Join the Youth Advisory Board

Our goal: We know that true change for young people around the world can’t happen unless young activists have a seat at the table and the power to meaningfully contribute to decision-making processes. As the Youth Advisory Board, we are a diverse group of young leaders from the U.S. who serve as an advising body to improve Plan’s operations and impact to ensure the inclusion and centrality of youth. We collaborate with leaders — at Plan and elsewhere — to ensure that young people’s voices, needs and ideas are integrated into the policies and programs that impac lives.

If you want to join us in this work, apply today! We encourage applications from young people with all abilities, ethnicities, religions and gender identities.

YAB member roles and responsibilities:

Representation 

— Serves as representative of young people and contributes their perspectives and ideas to Plan.

— Ensures that their viewpoints and needs are heard in the decision-making processes and spaces, including Plan’s Board of Directors.

Consultation

— Offers feedback, suggestions and insights on our policies and programs that are targeted toward youth (e.g. Youth Leadership Academy, International Day of the Girl Takeovers, etc.).

— Speaks to young people about current events, domestic policy and organizational issues.

Advocacy

— Advocates with Plan for improved youth equality.

— Represents Plan’s mission, research expertise and organizational diversity in front of decision makers, donors, media outlets and more through appropriate/approved channels.

Creation & Design

— Ideates, designs and leads the Youth Leadership Academy and comparable programs.

— Envisions and proposes youth programs, campaigns and initiatives within and beyond the Youth Advisory Board.

— Coordinates to help Plan’s programs reach more young people, and to reciprocate leadership empowerment for their peers.

— Ensures the longevity of YAB prominence and sufficient funding within Plan, in collaboration with Plan staff, including the Board of Directors.

Requirements:

— Young person living in the U.S. between the ages of 14-22.

— Proficiency in English.

— Interested in equality for girls and young women, global issues and youth-led advocacy.

— Have regular access to a computer and the internet to participate in remote meetings.

— Able to travel to in-person retreats and influencing activities in the U.S. and beyond.*

Commitments:

— Be willing and able to commit at least six hours per week to board activities.

— Serve for at least two years.

— Attend mandatory monthly virtual meetings, which often take place in the evening at Eastern Standard/Daylight Time.

— Participate in project committees and complete assigned deliverables.

— Participate in advocacy initiatives with government officials and corporate partners.

— Support Plan campaigns and initiatives.

— Attend any mandatory annual in-person retreats.*

— Meet all expectations listed in the YAB bylaws.

*Any travel required for YAB members is arranged and paid in full by Plan.

How we work:

— Once selected, members must complete a virtual orientation and onboarding process.

— The YAB meets once a month for a virtual coordination meeting. This meeting is mandatory and usually takes place in the evening at Eastern Standard/Daylight Time.

— Members must serve on at least one standing committee and one seasonal committee.

— Committees shall meet weekly, biweekly or monthly, depending on the established and agreed-upon schedule.

— Members must be willing to serve as a subcommittee lead or co-lead at least once per year.

— Members are also invited and encouraged to engage in advocacy and program activities with Plan staff, policymakers, partners and donors.

— The YAB communicates through a private Slack channel, in accordance with Plan’s digital safeguarding guidance.

— At a minimum, members must log in to the Youth Advisory Board’s Slack channel at least twice a week.

View the YAB bylaws

Get to know the YAB