Become a YCI Crew Member
We welcome individuals who are passionate about making a difference through art, service, and creative leadership. To get involved with the YCI Crew, please complete the brief registration form below.
Young Creators Initiative (YCI) is a nonprofit organization powered by generous member donations. These contributions directly support community mural projects, art kit donations, and youth-led programs that foster leadership and creativity.
A set member donation is suggested to help cover project costs, and donation receipts are available upon request.
While participation typically requires a donation, we are committed to accessibility. Each year, a limited number of youth may request a full or partial fee waiver based on financial need.
We look forward to creating with you!
About YCI Crew
YCI Crew is an art-based nonprofit program in Rancho Palos Verdes, dedicated to empowering students from 6th to 12th grade through meaningful volunteer and leadership opportunities.
Through creative projects, members are encouraged to express themselves, explore the creative process, and experience the joy and fulfillment that come from completing purposeful work.
YCI Crew fosters deeper connections with the community, meaningful friendships among teammates, and a strong sense of civic responsibility.
Because our projects are professionally executed and designed to leave a lasting impact—especially through permanent artwork at public schools—all members are expected to serve with a high level of responsibility, dedication, and purpose.
What We Do
Our most celebrated work is our mural projects.
Most murals take place mainly during the summer, when the weather allows for large-scale outdoor work.
During the spring and fall—when rain may be a factor—we focus on indoor activities such as supporting local senior centers, creating art kits, and fundraising through the creation and sale of original artwork, including custom-designed items and member-created paintings.
We also participate in our international Tanzania Art Exchange program, connecting youth through art across the globe.
Service Level Structure
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Levels are assigned by the director based on participation, skill, and attention to detail.
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Levels may be adjusted twice a year: in April and October 1, or as needed.
How to Become a YCI Crew Member
Complete the Membership Application Form
Fill out the online membership form to share your interests, goals, and passion for creativity and community service.
Schedule an Interview
After reviewing your application, we will contact you to schedule an interview with both the student applicant and their parent(s)/guardian(s).
Participate in the Interview
The interview will include a joint conversation with the student and parents together, as well as brief individual discussions. This helps us ensure that the student is personally motivated and that the family supports the spirit of YCI Crew.
Receive Final Approval
Following a successful interview, you will receive a confirmation email to officially join the YCI Crew!
At YCI Crew, we value passion, creativity, leadership, and a genuine desire to make a difference. We welcome students who are excited to grow, serve, and inspire alongside our community.
Leadership Opportunities
YCI Crew places a strong emphasis on nurturing leadership skills in teens. Members have the chance to take on various officer roles, serve on the governing board, and plan monthly meetings and community service events. Additionally, they can collaborate on mural art designs and see their work displayed as part of community murals, creating a lasting impact on their surroundings.
YCI Youth Leader Structure
Meetings and Participation
YCI Crew members are required to attend monthly meetings and participate in volunteer activities. Meetings are typically held via Zoom for convenience.
For mural projects, members must participate at least three times per year. Students in 7th grade or below must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for their first three sessions.
All volunteer activities are assigned based on each member’s level.
This system not only helps maintain the quality and efficiency of our projects,
but also ensures the safety and protection of vulnerable groups such as seniors and young children,
as YCI regularly serves at senior centers and children’s hospitals.
We prioritize placing members in roles that match their readiness and level of responsibility.
For art kit donation projects supporting nursing homes and children's hospitals, members can volunteer by packing kits at the studio or picking up materials to assemble at home. For projects where members personally deliver the kits and assist recipients with art activities, participation is required at least every other session.
As a student-led organization, all meetings are planned and facilitated by the President in collaboration with the YCI Advisory Committee.
Volunteer Hours and Awards
YCI Crew members are required to complete at least 50 hours of volunteer service annually, measured from April through the following March. Through this, members gain valuable volunteer experience and have the opportunity to earn official volunteer awards that recognize their dedication and contributions to the community.
🏅 President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) - Temporarily Paused by AmeriCorps
We are an official Certifying Organization for the President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA); however, the program is currently temporarily paused by AmeriCorps.
As of May 27, 2025, the President’s Volunteer Service Award program has been temporarily paused by AmeriCorps, the federal agency that oversees the award.
While our organization remains an approved Certifying Organization, we are currently unable to process award requests until the national program resumes.
We encourage volunteers to continue tracking their hours, as retroactive awards may be available once the program restarts.
🏅 YCI Distinguished Service Award (YCISA)
The YCI Distinguished Service Award honors members who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to community service through their involvement with Youth Creative Initiative (YCI). This award acknowledges individuals who have contributed significant time and effort to YCI’s mission of fostering creativity and service among youth.
Award Tiers:
• Gold Tier: Awarded to members who have completed 100 or more verified service hours.
• Silver Tier: Awarded to members who have completed 50 or more verified service hours.
This recognition is open to all YCI participants, regardless of citizenship or residency status, ensuring that every member’s commitment to service is valued and celebrated. This award is based on the total volunteer hours accumulated from April through the end of the following March, and is presented annually in April.
How YCI Supports Volunteers Guidance & Mentorship
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Helping members strategically plan their volunteer activities to qualify for multiple awards.
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Volunteer Opportunities: Providing service projects that align with the Congressional Award, and PVSA criteria.
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Tracking & Certification: Assisting in logging hours and submitting official applications for awards.
Through YCI activities, members not only experience the value of service but also work toward greater personal achievement, gaining recognition for their hard work and dedication.
New Members
YCI hosts an orientation session every February to welcome and recruit new members.
Applications are accepted through March, and volunteer activities for new members begin in April.
Mid-year enrollment is allowed; however, membership fees remain the same regardless of the time of enrollment and are not prorated.
Please note that there are no exceptions for awards eligibility—members who join late and do not complete the required volunteer hours will not qualify for awards.
All volunteer hours are counted from April through the end of March each year and cannot be carried over to the following year.
Commitment to Mural Projects
YCI Crew members are required to participate in at least three mural projects per year, with a guardian accompanying them for each session. Additionally, they must complete a minimum of 30 hours annually in mural projects.
Mural projects will feature designs created by youth leaders or selected works from emerging artists outside the organization. Members will have the opportunity to collaborate creatively, contribute to the transformation of public spaces, and experience firsthand how their efforts leave a meaningful impact on the community.