Young professionals who are passionate about creating meaningful change now have an exciting opportunity to contribute to a mission-driven organization dedicated to kindness, empathy, and youth leadership. The Riley’s Way Foundation Junior Board 2026 is seeking dynamic and committed young leaders from the tristate area who are eager to support youth-led social impact initiatives while developing their own leadership, fundraising, and community engagement skills.

This inaugural Junior Board represents a unique chance for emerging professionals to become ambassadors of positive change, helping Riley’s Way Foundation expand its impact and empower young changemakers across local, national, and global communities.

About Riley’s Way Foundation

Riley’s Way Foundation is a nonprofit organization that brings together passionate young changemakers between the ages of 13 and 23 who are committed to making their communities better and kinder places.

Through its leadership development programs, Riley’s Way helps young people transform ideas into meaningful action. The organization supports youth leaders through initiatives such as:

The Call For Kindness Fellowship
School-based Clubs
Youth Leadership Retreats

At the heart of Riley’s Way is the belief that empathy and kindness are essential leadership qualities. While traditional leadership programs often focus on technical skills and achievement, Riley’s Way emphasizes compassion, community engagement, and social impact.

Over the years, the organization has reached thousands of people through youth-led initiatives, demonstrating that kindness can be a powerful force for change.

What Is the Riley’s Way Junior Board?

The Riley’s Way Junior Board is a newly established leadership and fundraising body designed for young professionals aged 21 and above who want to support the organization’s mission.

Board members will play an active role in:

Advancing Riley’s Way’s mission
Supporting youth leadership programs
Strengthening fundraising efforts
Increasing community engagement
Serving as ambassadors for the organization

The Junior Board offers participants the opportunity to work alongside other passionate professionals while contributing to initiatives that empower young leaders to create positive social change.

Benefits of Joining the Riley’s Way Junior Board

Serving on the Junior Board provides numerous personal and professional benefits.

1. Leadership Development

Members gain practical leadership experience through:

Strategic engagement
Event planning
Community outreach
Nonprofit advocacy
Team collaboration

2. Professional Networking

Participants will connect with:

Fellow young professionals
Nonprofit leaders
Community advocates
Philanthropic partners
Youth development experts

3. Fundraising Experience

Board members will strengthen valuable fundraising skills through:

Event organization
Donor engagement
Campaign promotion
Community mobilization
Relationship building

4. Meaningful Community Impact

Members directly contribute to programs that empower young people to become leaders and changemakers in their communities.

5. Ambassador Opportunities

Junior Board members become representatives of Riley’s Way, helping spread awareness about the importance of kindness, empathy, and youth leadership.

6. Volunteer Engagement

Participants will have opportunities to volunteer and actively support Riley’s Way programs and events throughout their term.

Junior Board Responsibilities

Selected members will be expected to fulfill several commitments during their service.

Term Length

Serve a two-year term
Possibility of extension beyond the initial term

Monthly Commitment

Approximately two hours per month

Meetings

Members are expected to:

Participate in orientation sessions
Attend quarterly in-person meetings
Travel to New York City for meetings and events

Fundraising Requirements

Each member must:

Fulfill a minimum annual Give/Get contribution of $1,000
Host one fundraising event annually
Support additional Riley’s Way fundraising activities and events

Community Representation

Members will:

Act as Riley’s Way ambassadors
Promote organizational initiatives
Engage with community stakeholders
Advocate for youth leadership and kindness-centered change

Volunteer Participation

Board members are encouraged to actively volunteer and support organizational programming.

Application Requirements

Applicants will be asked to provide personal and professional information, including:

Contact information
Age and birthday
State and city of residence
Resume or curriculum vitae (CV)
LinkedIn profile

Applicants will also complete several short-answer questions designed to assess their leadership experience, commitment to kindness, fundraising potential, and interest in supporting Riley’s Way’s mission.

Key topics covered in the application include:

Motivation for joining the Junior Board
Understanding of kind leadership
Leadership experiences
Fundraising and community mobilization experience
Ability to attend in-person meetings in New York City
Previous participation in Riley’s Way programs (if applicable)

Applicants who have not previously participated in Riley’s Way programs are still encouraged to apply.

What Makes a Strong Applicant?

Competitive candidates will likely demonstrate:

Commitment to community service
Passion for youth empowerment
Strong communication skills
Leadership experience
Interest in nonprofit work
Fundraising or community engagement experience
Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse teams
Dedication to advancing kindness and empathy in leadership

Why This Opportunity Matters

Many nonprofit boards require years of experience before individuals can contribute at a leadership level. The Riley’s Way Junior Board creates a valuable pathway for emerging professionals to gain firsthand experience in nonprofit leadership while supporting programs that inspire the next generation of changemakers.

By joining the Junior Board, participants become part of a movement that recognizes kindness and empathy not as soft skills, but as essential qualities for effective leadership and sustainable social impact.

For young professionals seeking to grow their leadership abilities while making a meaningful difference, this opportunity offers a powerful platform to contribute, learn, and lead.

Application Information

Interested applicants should complete the Riley’s Way Junior Board 2026 application and prepare all required materials, including a resume/CV and LinkedIn profile.

For questions or additional information, applicants may contact:

Kate Sinclair
Email: ksinclair@rileysandler.org

APPLY HERE