Use Your Skills Project

High SchoolMiddle School
Written By Dani MacGregor

A Leadership Opportunity with Speak Up for Kids

Welcome to the Use Your Skills project! This is your chance to create a meaningful project that helps foster kids while building leadership and project management skills. You’ll be able to use your talents to make a real impact!

Project Overview & Requirements:

• You will take the lead creating a project that should
• Align with Speak Up for Kids' mission and support one of our existing programs.
• Raise awareness about foster care.
• Be done individually or as a team: You can lead the project solo or recruit and manage volunteers.
• Meet all promotional and branding requirements: All materials must include the Speak Up for Kids logo and link to the website. Your project cannot be combined with an existing Chapter project.
• Be virtual if it involves direct interaction with foster youth.
• Follow the fundraising guidelines: If your project includes fundraising, Speak Up for Kids staff will provide instructions for donations.

Step 1: Name Your Project Every great project starts with an engaging and creative name that reflects its mission. Your project should have a name that is memorable, inspiring, and aligned with the work you're doing.

Some past project examples for inspiration:
• STEMinist – A STEM education initiative for foster youth.
• Gabi Q.’s Writing Workshop – A writing mentorship program.
• Music Buddies – A program connecting foster youth with music mentors.
• Gift-A-Birthday - A donation drive for birthday celebrations.
• Art Expressions - A virtual meetup to doodle/draw and learn about confidence.
• Storytime w/Santa’s Elves - Christmas stories read virtually by Santa’s Elves.
• Adopt-A-Graduate - Shower the graduates as they celebrate this big milestone.

Project Phases

  • Dream It
    • Identify your unique skills, talents, or passions and how they can be used to give back.
    • Consider what kind of impact you want to have on the foster care community.

  • Brainstorm It
    • Think about ways to use your skills to support Speak Up for Kids’ mission.
    • Discuss ideas with an Engagement Coach for feedback.
    • Decide whether your project will focus on awareness, education, support, or fundraising.
    • For project ideas and inspiration, visit our impact page.

  • Plan It
    • Define your project’s purpose and goals.
    • Choose a format (workshop, fundraiser, awareness campaign, donation drive, etc.).
    • Set a timeline and key milestones.
    • Identify any challenges or resources you may need.

  • Create It
    • Develop the necessary materials, curriculum, or content for your project.
    • Secure any resources, partnerships, or support.
    • If the project involves direct interaction with foster youth, plan it as a virtual event.

  • Promote It
    • Spread awareness through social media, email outreach, and word-of-mouth.
    • Design promotional materials that include the Speak Up for Kids logo and link back to our website.
    • Work with the Speak Up team to ensure branding and messaging align with our mission.

  • Recruit for It
    • If your project requires volunteers, build a team and assign roles and responsibilities.
    • Make sure all team members register through the GetConnected volunteer platform under the Use Your Skills Project category..

  • Brand It
    • Ensure that all materials reflect Speak Up for Kids branding and mission.
    • Use official logos and link all promotions back to the organization’s website or social media pages.

  • Launch It
    • Implement your project according to the plan.
    • Track your progress and make any changes as needed.
    • Collect feedback and document impact.

Next Steps

  1. Step 1: Register Your Project
    Sign up on the GetConnected volunteer platform under the Use Your Skills Project category.

  2. Step 2: Initial Call to Discuss Details
    Schedule a call with the Student Engagement Coordinator to outline your project.
    Discuss project purpose, goals, timeline, target audience, and logistical needs.

  3. Step 3: Approval Process
    Submit a project proposal via this form, which will go to the Student Engagement Coordinator for review.
    Include a summary of your project and key discussion points from your call.
    Wait for feedback and approval before moving forward. If you don’t hear back within 2 business days, please reach out again.

  4. Step 4: Communicate & Launch
    Stay in communication with the Student Engagement Coordinator.
    Provide regular updates and submit any required forms.

  5. Step 5: Complete, Deliver and Log Hours
    Once your project is finished, alert the Speak Up Team using this form.
    Follow up to coordinate delivery in a timely manner.
    Make sure all team members log their volunteer hours on GetConnected.

We Are Here to Support You Be creative and think outside the box. This is your chance to lead, innovate, and make a difference while gaining real-world project management experience. Your skills and ideas have the power to inspire change and leave a lasting impact on the foster care community. If you have any questions, reach out to the Speak Up for Kids team. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

Dani MacGregor

Web + Graphic Designer with 10+ years of non-profit and creative experience. I have a soft spot for pretty much every cause and charity. I admire all non-profits for their work in every issue and value their contribution in making the world a better place.

Through her blog “Thistle While You Work” this seasoned charity professional shares in-depth knowledge, skills and tricks to open your donors hearts and pockets. She has worked with every type of charity - religious, children, educational, medical, animal, conservation and human rights. Plus she has made over 70+ websites for non profits, thought leaders, authors and even the famously fun Hard Rock.

https://www.thecharitydesign.co
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