NYLC Announces 2011-12 Youth Advisory Council Members

Fourteen youth ages 14-18 from across the United States have been selected to serve on the National Youth Leadership Council’s Youth Advisory Council. This group of diverse young people will serve on and lead committees throughout the year, gaining valuable experience in public speaking, workshop facilitation, and project management, as well as take leadership on important issues such as the achievement gap.

“The Youth Advisory Council members are the soul behind NYLC. They keep us real; they keep us honest; and they keep our work authentically connected to our mission,” said Amanda Larson, NYLC’s Professional Development Manager, Youth Initiatives Lead. “They are the ones most immersed in the school experience and help guide our understanding of what works in the classroom, and what works in igniting action on pressing social issues.“

Currently, youth who attend the National Youth Leadership Training in the summer are invited to apply for a spot on the YAC. Members must commit to a one-year term, during which they implement their own service-learning action plan in their home communities, as well as serve on one of three committees that directly support the work of NYLC: Professional Development, Conference and Events, and Communications. These committees are led by YAC mentors who are returning members with at least one-year of experience as a member.

“This year will definitely be a challenge … I am prepared to take the extra step as a mentor to provide a lending hand and serve as a leading example,” said Molly Messner, YAC mentor.

Each member was selected, in part, by their responses to questions posed during a formal interview process where candidates shared their definitions for “service-learning” and “the achievement gap,” and what personal goals they would set for themselves should they become a member.

“This experience would strengthen my confidence in public speaking, my creativity, and sharpen my problem solving capabilities,” said Zach Certer, a new YAC member, in response to why he decided to apply for the YAC. “Being approached with a problem is one thing; being able to organize and tackle the issue with a realistic and genuine solution is another.”

The first meeting for all new members will be a conference call on October 9. A kick-off retreat will take place on November 11-13 in Minneapolis, Minn. during which members will dig deeper into committee work plans, collaborate on assignments, and build cohesion among their team to be able to better work together for the remainder of the year.

NYLC’s Youth Advisory Council is overseen by Amanda Larson, who is available to facilitate trainings on a contractual basis. Contact Amanda at alarson@nylc.org or 651-999-7362 to learn more.