The Youth Ambassadors program is a program of NAMI Eastside. The Youth Ambassadors program aims to support youth mental health, develop youth leadership, and encourage a life-long commitment to mental wellness.

In the 2023-2024 school year, Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to complete individual service projects, research projects, social media projects, outreach projects, event planning projects, and more to support mental health education, support, and advocacy.

Priority deadline for Youth Ambassador applications is September 15th, 2023. Additional applications will be accepted on a rolling basis depending on group capacity. 

Youth Ambassador applications for the 2023-2024 school year can be found here! 

If you are under 18, please have your parent fill out the parent permission form here!

Please email edie@nami-eastside.org with any questions.

FAQs

• What is the Youth Ambassador Program?

• • Founded by NAMI Eastside, this program aims to support youth mental health, develop youth leadership, and encourage a life-long commitment to mental wellness.
  • In the 2023-2024 school year, Youth Ambassadors will have the opportunity to complete individual service projects, research projects, social media projects, outreach projects, and event planning projects, and more to promote mental health education, support, and advocacy.
• How do I become a Youth Ambassador?
  • Simply submit an application! Applications for the 2023-2024 school year are available here.
• What opportunities are there for becoming a Youth Ambassador?

• • As a Youth Ambassador, you can complete an individual project throughout the year related to menteal health education, support, and advocacy. Additionally, you are able to connect with NAMI staff for support, collaborate with fellow Youth Ambassadors, and access mental health training programs!

• What type of projects can I create as a Youth Ambassador?

• • Research Project
  • Service Project
  • Social Media
  • Blog Post
  • Event Planning
  • Community Outreach
  • Discussions
  • Presentations
  • Public Service Announcement (PSA)
  • Exhibits
  • Graphic Designs
  • Video/Photography
  • Collaborations with school clubs, local organizations, etc.
  • Anything that you can think of that supports, educates, or advocates for mental health!

• What is required for the project application?

• • Applications will require a description of the potential individual project you want to pursue as well as an answer to the question "Why do you want to be a NAMI Eastside Youth Ambassador?" The project must fall under one or more of the following categories: education, advocacy, or support. Youth under the age of 18 must have a parent/guardian submit a permission form as well.
  • Application form is available here.
  • Parent/guardian permission form is available here.
• What does the time commitment look like?
  • Youth Ambassadors will spend roughly 5-6 hours per month working on their individual project or other things for the Youth Ambassador team.
• Will there be regular meetings?
  • Yes. There will be monthly meetings of the Youth Ambassador team over Zoom. The meeting dates/times will be decided once the priority deadline has passed and availability on all the student applications is taken into account.
• How do I receive funding support?
  • If projects are in need of funding, students are encourage to build partnerships with organizations at their school (clubs for example) or community based organizations.
• How can I market my project to my community?
  • Youth Ambassadors are encouraged to share their projects through email, social media, and by connecting with others in the community.
• Where can I go to ask more questions?
  • Please email Edie at edie@nami-eastside.org.