Daniel Ranson

I play a key role in the development and execution of outreach strategies designed to engage youth from the South and West sides of Chicago. In this capacity, I support the Youth Advisory Board, facilitate youth activities, and collaborate with various stakeholders on violence prevention initiatives aimed at creating safer, stronger communities.

Additionally, I contribute to enhancing ITAV's volunteer management system to ensure the effective recruitment, training, and engagement of volunteers. This includes creating volunteer manuals and curricula, designing tracking systems to monitor volunteer hours and measure impact, and overseeing service projects that align with the organization’s external affairs initiatives. My efforts are geared toward strengthening ITAV's ability to deliver impactful services through the power of volunteer engagement.

During my 1.5 years of dedicated service at Mikva Challenge, I have developed a deep passion for student advocacy and leadership. This role has allowed me to apply my skills in networking and community-building, enabling me to forge meaningful connections and empower my peers to take action.

My core competencies include:

• Mobilizing student initiatives: I have successfully led efforts to engage students in advocacy, ensuring their voices are heard on critical issues.
• Amplifying youth voices: Through various programs and platforms, I have worked to elevate the perspectives of young people in discussions that matter most to them.
• Policy review and advocacy: I have reviewed policies within the education system, identifying areas for improvement and meeting with stakeholders to discuss potential changes.
• Event planning and leadership: I have organized and facilitated youth-led events, including town halls and roundtables, which serve as platforms for discussing pressing issues and driving change.

Through these efforts, I have gained invaluable experience in leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, all while remaining committed to empowering students to be active participants in shaping their communities.