Active Minds High School Advisory Board Application

About the Advisory Board

Active Minds is thrilled to announce the launch of its first-ever High School Advisory Board. This paid leadership program provides passionate high school students with the opportunity to influence and contribute to the Active Minds organization directly. Together, the Board will support opportunities to develop Active Minds resources to support BIPOC and LGTBQ+ youth, provide input on outreach strategies, and provide feedback on mental health advocacy opportunities. As a board member, you will:

• Serve as a primary voice representing youth and young adults at Active Minds.

• Collaborate with the Programs team to create resources for the Your Voice Your Power (YVYP) Resource Hub.

• Participate in focus groups, provide feedback on programs, engage in program testing, and contribute to outreach efforts.

• Write blogs and contribute to marketing efforts to grow the Active Minds network.  Receive leadership and mental health advocacy training and work with multiple departments within the organization, gaining exposure to the nonprofit sector.

Stipend: Members will receive $500 upon successful completion of program expectations. Advisory Board Membership will start in January 2025 and run through the end of the academic school year. 

Applications are due by Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time.

If you have any questions about the application, please reach out to the Active Minds K-12 Initiatives team at [k12@activeminds.org].

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the High School Advisory Board, applicants must:

• Be a current high school student in grades 9-12.

• Have a strong interest in mental health advocacy.

• Possess creativity, initiative, and the ability to work in a collaborative environment.

• Available to meet at least twice a month from Jan. to June 

• Have internet access for virtual meetings and assignments. 

• Be able to work independently and collaboratively.

• Obtain parental or guardian consent to participate. 

• Submit a school reference. 

Expectations:

Advisory Board members are expected to:

• Attend all virtual meetings scheduled throughout the program.

• Actively participate in discussions, focus groups, and assignments.

• Develop and provide feedback on resources for the YVYP Hub.

• Collaborate with other board members and Active Minds staff.

• Complete all tasks by assigned due dates.

• Engage in outreach efforts, including blog writing and recruiting peers.

• Participate in leadership training sessions provided by Active Minds.

Sample Schedule:

January:

• Wednesday, 1/22: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Two-hour meeting)

• Wednesday, 1/29: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Two-hour meeting)

February - June:

• Thursday, 2/8: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (90-minute meeting)

• Saturday, 2/24: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour meeting)

• Thursday, 3/14: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (90-minute meeting)

• Saturday, 3/23: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour meeting)

• Thursday, 4/11: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (90-minute meeting)

• Saturday, 4/27: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour meeting)

• Thursday, 5/9: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (90-minute meeting)

• Saturday, 5/25: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour meeting)

• Thursday, 6/13: 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (90-minute meeting)

• Saturday, 6/22: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (3-hour meeting)

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be selected based on:

• Meeting all eligibility requirements.

• Demonstrated passion for mental health advocacy.

• Leadership experience or potential in school or community activities.

• Ability to articulate the importance of mental health issues among youth.

• Willingness to engage in discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Compensation & Benefits

Advisory Board members will receive:

• A total stipend of $500 (received upon completion).

• Professional training from Active Minds staff and mental health experts.

• Networking opportunities with other young mental health advocates.

• Valuable leadership experience to enhance your resume.

• Opportunities to inform and participate in Active Minds' initiatives.

Reference

Please provide contact information for a school staff member who can serve as a reference:

High School Advisory Board Recommendation

Agreements

By submitting this application, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• Commitment: I can attend all pre-scheduled virtual meetings and actively participate in the program.

• Participation: I commit to engage in discussions around mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Collaboration: I agree to work respectfully and collaboratively with other advisory board members and Active Minds staff.

• Parental Consent: I have obtained consent from my parent or guardian to participate in this program.

• Stipend Acknowledgment: I understand that I will receive a stipend upon fulfilling program expectations and that I will not be an employee of Active Minds.