National Youth Council

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This opportunity is currently closed, but you can check out our active opportunities. 

Kids Help Phone’s National Youth Council (NYC) is a diverse group of youth ages 14–24 from across Canada who are passionate about mental health and well-being. The National Youth Council works as a whole to integrate a youth voice into all areas of the Kids Help Phone organization and to directly influence decision-making, strategy and delivery of activities organization-wide.

The council meets monthly (virtually) to share ideas and communicates regularly to collaborate on projects that impact Kids Help Phone’s organizational activities. Through committees and with support from Kids Help Phone staff, council members play a key role in raising awareness about youth mental health and helping develop Kids Help Phone supports and services.

We’re committed to providing an inclusive space for diverse youth, and we value lived experiences. No previous experience on a council is required to be on the National Youth Council.

National Youth Council project highlights from 2022: 

  • creating social media content
  • speaking at events
  • developing and providing guidance on peer support
  • creating fundraising campaigns

Your voice matters — you can apply today to join this group of energetic, courageous and innovative young people, who are working to improve the mental health landscape for youth across Canada.

National Youth Council member role description: 

Commitment

  • from January until December, 2023
  • participation in one virtual council meeting (two hours) every month 
  • participation in two to six additional hours a month for project work and virtual collaboration, including active participation in one or more committees (there are three committees in the council)  
  • council members are eligible to serve for a two-year term  

Key roles and responsibilities

  • participate in monthly virtual NYC meetings (with optional summer activities as determined by the council from June to August) 
  • support development of youth-facing content and other innovations for youth 
  • work collaboratively with other NYC members and Kids Help Phone staff to brainstorm, develop and lead organizational projects 
  • participate in at least one committee to develop and complete specific projects (one to two main projects per term)  
  • provide insight and recommendations on opportunities for youth engagement, as well as emerging trends affecting youth 
  • encourage and support other council members, foster the mutual exchange of ideas and positively contribute to a team environment  
  • communicate openly with Kids Help Phone staff lead(s) on availability, project progress and overall experience  

Qualifications

  • must reside in Canada for duration of term and be legally eligible to participate in volunteer opportunities 
  • ideally 14–24 years old during the term 
  • passionate about youth mental health and well-being 
  • committed to collaborative teamwork and a willingness to take initiative 
  • strong communication skills, particularly in a virtual environment 
  • represent and live Kids Help Phone’s values (courageous, collaborative, innovative, resilient and trustworthy) 

Benefits

  • work with a highly motivated team 
  • make a difference in your community by supporting youth across Canada 
  • gain leadership experience 
  • training, mentorship and skill-development opportunities with Kids Help Phone staff 
  • earn volunteer hours 
  • be a champion for youth mental health in Canada 

This opportunity is currently closed, but you can check out our active opportunities. 

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