The UNICEF USA National Youth Council is a group of young leaders ages 14-24 who work closely with UNICEF staff, to elevate the voices and perspectives of young people and advance child rights at a national capacity. In this role, members support the club and volunteer network, advocate for policy change, and bring youth voices into spaces where they are typically excluded. The Council also works internally with staff and leadership to bring youth voice to UUSA’s culture, strategy and operations.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• ELEVATE YOUTH VOICE: Council Members are called upon throughout the year to represent UNICEF USA and elevate youth voices and perspectives by speaking at events and meetings locally and nationally. They also create social content for UUSA’s social media channels.
• SUPPORT YOUTH & VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS: Council members provide feedback and insight on current trends in engaging young people in social justice work. Partnering with staff and UUSA leadership, Council members will inform strategic initiatives and campaigns.
• EDUCATE AND MOTIVATE: Lead issue-specific projects to educate and inform youth, volunteers and staff on topics important to young people and UNICEF’s work. Amplify youth voice through media and write thought pieces on issues relevant to youth.
• BUILD COMMUNITY: build relationships with each other, our Youth Representatives, UNICEF Clubs, support the management of the Slack community, and host digital conversations with students.
COMMITMENT:
• Commit to serve a one-year term from August 1, 2024 to May 30, 2025 o Council members that are interested in serving more than one term are highly encouraged to re-apply
- Spend between 3-5 hours per week working on Council related projects, meetings, trainings and activities • Spearhead youth engagement initiatives, and thrive working on well-organized and selfmotivated teams • Attendance is required for weekly meetings happening on Tuesdays, 7:30-8:30PM EST
- • Attend and participate in in-person and virtual gatherings/trainings with the entire Council. (Note: UNICEF USA will cover cost of all travel and lodging of you and a chaperone (if applicable) for any in-person activities).
Trainings and events: o Summer Training o For the month of August, National Youth Council members must be available for onboarding virtual training during the following times:- ▪ Wednesday, August 7 @ 7:30-8:30PM EST
▪ Saturday, August 17 @ 12-4PM EST
▪ Sunday, August 18 @ 12-4PM EST ▪ Tuesday, August 27 @ 7:30-8:30PM EST o Fall Training o For the month of November, National Youth Council members must be available for an in-person training during the following days:
▪ Wednesday, October 23rd-Sunday, October 27th
Requirements
- All applicants must be between the ages of 14-24 and live in the US during their term. (Students studying abroad at any point during the term are not eligible to participate)
• Interest in community organizing, advocacy and youth-led action.
• Interest in building skills in public speaking, advocating and organizing. - Can meet the time commitment, expectations and be a reliable member of the Council.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion
• Members will need reliable access to the internet and a device to participate in virtual meetings.
Benefits
BENEFITS
• Gain practical skills in volunteer organizing, civic engagement, communications and advocacy
• Be part of a team with a diverse array of skills and passions that helps drive measurable improvements in child well-being • Build connections with leaders around the country who are passionate about advancing child rights.
• Learn from and exchange with UNICEF USA staff and expert guest speakers
• Gain opportunities to be nominated for special service awards and accrue volunteer hours
• Stipend of $1000 will be provided to each member
For more information, please take a look at the Job Description
If you have any comments or questions, feel free to contact volunteer@unicefusa.org with the subject line “National Youth Council 24-25”
More Info: UNICEF USA National Youth Council Volunteer Position
