Youth Leadership Team

Join the Youth Leadership Team

The National Campaign is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 Youth Leadership Team. Applications must be submitted by June 22, 2009. Download the YLT Application Packet here.

The YLT is a select group of eight to twelve 14- to 17-year-olds from across the nation who work with The National Campaign in a variety of ways.  The YLT meets at least twice in Washington, DC during their 18-month term to help to shape Campaign policies, programs, and messages; receive training so that they can represent the Campaign to the press and media; work with organizations to raise awareness about teen pregnancy and its prevention in their communities; and give voice to the unique perspectives and opinions of teens.  In between meetings the teens are active in implementing prevention programs into their own communities and assisting the Campaign with such projects as The National Day to Prevent Teen Pregnancy.
           
We invite you to nominate any teens who you believe would make a positive contribution to the Youth Leadership Team.  Feel free to nominate teens directly or to forward our YLT Application Packet to an organization or individual that might want to nominate a teen.

Please refer to the information below and our Frequently Asked Questions page for further details about the YLT program.  Nominations for the upcoming YLT class are due no later than June 22, 2009.  Please make sure all four sections of the applications are filled out completely before sending.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact Michael Rosst at (202) 478-8507 or mrosst@thenc.org.

About the Youth Leadership Team

Created in 1998, the Youth Leadership Team (YLT) seeks to faithfully reflect the views of teens in The National Campaign’s work and give voice to their unique perspectives by getting them actively involved – both nationally and locally – in teen pregnancy prevention efforts. To date, 132 teens from 37 states and the District of Columbia have participated in five YLT classes. They come from communities large and small, urban and rural, from every geographic region of the nation, and from highly diverse backgrounds and viewpoints.

Each YLT class is recruited from national, state, and local youth-serving organizations, such as the 4-H Club, Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, Students Against Destructive Decisions, the Girl Scouts, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, the United Native Indian Tribal Youth Council, and others of similar caliber and reach.

The YLT typically meets twice over an 18-month period in Washington, DC. The National Campaign underwrites transportation, meals, and lodging associated with with YLT meetings.

Youth Leadership Team Activities

The YLT serves as the primary teen voice for The National Campaign. During their term, YLT members participate in a variety of activities that both promote teen pregnancy prevention and expand their own abilities as well. They receive media training to work with the press; we help them plan projects in their own communities to raise awareness of the issue; and we include them in many of our own activities as well, including media interviews, forums on Capitol Hill, and training for teens in various states and communities.

YLT members have been featured in media outlets nationwide, including the Associated Press, USA Today, Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Baltimore Sun, Washington Times, Los Angeles Times, Teen People, Scholastic Magazine, MTV, CNN, Channel One News, Court TV, and La Opinion (a Spanish-language newspaper) in stories related to both their personal experiences and to their YLT activities. Read articles starring member of the YLT.

YLT member have also helped to shape Campaign publications such as Thinking About the Right Nowand Talking Back: Ten Things Teens Want Parents to Know About Teen Pregnancy. The YLT was also instrumental in helping The National Campaign develop messages for our Stay Teen public service campaign.

Youth Leadership Team Candidate Requirements

Youth Leadership Team candidates must be:

• At least 14 years of age and younger than 18 years of age as of June 22, 2009.
• Nominated by an adult sponsor.
• Committed to working in their community on teen pregnancy prevention during and between YLT meetings.
• Able to participate in all YLT meetings and events and make the required commitment of time and energy.
• Able to travel at least twice over an 18-month period to attend YLT meetings in Washington, DC and other Campaign-sponsored events (Note: The first YLT meeting is expected to take place August 12-14, 2009. All members must attend.)
• Interested in talking to local and national media about the role of teens in teen pregnancy prevention.
• Willing to work respectfully with others.
  

We hope that you will nominate any teens that you believe would make a positive contribution to the Youth Leadership Team.  This is a unique, fun, and valuable learning experience, as well as an impressive addition to a college resume. If you have any questions, please contact Michael Rosst at 202-478-8507 or mrosst@thenc.org.