We are excited to announce that Directing Change is currently accepting applications for our 2023-2024 Youth Council. The Directing Change Youth Council will support the Directing Change team by providing feedback on the program and serving as ambassadors for the program. Each term lasts for one school year, from September 2023 to June 2024. To apply, submit an application below by September 18th. Youth council members will be announced in late September.
Who can apply?
- Young people in grades 8-12, or in college (up to age 25)
- Must have participated in the Directing Change program at least once in the last 3 years
- Live in California
What are the responsibilities of a youth council member?
As a member of our youth council, you will have an opportunity to provide feedback about the program, help out with social media and other content, and act as an ambassador for the program.
Specifically, you will be asked to:
- Attend and participate in 3 virtual meetings this school year.
- Build leadership skills by contributing to at least one ambassador track:
- Marketing and Social Media (review and advise on social media strategies, create social media content, advise on promotional materials and ideas to engage more young people with the program)
- Outreach and Public Speaking (present and speak publicly about Directing Change in at least one community event, or at a meeting such as a PTA meeting, school board meetings, or to a local middle school or high school interested in participating in the program)
- Media and Messaging (learn about safe messaging and review recent films and television shows for our annual media awards and write up at least one review of how a film or show did in covering a mental health or suicide prevention storyline)
- Evaluation and Research (provide perspective on our current research studies, including design and data collection as well as interpretation of findings)
- Mental Health Advocacy (provide perspective and input on how to improve mental health services for young people)
Applicants will rank and apply for which track they are most interested in, and the Directing Change team will try to match council members with either their first or second choice.
- Judge one category in the annual film contest (March 2024) and one monthly Hope & Justice contest (various dates available).
- Provide feedback via email on specific program elements (as needed).
FAQ:
How many hours will I have to commit to the youth council?
We anticipate that the commitment is about 15 to 20 hours over the course of 9 months.
What are the benefits of serving on the Directing Change youth council?
By serving on our youth council you have an opportunity to develop leadership skills and ensure that the youth voice is at the forefront of the program. It will look great on your resume and college applications. But maybe most importantly, it provides you with an opportunity to make a difference by engaging more young people in conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
- Certificate of appreciation recognizing your term as a youth council member
- Letter of recommendation (if requested)
- Suicide Prevention 101 Training
- Community service hours, if requested and approved by your school
- Opportunities for career development and mentorship
- A $150 Amazon gift card
Can I still submit to the annual film contest or monthly contests?
Yes, youth council members are not excluded from submitting to the program.
How can I apply?
To apply, submit an application by September 18th here. Youth council members will be announced in late September 2023.
Questions?
For questions, please contact emma@directingchange.org
Thank you!
