Closing date: Friday 13 June 2025
Are you the next superstar to join the board of Young Workers Resource Centre?
Who is Young Workers Resource Centre (YWRC)?
In Aotearoa, young workers face a challenging and precarious labor market, often unaware of their rights. YWRC is a non profit organisation dedicated to changing that! Through engaging workshops and providing guidance and representation, we empower young individuals with the knowledge they need to navigate their employment relationships confidently.
With over 30 years of experience, our youth-led organization promotes education from a pro-union perspective, leading to proactive behaviors that improve workplace culture, productivity, and overall well-being. We’re on a mission to combat the exploitation of young workers by providing essential resources, guidance and support, as well as educating youth about the importance of union membership.
What are we looking for?
The past 12 months have tested us all, especially those in the non-profit sector. Life’s been busy and our board, once full, has seen many departures due to a lack of capacity. YWRC are eager to fill those seats with individuals who are as passionate about supporting young workers as we are. We believe in the boundless potential of all youth and see our work as crucial to their success. We’re committed to not only maintaining our current services, but to growing them. If you share our dedication to youth empowerment, we encourage you to apply to join our governance board and support our mahi.
We’re on the lookout for engaged and passionate individuals ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This year YWRC’s current strategic plan expires and we’re facing some big challenges. The board will need to be committed to undertaking the mahi required to ensure our organisation thrives.
It’s crucial that you appreciate the significance of Te Tiriti and respect for everyone’s unique backgrounds. It would be fantastic if you’re familiar with the non-profit or community sector, or if you’ve spent time on a governance board. If not, don’t worry – if you’re the right fit for us, we’re more than ready to help you learn. We’re particularly keen to find people who are pro-active and know their way around Employment Relations, governance documents, policy writing, strategic planning, fundraising, alternative funding streams, and/or minority communities.
What is expected if you join the YWRC Board?
Each month, we come together on the second Tuesday for a two-hour team meeting. Weekly, you’ll be spending around 15-30 minutes catching up on emails. If you’re part of any project sub-committees, you’ll need to be available to attend those meetings too. And let’s not forget our AGM and social events – they’re a chance for all our team, both staff and board members, to connect face-to-face. We also ask that people to commit to joining the board for a minimum of 2 years.
Your participation on the board is crucial to the survival of YWRC. This year vital mahi includes diversifying our funding streams, maintaining our growth, ensuring we are meeting the legislative requirements for being an incorporated society, updating our governance documents and strategic planning for the next five years. We need people who have the time and capacity to commit to undertaking this mahi and that will be reliable and communicative.
What’s in it for you?
Think of the young workers you know. Have they struggled with issues like unpaid wages, erratic schedules, or tough bosses?
With the job market becoming more unpredictable and tough to navigate, our mission is more crucial than ever. By joining our board, you’re not only contributing to our critical work, you’re also making a difference in the lives of young workers. Plus, you’ll become part of our warm and supportive family. We put people and wellbeing first, a rarity in today’s workforce.
As a board member, you’ll take part in annual governance training, and we’ll arrange training in required areas when needed. If you’re the right fit but lack certain skills, we’re willing to invest in training and mentoring to help you fulfill your commitment to YWRC.
Gain experience not only being on a board, but being part of an organisation that embodies a for youth, by youth, with youth kaupapa. Rangatahi are our future and the knowledge you will gain around how best to engage and connect with youth will be invaluable through all aspects of your mahi.
Think this could be the opportunity for you?
If you are one of the engaged and passionate individuals we are looking for and you can commit to the time required for this role, please follow this link and register your interest:
If you have any questions or would like further information feel free to reach out to Caitlin Wilson, General Manager at manager@ywrc.org.nz or Arnold Andrews, Chairperson at arnoldandrews02@gmail.com
Contact person: Caitlin Wilson