Program Description: 

Link Up Greater Houston is an opportunity to unite the community to improve the lives of all youth in Greater Houston.  The Sixth Annual Link Up Conference is for youth, parents, educators, school leaders, faith communities, youth workers, business and community leaders, city and state officials, and other stakeholders to learn how the Search Institute’s 40 Developmental Assets can improve our lives and strengthen Houston’s future.  Let by Houston ISD, the Girl Scouts, the City of Houston and the YMCA of Greater Houston, this conference encourages and grows community wide asset-building initiatives that empower youth.  http://www.search-institute.org/developmental-assets

The Search Institute has identified 40 concrete positive experiences and qualities that everyone can use to improve the lives of youth. These are called Developmental Assets. The 40 Assets powerfully influence adolescent behavior by protecting young people from risky behavior and by promoting positive attitudes and choices. Created in 1990, the Asset framework is grounded in research based in on childhood and adolescent development, risk prevention and resiliency. Evidence-based research proves that the more assets that we develop in youth, the less likely they are to make harmful or unhealthy choices (i.e., alcohol use, drug use, violence, sexual activity and dropping-out of school). In addition, new studies across a wide range of students suggest that Developmental Assets play a significant role in academic achievement

This conference needs 30 volunteers to help make this a successful event that will greatly benefit hundreds of Houston area youth.

Description of Duties/Essential Functions:

·         Volunteers will have the opportunity to greet all conference participants and direct them to appropriate locations.

·         Volunteers will also facilitate workshop sessions during the conference that includes introducing speakers, and hand out / collect evaluations.

Conference Location, Times & Date:

 There are two different volunteer shifts:  1st Shift is from 7:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. the 2nd Shift is from 9:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The conference will take place at the University of Houston – Main Campus (4800 Calhoun Rd., Houston, TX 77004) and will be held on October 20, 2012. 

How to Sign-Up to be a Volunteer:

Easy!  Just call (832.393.0856) or e-mail (Michael.Webb@houstontx.gov) Michael Webb at the Mayor’s Office of Education Initiatives and he will submit your basic information to the conference’s volunteer coordinators.

Age:18+

 Training: No training will be necessary.  However, instructions will be given as volunteers arrive. 

 Contact: Michael Webb, Michael.Webb@houstontx.gov, (832) 393 – 0856