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The Ãå±±ÊÓƵ, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is excited to announce the formation of a National Youth Leadership Council, the first such initiative in the 100-year history of the organization.

The Youth Leadership Council will consist of 11 high school and college student volunteers between the ages of 16 and 22 with a shared passion for building a future of health and hope for everyone, everywhere. This student-led council will work with the Ãå±±ÊÓƵ team to elevate the voices of youth volunteers and provide input on emerging engagement strategies beginning with High School and College Heart Clubs.

As consultants to the Ãå±±ÊÓƵ on youth engagement strategies members will:

• Provide input to refine and shape youth volunteerism opportunities, fundraising strategies and Next Gen programs that will deepen teen and young adult engagement.
• Co-develop youth engagement opportunities that are fun, relevant, drive impact, and celebrate a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Co-develop and promote activities celebrating youth volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
• Establish a recognition process for outstanding youth volunteers.

As liaisons with Heart Clubs members will:

• Consult and provide direct support to Heart Clubs by leading orientations for new Heart Clubs and assisting in regular communication to Heart Clubs.
• Co-develop the “hook statement/why” for Heart Clubs to help generate interest and excitement.
• Consult on Heart Club experiences, trainings, webinars, and materials aligned with club pillars of leadership, impact, fundraising, and well-being.

• Be a minimum of 16 years old and a junior in high school, and a maximum of 22 years old and enrolled as a college/university undergraduate or graduate student.
• Be able to articulate a personal commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of peers and Ãå±±ÊÓƵ staff.
• Have prior leadership experience, including roles on school-based clubs and organizations.
• Have access to a phone or laptop and reliable internet for monthly one-hour virtual meetings during the school year.
• Have the ability to commit to a minimum of 3-4 hours of service per month during the school year.

• Council will have 9 general members and 2 co-leads.
• General members will serve a one-year term with an opportunity to reapply for two additional terms. General members can expect a time commitment of 3-4 hours per month.
• Co-leads will serve a two-year term, with a staggered roll-off. Co-leads will meet regularly with the Ãå±±ÊÓƵ liaison to plan and facilitate monthly council meetings and can expect a time commitment of 6-8 hours per month.
• The Council will serve from July to June each year.
• Meeting Cadence:
  • One-hour virtual meetings will be held monthly during the school year.
  • One annual full-day virtual convening.
  • Members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings and will be expected to watch recordings of meetings missed.

• Boost for college resumes and job applications.
• Exclusive access to a Leadership Development Program customized for Youth Leadership Council members. Working at your own pace, earn an Ãå±±ÊÓƵ Leadership Certificate through completion of online learning journeys featuring videos, readings and personal assessments. Potential opportunities to participate in speaking engagements and media opportunities arranged by the Ãå±±ÊÓƵ. Networking and peer connections.
• Opportunities to connect and meet with Ãå±±ÊÓƵ senior leadership.
• Opportunities for honors and recognition.
• Credit for community service/philanthropy hours.