Apply for the Hanover Youth Service Council!

The Hanover Youth Service Council, HYSC, is seeking membership applications for the 2023-2024 membership term. Rising 8th through 11th grade students who live in Hanover County and/or attend school in Hanover County are eligible to apply.

What is the Hanover Youth Service Council?

The Hanover Youth Service Council is a youth-led countywide organization consisting of middle and high school students dedicated to community service and leadership. HYSC members promote service and address needs within Hanover County and beyond by planning and conducting various service projects throughout the year. Previous projects have focused on animal welfare, mental health, needs of seniors, the environment, community building, poverty, and more. The organization is supported by the Hanover County Department of Community Resources.

Who should apply for HYSC?

Are you interested in creating change, serving your community and inspiring others through volunteerism? Any rising 8th through 11th grade student who currently lives or attends school in Hanover County is eligible to apply. The Council strives for representation from every middle and high school in Hanover County, as well as private and home school programs. The Council’s goal is to engage youth with diverse experiences and backgrounds.

What is the commitment?

Being a member of HYSC requires dedication and a time commitment. Members will have the opportunity to learn effective time management skills and how to balance their current obligations with the responsibilities that come with being a Council member. Members attend monthly meetings and complete at least 50 hours of service per year. Meetings are scheduled the first Monday of each month from 7-8 p.m. If the first Monday of the month is a school holiday, the meeting will be scheduled the second Tuesday from 7-8 p.m. Additional project dates and times will vary from month to month. In addition to Council projects, members are highly encouraged to develop and lead their own volunteer service projects.

How to apply?

Applications should be mailed, emailed, or dropped off to Morgan Lindsay, Youth Services Specialist for Hanover County’s Department of Community Resources by 5 p.m. on Friday, September 15. Applications are then screened and scored by the Membership Selection Committee, which is made up of current members of the Council. Personal information is removed from applications prior to screening, and middle school and high school students will be scored separately. Applications that score the most points are well-organized, communicate clearly and effectively address the points in each question.

How are new members selected?

The highest-scoring applicants are invited to interview for a place on the Hanover Youth Service Council. Candidates will be interviewed individually by a panel of current HYSC members. Applicants will also be vetted through activities designed to test leadership skills, passion for service, and teamwork. The interview process is intended to provide information about the HYSC experience from current members. All candidates must attend the interview to be considered for a spot on the council. All students offered a place on the Council must attend new member orientation on October 17. Once selected, as long as you are a member in good standing, your membership may be renewed every school year.

Application Materials

Applicants must submit signed copies of both the Hanover Youth Service Council Bylaws and the Hanover Youth Service Council Application, as well as two letters of recommendation.

Students selected for interviews will be sent additional forms, which must be signed and brought to the September 30 interview.

Important Dates for Fall 2023 HYSC Applications and Interviews

For additional questions or concerns, please contact Morgan Lindsay, Youth Services Specialist at [email protected] or 804-365-4180.