The YWCA Wheeling Youth Board was formed in 2016 with the goal of instilling leadership skills and values into today’s youth.   The Mission Statement is Girls Leading Our World in a safe and diverse manner.  The YWCA Wheeling Youth Board is a unique volunteer experience that offers teens the ability to create change. Each month, fifteen students from across the Ohio Valley meet to focus on learning everyday leadership skills, values and tools while engaging in community service activities and social solutions. This is an opportunity to make a direct impact on their peers by meeting with community leaders and assessing the needs of youth in our community.

During 2017, the Youth Board sponsored a Leadership Challenge Lock-In and a Leadership Challenge Retreat for middle school and high school teens.  They organized a Princess Tea fundraiser and assisted in various YWCA fundraisers (High Tea, Over the Edge, Tribute to Women, Arts & Culture Festival).  They had the opportunity to attend the United Nations Girl Up Leadership Summit in Washington D.C. and then went to Capitol Hill to lobby with West Virginia politicians for girls’ education rights.  During the Leadership Challenges the attendees tackle social issues that affecting the local teenage population.  A few issues they have addressed are: Self-Esteem and Self-Harm, Teen Dating Violence, Teen Homelessness, Diversity and Discrimination, and Peer Pressure and Bad Decisions.

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2022: Once pandemic restrictions loosen and it is safe to do so, the YWCA will be revamping this program and looking for Youth Board members passionate about the YWCA and our mission.