Innovation Lab Members Volunteer

Position: I'RAISE Innovation Lab Member Volunteer

Organization: I'RAISE Girls & Boys International Corporation

Open Spots: Eight (8)

Location: Remote (with potential for in-person collaboration, depending on projects)

Commitment: Twice a month, 1 hour commitment

Expertise: Mental Health, Public Health, Medicine, Tech, AI, Public Policy, Education, Higher Education. Finance, Equity, media relations, PR, etc.

About I'RAISE:

I'RAISE Girls & Boys International Corporation, founded in 2012 in the heart of the North Bronx, began as a mentorship program aimed at at-risk female youth living in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) facilities. With the visionary leadership of CEO Shanequa Moore, the organization expanded its impact, moving from a mentorship focus to addressing the critical need for mental health support for youth in public schools.

Today, I'RAISE is committed to fostering resilience, promoting well-being, and empowering youth through culturally responsive programs and advocacy for equity in mental healthcare. Through its work, I'RAISE is creating lasting social change for vulnerable children and families.

I'RAISE Innovation Lab Overview:

The I'RAISE Innovation Lab serves as a dynamic incubator for strategy, innovation, and creative project execution, aiming to enhance the organization's impact in the fields of education and youth development. The Lab is designed to foster collaboration among strategic thinkers, researchers, and innovators to develop groundbreaking solutions that address the needs of underserved youth.

Position Overview:

As a Member of the I'RAISE Innovation Lab, you will have the opportunity to contribute to strategic planning and innovative projects that can drive transformative change in youth development. You will collaborate with a diverse team to develop solutions, conduct research, and implement creative initiatives that align with I'RAISE’s mission.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Planners

   1. Contribute to the development of long-term plans and strategic frameworks aligned with I'RAISE’s mission.

   2. Participate in conducting SWOT analyses to evaluate the organization’s current standing and opportunities for growth.

   3. Assist in facilitating stakeholder engagement and consensus-building sessions to ensure strategic alignment across the team.

2. Innovators & Creative Project Leads

   1. Brainstorm and prototype innovative solutions to address current challenges in education and youth development.

   2. Design and implement pilot projects that align with I'RAISE’s core values and mission.

   3. Evaluate and refine these projects, measuring their effectiveness and scalability for future implementation.

3. Researchers & Analysts

   1. Conduct research on educational trends, policies, and best practices to inform I'RAISE’s decision-making.

   2. Analyze data and provide actionable insights that will guide the Lab’s projects and strategies.

   3. Publish research findings and communicate insights to stakeholders, supporting the growth and impact of I'RAISE’s initiatives.

4. Collaboration & Partnership Managers

   1. Foster relationships with educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry leaders to expand I'RAISE’s network and partnerships.

   2. Serve as a liaison to external experts and advisors, gathering insights and mentorship for ongoing projects.

   3. Manage collaboration agreements and ensure successful execution of joint initiatives.

5. Execution & Operations Team

   1. Develop operational plans for executing Lab projects, ensuring all activities align with I'RAISE’s objectives and timeline.

   2. Monitor project metrics and report progress to senior staff, making adjustments as needed to optimize project outcomes.

   3. Maintain effective project tracking systems and ensure compliance with I'RAISE’s standards and best practices.

Best Practice Model Development:

•  Multidisciplinary Approach: 

  • Work alongside a diverse team of experts in education, policy, social innovation, and technology to develop impactful solutions.

• Agile Methodology: 

  • Use agile project management techniques to quickly iterate, adapt, and refine ideas based on real-time feedback and evaluation.

• Collaborative Environment: 

  • Participate in a highly collaborative space where creativity and teamwork thrive, and all ideas are valued.

• Impact Measurement: 

  • Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of initiatives, ensuring projects deliver real-world impact.

• Resource Hub Development: 

  • Contribute to building a knowledge-sharing platform with resources, toolkits, and case studies to support ongoing innovation.

Implementation Steps:

1. Define Structure: Outline the organizational structure and decision-making process of the think tank.

2. Recruit Talent: Identify and recruit visionary leaders, thinkers, and innovators with aligned values.

3. Set Up Infrastructure: Establish physical and virtual spaces conducive to collaboration and creativity.

4. Launch Initiatives: Begin with pilot projects to test ideas and strategies.

5. Evaluate and Adapt: Gather feedback, assess effectiveness, and refine approaches continuously.

Who Can Apply?

We are looking for volunteers who are passionate about driving innovation and change in education and youth development. 

Qualifications 

• Must have expertise in one of the following fields: Mental Health, Public Health, Medicine, Tech, AI, Public Policy, Education, Higher Education. Finance, Equity, media relations, PR, etc.

• Experience or a strong interest in education, policy, social innovation, or nonprofit leadership.

• A commitment to strategic thinking, collaboration, and creativity in tackling complex social challenges.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of a remote team.

• A passion for youth development and a desire to make a positive, lasting impact on communities.

By establishing the I’RAISE Innovation Lab, the organization can effectively leverage innovation and strategic planning to further its mission and expand its influence in youth development and education.

To apply please fill out the volunteer application form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeCtL5eLGIz5xaD6xBg2jFXioiKM_eTreQ6L5aHu-tv0TAOAQ/viewform