Idaho Youth Ranch Ambassador - Kootenai County

About Idaho Youth Ranch

Idaho Youth Ranch has been serving Idaho’s vulnerable youth since 1953. Through nine programs — from emergency shelter and residential psychiatric care to outpatient counseling, equine therapy, telehealth, job training, and adoption services — we unite for Idaho’s youth by providing accessible programs and services that nurture hope, healing, and resilience. Our 24+ thrift stores generate the revenue that ensures no child is ever turned away because of their family’s inability to pay. Ninety-six percent of our program graduates are working or in school. Eighty-six percent remain free of drugs and alcohol. Eighty-five percent report mostly positive relationships with family and peers.

The Opportunity

Idaho Youth Ranch is launching its first-ever Ambassador Program in Eastern and Northern Idaho — and we’re looking for community members who will carry our mission into neighborhoods, schools, faith communities, and civic organizations that our staff cannot reach alone.

As a Community Ambassador, you’ll be Idaho Youth Ranch’s face in your county. You’ll represent the organization at community events, share our story on social media, and — when appropriate — share your own connection to the mission. You’ll also help connect community members who need services with the programs that can change their lives. This is a high-impact, flexible volunteer role grounded in what the research shows: word of mouth from credible community voices is the leading source of new supporters across the U.S. nonprofit sector (AmeriCorps Office of Research and Evaluation).

What You’ll Do

Ambassadors work in three ways — in whatever blend fits their strengths:

• Community Presence: Table at events; give brief talks to service clubs, PTAs, and faith communities; engage neighbors about Idaho Youth Ranch programs.
• Digital Outreach: Share Idaho Youth Ranch content on your personal channels; create original posts; engage in online conversations about youth mental health.
• Storytelling: Share your personal connection to Idaho Youth Ranch at events and donor gatherings, when appropriate, under trauma-informed storytelling guidelines.

All Ambassadors also refer community members to Idaho Youth Ranch’s volunteer, donor, and intake contacts; complete brief after-event reports; and attend four quarterly convenings per year for training and peer connection.

Who We’re Looking For

• Genuine passion for Idaho’s vulnerable youth and their families
• Strong communication skills — comfortable in conversation; no professional background required
• Reliability and follow-through
• Interest in community outreach, digital engagement, or personal storytelling (or all three)
• Residents of Eastern or Northern Idaho pilot counties
• Spanish-speaking candidates strongly encouraged to apply
• 18 years of age or older; background check required

Time Commitment

Approximately 2 hours per month (flexible; some weeks more, some less). 1-year term, renewable. Onboarding training: approximately 4–6 hours in cohort sessions. Quarterly convenings: 4 per year, ≈2 hours each.

What You’ll Gain

• Onboarding training in community outreach, trauma-informed communication, and digital engagement
• A fully equipped Ambassador kit (name badge, branded materials, business cards, brochures)
• Membership in a peer Ambassador community and regular communications support
• Annual Volunteer Recognition Event and service-hour milestone certificates
• A letter of reference from Idaho Youth Ranch’s Chief Advancement Officer after a completed one-year term
• Priority access to Idaho Youth Ranch professional development and training opportunities
• Resume credit in nonprofit community outreach, volunteer coordination, and communications