Born This Way Foundation is excited to announce our search for the next cohort of our global Youth Advisory Board, and we’re honored to invite YOU to apply. Keep reading to learn more, and scroll to the bottom for the application form.

If you are a young person living anywhere around the world with a passion for mental health, we want to learn from you. You—the kind, aspirational, and ingenious young people we work with and for every day—are leaders making a substantial impact in communities around the globe. Or maybe you are a young person who is passionate about mental health in your community and searching for opportunities to get started! History shows that young people have been at the forefront of every major movement, and this rings especially true for our work in building a kinder and braver world. Your perspectives and ideas have always been at the heart of our work, and we’re honored to follow your lead as you pave the way for kindness, mental health, and inclusion. Wherever you are in the world – your voice is important, and we can’t wait to learn more about you! 

Our team of Youth Advisory Board members will play a pivotal role in the planning and execution of programs, campaigns, and projects core to our mission. These Youth Advisors will have the opportunity to be a part of Born This Way Foundation’s legacy and be ambassadors of our work in their communities and beyond.

Our work at Born This Way Foundation most frequently focuses on issues young people face between the ages of 15 and 24. This age range reflects some of the most pivotal moments in a young person’s life, and research shows that this time period is typically when mental health challenges arise. That’s why our Youth Advisory Board focuses on this age range to help build and guide our current and upcoming work.

We are seeking a representative, inclusive group of young leaders from around the world who:

• Demonstrate commitment and/or show deep interest in building a kinder, braver world.
• Seek to highlight and share mental health resources and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health.
• Are excited to help create and share innovative ideas for building community, online and offline.

If you believe you or someone you know is the right fit for this opportunity, we invite you to apply by filling out this Google Form application by the deadline of 11:59 pm ET on November 26, 2024.

Application Timeline

• October 22, 2024: The application window opens
• November 26, 2024: The application window closes
• Early December: Our team will reach out to finalist applicants who have been selected to move forward to the second round of the review process, which will include virtual interviews. January 6, 2025 – January 10, 2025: Born This Way Foundation staff will meet with finalist applicants virtually over Zoom individually so they have the opportunity to tell us more about themselves and their responses to application questions, understand the requirements, and ask questions about the program. The meeting will be 30 minutes. 
• January 27, 2025 – January 31, 2025: Applicants will be notified if they are selected for the 2025-2026 Youth Advisory Board cohort
• February 3, 2025: Official start of term for cohort 
• December 2026: Official end of term for cohort (final January date TBD)

Roles + Responsibilities: Monthly Time commitment is approximately 2 – 4 hours 

Deep Dive into Born This Way Foundation Programming: Jump into the work of Born This Way Foundation and our programs. You’ll start by experiencing our programs so you’re aware of the work we currently do!

• During year one, you’ll take the #BeKind365 pledge + Earn your Be There Certificate. 
• You’ll attend our Channel Kindness Storytellers Club program (two sessions each year, four for the term), but you’re welcome to attend more and possibly co-host a session later in your term!
• Each year, you’ll write or create pieces of content for Channel Kindness (two pieces each year, four total for the term), but we welcome you to create as many as you’d like!

Share Your Ideas with our Team: Sharing your experience as a young person in today’s world is critical to improving and building the future of the work of Born This Way Foundation. After experiencing our programs:

• You’ll participate in quarterly meetings with fellow Youth Advisors and members of our team (eight total for the term). During these sessions, you’ll be able to:
  • Learn about new initiatives and thoughtfully advise Born This Way Foundation on ways to improve the current programming and ensure it meets the diverse and evolving needs of young people. 
  • Have opportunities to work directly with Born This Way Foundation staff to review new initiatives and offer ideas, suggestions, and questions to help shape projects before launch.

Share Your Ideas with the World:

• You’ll receive opportunities to participate in occasional Born This Way Foundation-related virtual and/or in-person events or media opportunities as they arise.
• You’ll receive opportunities to share about the mission and programs of Born This Way Foundation via social media.
• Serve as an ambassador for our work and programs at BornThis Way Foundation. 
• As you become ambassadors for Born This Way Foundation, you can learn how to implement and amplify our programs and mental health resources in your community and beyond. 

Connect with Your Fellow Advisory Board Members:

• Over your term, you’ll connect with fellow global Youth Advisors during informal virtual team-building sessions or events with partners.

Requirements

• Be 15 – 24 years old (If under the age of 18, you must have parental/guardian consent to participate). Applicants must be 15 years old by Jan. 1, 2025, and applicants can be no older than 24 years old by Jan. 1, 2025. Due to the volume of applications, there can be no exceptions.
• Uphold Born This Way Foundation’s principles and demonstrate a commitment to promoting kindness, bravery, and mental wellbeing.
• Technology: Have access to a stable internet connection and be comfortable using Zoom for virtual meetings. 
• Language: fluency in the English language, as our communications are entirely in English.
• Agree to a twenty-four-month (2-year) term of service from the date of appointment.
• Be an avid communicator who can stay on top of deadlines and respond to emails promptly.

Recognition

• Advisory Board members are compensated $2,500 each year for their two-year term in recognition of their time and work with us ($5,000 for the entire term).
• Depending on region-specific media options and the time of year, you’ll have the opportunity to potentially discuss mental health and the work that Born This Way Foundation does with media outlets through interviews, phone calls, virtual panels, speaking opportunities, and more. 
• Born This Way Foundation will recognize each Youth Advisory Board member with additional perks as opportunities arise throughout the 2-year term.

If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact Mariah (she/her) at [email protected]. We look forward to reading your application!

Click here to apply now or visit: https://forms.gle/LnQBh2HVrZPJY1Ns6.