United Way Santa Cruz County (UWSCC) envisions a community where every individual has an opportunity to succeed and Santa Cruz County thrives as a result. We are getting a little closer every day, with the help from hundreds of people throughout our community.
United Way focuses on youth wellbeing. We raise awareness surrounding key issues that affect everyone and promote social and policy change that helps strengthen people and our community.
Program Information United Way Santa Cruz County holds a unique role in the community – in its ability to act as a convener – prioritizing youth achievement, family economic stability, and overall health—cornerstones of a strong, thriving community. By highlighting critical issues and advocating for systemic change, we work to empower individuals and strengthen the well-being of our entire region.
United Way Santa Cruz County's Community Impact initiatives include: Jóvenes SANOS and Santa Cruz County Youth Action Network.
Jóvenes SANOS
Jóvenes SANOS is a youth advocacy and leadership program based in Watsonville, California.
Jóvenes SANOS strives to empower, educate, and raise awareness about youth mental health within the community. Jóvenes SANOS works to build an environment that embraces a culture of health and wellness by cultivating peer-to-peer connections regarding mental wellness and promoting hope, resiliency and healing. Jóvenes SANOS is committed to growing a thriving community based on equity and justice.
Interns work closely with the Jovenes SANOS Coordinator, learning and gaining insight on community organizing, youth development as well as best practice programs and policies for promoting wellbeing for all youth and families in Watsonville, CA.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
● Attend Jovenes SANOS Monday meetings in Watsonville, CA; (1-2 hours)
● Staff Jovenes SANOS weekly team meetings (1-2 hours)
● Research on trauma informed practices
● Research on best practice youth programs and policies
● Administrative tasks; assist with Jovenes SANOS projects as directed
● Social media management; scan news outlets for relevant news stories and maintain archive binders
● Interns will have the opportunity to work with various stakeholders and community members, including young people
Santa Cruz County Youth Action Network (YAN)
The Youth Action Network (YAN) is a reformed community impact initiative composed of youth and adults working together to identify emerging needs in our community, creating positive change together, and working to increase overall youth-wellbeing through youth voice and youth leadership. The Youth Action Network is committed to centering and amplifying voices of young people, especially those from historically underrepresented communities.
Responsibilities include, but not limited to:
● Attend Youth Action Network meetings and other YAN events
● Community outreach and engagement
● Meeting and event support
● Research on best practice youth programs and policies
● Administrative tasks; assist with YAN projects as directed
● Social media management; support in community calendar updates and monthly
newsletters
● Interns will have the opportunity to work with various stakeholders and community
members, including young people
Additional requirements and/or considerations
● Computer Literacy
● Must be 18 or older
● Volunteering
● Demonstrate Leadership
● Technical & professional skills
● Communication & writing skills
● Hybrid(a mix of in-person and remote work)
● Available a minimum of 8-10 hours per week. (JS General Team Meetings, Staff Meetings, events)