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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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?
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- 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.
Check out these examples of projects from last year! (Click the images to enlarge)
Project ideas: (Youth Ambassadors required to complete one project throughout the school year):
- Research Project/Presentation
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- Project requirements:
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- Must include one or more category:
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- Education – develop a group, class, media, or presentation to educate other youth about mental illness or mental health
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- Support – develop a group, class, presentation or media to support youth mental health
- Advocacy – develop an advocacy agenda and meeting with elected or government officials to increase awareness of mental health issues and support policy solutions
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- Present at the Youth Mental Health Conference in March 2024 (date TBD)
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- Poster session
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- Possibly a breakout or plenary session
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- Service Project
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- Plan a service project that benefits mental health resources and education in your community
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- Can be a fundraiser/project for NAMI or in collaboration with another local organization
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- Social Media/Blog Posts
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- Create social media and/or blog post(s)
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- Social media post can be on our Instagram, TikTok, etc.
- Blog posts are posted on NAMI Eastside’s website
- Must be related to education, support, advocacy, or breaking the stigma around youth mental health
- Posts must be approved by NAMI Eastside staff before they go online
- Event Planning and/or Community Outreach and Education
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- Create a resource fair at your school or another organization to promote mental health resources
- Plan an event at your school/community to educate about mental health
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- Can be a NAMI class/program or a training like Cope2Thrive or Mental Health First Aid
- Have another idea for a Youth Ambassador role or project? Create your own and get it approved!
Parent Permission Forms are required for all youth under the age of 18.
Parent Permission Forms for the 2023-2024 Youth Ambassadors program can be found here.
Applications submitted without completion of the parent permission form will not be accepted.
The 2024 Youth Mental Health Conference will be held on Friday, March 22nd, 2024 at the Together Center in Redmond! More details are coming soon.
The NAMI Eastside Youth Mental Health Conference is a yearly event in Redmond, WA for educators, parents, youth, and anyone else interested in learning from a wide range of leaders and mental health experts. The conference will help you understand youth mental health challenges and gain tangible skills to support youth. It also features a resource fair providing a wide range of tools and knowledge for all.
If you're interested in learning more about youth mental health opportunities in King County, check out nami-eastside.org/youth to find more information about programs like Cope2Thrive, Teen Mental Health First Aid, and becoming a Youth Ambassador.
“Healing takes time, and asking for help is a courageous step.”
Mariska Hargitay, actress