Refreshed: Inside Rainbow Youth's new-look drop-in centre Rainbow Youth is proud to reveal that renovations of its drop-in centre on K' Road is now complete. The LGBT youth network's members have commented regularly on the 'spaciousness' since the renovations were completed this week, says Rainbow Youth's Executive Director Tom Hamilton. This is all thanks to Karl Otto who helped to redesign the area to include a central area to run meetings from, an entertainment unit, re-lining of office walls and new shelving. Most of the renovations will enhance the space in the front part of the centre so the larger group numbers can fit into the centre more comfortably. Staff can be found in the back office, which feels tidier overall. It also means people can interact in the main area and privacy can be sought if needed. The centre is now wireless thanks to the generousity of webWise solutions. "If you want to hang out and work on your laptop you can ask staff for the username and password to log into the wireless network," says Hamilton. A small cost is involved - ask Rainbow Youth's staff at the centre for details. "A huge thank you goes out to the BNZ staff who assisted with repainting the centre during the Closed for Good campaign BNZ ran on 4 November 2009. The centre was packed with around 15 volunteers that day and they achieved their goal of a beautifully restored centre at the end of their regular working day, the young people who come to our centre are constantly commenting on how good it feels," says Hamilton. "Having a comfortable space for queer youth to be in is essential for the work we do at the centre." The board and staff would also like to thank those in the community who have volunteered throughout the renovations. "There was a lot of upheaval to achieve this new look," adds Hamilton. "I am grateful for the board, members and staff for their patience. "So for all those who thought we were moving or closing for good the good news is we are open and keeping on trucking!" Rainbow Youth's drop-in centre is open at 281 K' Road, Auckland, from 10am until 5pm, Monday to Friday. Rainbow Youth's Executive Board HIRING A NEW STAFF MEMBER Rainbow Youth is now seeking to hire a new part-time administrator through the Task Force Green project. The project specifies that applicants need to be currently receiving unemployment benefit to be eligible for the 30-hour a week fixed term position. "To be successful in this position you will have exceptional communication skills and the ability to work with young people," says Rainbow Youth's Executive Director Tom Hamilton. "It is preferred that the person has some experience with general office administrative duties such as basic accounting skills, general office administrative tasks, answering the phone, and assisting with projects or events," he adds. Contact Tom Hamilton for further information: thomas.hamilton@rainbowyouth.org.nz. SEEKING A NEW BOARD MEMBER Due to work commitments, recently one member of the Rainbow Youth board resigned, so the organisation's Chairperson would now like to invite interested potential new board members to contact her. "The board meet monthly for two hours as well as being involved in a yearly strategy meeting, community events, volunteer occasions and the chance to gain experience in working in the not for profit field," Reid explains. Rainbow Youth's Board is made up of people aged 27 or younger. "We're looking for someone who is a community player, a strong communicator and has a can-do attitude," adds Reid. "Experience on Executive Boards is not essential, as we would like to give as many young people the opportunity to develop skills they may not otherwise have opportunities to do so." Toni Reid can be contacted via email at chairperson@rainbowyouth.org.nz. Rainbow Youth - 5th December 2009