Meryem plans to attend this coming Tuesday’s board meeting. Remember – voting for board members happens at face to face meetings – so no responses are needed – unless you have questions.

Name: Meryem Kugzruk

Mailing Address: 4231 Rosebud Lane, Fairbanks, AK 99709
Email Address: bluebells.kugzruk14@gmail.com
Home phone: (907)452-8283
Cell phone: (907)460-4243

1. We use email or our board website for most of our business. Will accessibility or technological ability be a problem for you?

No, that won’t be a problem. While I don’t check my email as often in the summer, during the school year I check it every day at least once. If I am to be on the board, I will make sure I am accessible on the website and my email more frequently. I am also easily accessible on Facebook or by phone.

2. Have you read and can you agree with the Bylaws as written? As well as our Board Member Responsibilities, Code of Ethics, and Job Descriptions?

I have carefully read all of the Bylaws and Board Member Responsibilities, Code of Ethics and Job Descriptions. I agree with both documents as written, and would gladly serve to do my best in caring out my job as a board member as effectively as possible with these all in mind.

3. Why are you interested in serving on the board of Fairbanks Youth Advocates?

There are several reasons why I am interested in serving on the board. First of all, I am very excited about what the shelter will be able to do in providing a safe environment for the youth in Fairbanks, and want to be a part of making it happen. I am also glad that there will be a large Christian influence, and hope that I can help share God’s love to the youth that come to the Door, as well as making sure they are being well-cared for during their stay. I think that by being on the board, I would have a lot more resources to bring to my high school for youth who might need help. I have a lot of compassion for young people, and I know that being on the board will provide opportunities for me to volunteer and talk with the youth that are there. I also think it would be a good experience for me, to see what it is like to be on a board and how a corporation such as this works. I know I would learn a lot about financing and business and how it is handled in a non-profit organization. Another reason is because I know several of the people on the board, whom I would love to work with and get along very well.

4. What is your professional experience with leadership and/or your accomplishments in business, government, philanthropy, or the nonprofit sector:

While I do not have as much professional experience or accomplishments as the others on the board, I have a deep desire to learn how to be a good leader in all of those areas. Most of my experience has been through working at West Valley High school, where I will be a senior this year. For the past three years I have been the Band Librarian for the West Valley Bands, and have served three years as a band officer under my band teacher Mrs. Weitgrefe, which entails organizing fundraisers and inspiring the bands to play better. I also was in Key Club for two years, my sophomore and junior year, which is a volunteer and leadership organization for high school students. This past spring, I was admitted into the National Honor Society, which is also a volunteer and leadership organization, but for seniors who have shown good scholarship and character. This next year I will be co-leading Christ Centered Youth, a Christian club at West Valley High school. I also will be a mentor this year in West Valley’s new mentorship program for incoming freshman.

5.  Briefly outline your volunteer service for other organizations:

I haven’t done a lot of consistent or steady volunteer service for other organizations, but I have done a lot of brief volunteering. In 2009, I volunteered at the UAF museum for a couple days a week during the summer. My job was to help visitors at the museum feel comfortable, as well as show them around the various exhibits and give provide helpful information. As a Key Club member, I helped out passing phone books around town, did some work at the Food Bank, and did various fundraisers. I also have done a lot of volunteering for the West Valley Bands, with different fundraisers and music events. At my church, Door of Hope, I have been helping teach Sunday school and working in the nursery about once a month for several years.

6. What are some specific skills and strengths that you can bring to the Board?

A strength that I have is communication well with others. I am very patient and a good listener. A specific skill that I have is that I take thorough and organized notes. I love organizing, whether it’s from files of paper to fundraiser events. I am not afraid to say what I think, but I am careful about speaking my mind with a loving heart toward others. I am very conscientious, and compassionate. I am flexible and work well with others in groups.

7. Please submit the names of 2 references that we may contact:

Name: Shane Hopkins        phone: (907)699-1044

Name: Leisl Weitgrefe       phone: (907)590-5750