30 ET) How can we move forward and address a situation if we don’t really understand the problem? Education is the key to changing everything -- minds, perspectives, hearts and eventually legislation. In this session we will cover topics such as systemic racism and implicit bias while reflecting on the history of racism in our county.

Reading, PA

3/13/21 2:00 PM

Youth Racial Equity Discussion Series -- Session 3

Calling on all students who want to be part of the national YVC youth movement addressing racial inequality in our communities – “Stand Together Against Racism!” Youth Volunteer Corps is launching a virtual youth-directed series of discussions on racial equity which will culminate in a session on youth action. The six-part series will be held on Saturdays in March and April from 2:00-3:30 ET/1:00-2:30 CT beginning March 6. Be part of the conversation – listen, share, learn and create change. No matter where you are on your learning journey, don’t be afraid to participate and talk to like-minded youth! The sessions will be led by students from YVC Reading and YVC Kansas City. To register, visit https://www.yvckc.org/volunteer.html. For questions or more info contact christi@voiceupberks.org. Session 3: Dialogue with Police Officers (Saturday March 20, 1:00-2:30 CT/ 2:00-3:30 ET) This piece of the puzzle cannot be ignored. The relationship between the police and the community, especially communities of color, is completely strained right now. Police officers will join the session to listen to youth experiences and concerns and engage in dialogue about growing tension. Hearing the perspectives of both groups may lead to better understanding, compassion, and begin repairing a damaged relationship.

Reading, PA

3/20/21 2:00 PM

Youth Racial Equity Discussion Series -- Session 4

Calling on all students who want to be part of the national YVC youth movement addressing racial inequality in our communities – “Stand Together Against Racism!” Youth Volunteer Corps is launching a virtual youth-directed series of discussions on racial equity which will culminate in a session on youth action. The six-part series will be held on Saturdays in March and April from 2:00-3:30 ET/1:00-2:30 CT beginning March 6. Be part of the conversation – listen, share, learn and create change. No matter where you are on your learning journey, don’t be afraid to participate and talk to like-minded youth! The sessions will be led by students from YVC Reading and YVC Kansas City. To register, visit https://www.yvckc.org/volunteer.html. For questions or more info contact christi@voiceupberks.org. Session 4: Getting to Know Each Other (Saturday March 27, 1:00-2:30 CT/ 2:00-3:30 ET) In small group sessions, youth will have the opportunity to get to know other youth in the community who are different from themselves. Talking, listening, sharing, and then working on a small project together will help create bridges of understanding across physical divides.

Reading, PA

3/27/21 2:00 PM

Youth Racial Equity Discussion Series -- Sessions 5/6

Calling on all students who want to be part of the national YVC youth movement addressing racial inequality in our communities – “Stand Together Against Racism!” Youth Volunteer Corps is launching a virtual youth-directed series of discussions on racial equity which will culminate in a session on youth action. The six-part series will be held on Saturdays in March and April from 2:00-3:30 ET/1:00-2:30 CT beginning March 6. Be part of the conversation – listen, share, learn and create change. No matter where you are on your learning journey, don’t be afraid to participate and talk to like-minded youth! The sessions will be led by students from YVC Reading and YVC Kansas City. To register, visit https://www.yvckc.org/volunteer.html. For questions or more info contact christi@voiceupberks.org. Session 5/6: A Call to Action – Part 1 and Part 2 (Saturday April 10 and 17, 1:00-2:30 CT/ 2:00-3:30 ET) In this two-meeting session we will brainstorm action item that can be taken to help illuminate the problem and help address it. Youth are the key to change. Youth have a strong voice and are encouraged to use it. Like a pebble thrown into a pond, the work of this group will ripple outwards into the community, spreading acceptance of differences and igniting the call for change.

Reading, PA

4/10/21 2:00 PM + more

Global Youth Service Day 2021

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest youth service and civic action event in the world and the only one that celebrates and builds the capacity of all youth to help our communities and democracy thrive by working together for the common good. Now in its 33rd year, GYSD is celebrated in over 100 countries world-wide. Join the Youth Volunteer Corps of Reading as they host Global Youth Service Day 2021 in City Park, Reading, PA on Sunday, April 25th! We will be planting, painting, cleaning, and CELEBRATING our youth volunteers during this event. All materials (paint, brushes, gloves, trash bags) will be provided, so sign up to help make City Park sparkle!

Reading, PA

4/25/21 1:00 PM

Decanstructure: Break Down & Donate

Structures created by youth during Canstructure event at the Berkshire Mall will be taken down. All cans used for the structures will be packaged and donated to the Helping Harvest (formerly the Greater Berks Food Bank) to help fight hunger in Berks County! Saturday, May 8, 2021 from 7:00am - 9:00am. Email YVC Program Director Lindsay Sites at build@voiceupberks.org for more information.

Wyomissing, PA

5/8/21 7:00 AM

Youth Volunteer Corps at Baseballtown Dream League

The Dream League baseball field was designed to give those with physical and mental disablities the chance to enjoy the game of baseball on a custom built field created to meet the needs of those players. Join in on the fun as we ensure that those playing have a safe and enjoyable time! Open to youth age 11-18. Masks are to be worn at all times to ensure the safety of all particpants.

Temple, PA

6/5/21 9:00 AM

IMPORTANT MESSAGE TO OUR YOUTH AND AGENCY PARTNERS CONCERNING COVID-19

At VOiCEup Berks, we take the health, welfare, and safety of all of our staff, volunteers, communities, and partners seriously. As you know, on March 11, the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak was characterized as a pandemic by the World Health Organization. VOiCEup is monitoring updates from the CDC and other government entities to help guide us through this ever-evolving situation.

ALL in-person projects scheduled through June 15th are canceled and we are currently revising our plans for our Summer of Service program. In the meantime, be sure to check back as we add more online opportunities over the coming weeks.

Welcome to VOiCEup Berks!

VOiCEup Berks creates opportunities for people to volunteer, learn and lead in their communities. We strive to provide volunteers with a high-quality experience that fuels further action, and we envision a day when everyone is inspired and equipped to be the change they wish to see in the world.

VOiCEup Berks is also an official affiliate of Youth Volunteer Corps. We creating volunteer opportunities to address community needs and to inspire youth for a lifetime commitment to service. For more information, check out our YVC web page!

About Membership

The VOiCEup Berks website provides a link for individuals, families, teams, and corporate groups to join together and engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Berks County.

We strive to promote volunteerism and get people involved in their communities. VOiCEup Berks does this in partnership with other organizations so we are working together to bring about long-lasting change in our communities. From motivating children to discover and learn, to serving hot meals to low income families, to caring for the environment, to large scale transformational projects, residents of Berks County are responding to critical needs.

VOiCEup Berks provides screened and supervised activities that serve to build capacity within nonprofit, faith-based, and public organizations. We're about empowering people to make change. Join us…be part of the change!

Youth Volunteer Corps Opportunities

YVC of Reading provides youth in Berks County age 11-18 with meaningful service-learning opportunities that help meet community needs and inspire youth to a lifetime committment to service. Click the YVC logo to learn more.