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HRC Foundation’s Youth Ambassador Program
Produced by the
HRC Foundation
The Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s Youth Ambassadors program provides a leadership opportunity to LGBTQ+ young advocates who are interested in helping raise awareness of HRC efforts to improve the lives of LGBTQ+ youth at home, at school, at work, and beyond.
As Youth Ambassadors, these LGBTQ+ advocates will represent the HRC Foundation, adding their voices and experiences to raise awareness about the most pressing concerns facing LGBTQ+ youth as well as amplifying the Foundation programs that promote well-being for LGBTQ+ youth including:
- All Children - All Families
- Welcoming Schools
- Project THRIVE
- Annual Time to THRIVE convenings
What to expect as a Youth Ambassador...
To serve as an HRC Foundation Youth Ambassador, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:
Be between the ages of 13-21 years old at the time of your application
Please note, if you are under 18, you must have a legal parent or guardian permission and support to participate as a Youth Ambassador
Live in the United States of America and plan to stay primarily in the country for your two-years of service as a Youth Ambassador
Identify as LGBTQ+ and be comfortable publicly sharing your identity including discussing your identities on social media
For those in the 2024-25 cohort, you must be available and willing to travel to the DC area (all travel costs will be covered) to participate in HRC's Equality In Action convention currently projected for April 24-26 2025.
The Youth Well-Being Team is excited to announce that this year's submission process will follow a theme! HRC President Kelley Robinson has prioritized the need to ‘shift the momentum’ in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Shifting the momentum can be the key to reaching hearts and minds about the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ youth. With anti-LGBTQ+ legislation attacking LGBTQ+ youth at home and in schools, we need young advocates who are adaptable, innovative, forward-thinking, and full of energy. If this sounds like you- you may be the next Youth Ambassador we’re looking for!
- This year we really want to prioritize highlighting young people who have a direct connection to the problems LGBTQ+ youth are facing legislatively. Disclaimer: you don't have to meet these exact qualifications to be considered- all young LGBTQ+ folks interested in advocacy are encouraged to apply! If you:
- Are currently attending a public middle/high school that has be impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
- Can speak to the experience of being multiply-marginalized in addition to your LGBTQ+ identity
- Have experience receiving life-changing gender affirming care
- You may be the next YA we’re looking for!
As a Youth Ambassador, HRC Foundation asks that all Youth Ambassadors:
Attend the Youth Ambassador retreat set for Friday, September 29, 2023 - Saturday, September 30, 2023 (travel on 9/28 and 10/1) in Washington, DC
Attend virtual monthly meetings (date/time TBA)
Respond to HRC emails and requests in a timely manner
Be comfortable sharing your story, experiences, and identities as keynote speakers, panelists, on webinars, in videos and blogs, and on social media
Publicly support the work of HRC and HRC Foundation
HRC Foundation works hard to ensure the Youth Ambassador program is a mutually beneficial relationship that provides youth participants with tangible support including:
Training on developing your personal keynote speech and opportunities to deliver your keynote where appropriate
Media and social media training from HRC staff leaders
Opportunity to have HRC staff as professional references for high school, college, or job applications
Financial stipend of at least $100 per engagement such as serving on a panel, provide a keynote, draft a blog post, or participate in a video
HRC Foundation covers any and all travel costs for Youth Ambassadors if they are asked to travel for events, additionally, if the Youth Ambassador is under 18, HRC Foundation covers travel expenses for a legal parent or guardian to attend with their YA.
Don't just take our word for it, let's hear why our 2023 cohort was excited to join us directly from them!
How to Apply
Applications for the 2024-25 Youth Ambassador cohort are now open! Please complete the application here. Applications are set to close on July 11th 2024.
Should you have any questions, please contact Valentine Lynch at valentine.lynch@hrc.org
MEET THE CURRENT COHORT OF YOUTH AMBASSADORS
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Billy (he/they)
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Ray (he/they)
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Mya (they/them)
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Kei (she/they)
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Katie
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Rehman (they/them)
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Kiki (she/her)
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Eris (they/them)
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Hildie (she/her)
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Adrian (he/him)
FIND MORE OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN
Youth Well-Being Program
HRC Foundation's Youth Well-Being Program is dedicated to improving the lived experience of LGBTQ+ youth in everyday institutions of daily life– families, schools, after-school and out-of-school enrichment programs, summer camps, community centers, health and wellness programs, child welfare, juvenile justice, and other systems of care.
The Human Rights Campaign reports on news, events and resources of the
Human Rights Campaign Foundation
that are of interest to the general public and further our common mission
to support the LGBTQ+ community.
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