Youth Leadership Council

The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, is excited to announce the formation of a National Youth Leadership Council, the first such initiative in the 100-year history of the organization.

The Youth Leadership Council will consist of 11 high school and college student volunteers between the ages of 16 and 22 with a shared passion for building a future of health and hope for everyone, everywhere. This student-led council will work with the American Heart Association team to elevate the voices of youth volunteers and provide input on emerging engagement strategies beginning with High School and College Heart Clubs.

As consultants to the AHA on youth engagement strategies members will:

• Provide input to refine and shape youth volunteerism opportunities, fundraising strategies and Next Gen programs that will deepen teen and young adult engagement.
• Co-develop youth engagement opportunities that are fun, relevant, drive impact, and celebrate a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Co-develop and promote activities celebrating youth volunteers during National Volunteer Week.
• Establish a recognition process for outstanding youth volunteers.

As liaisons with Heart Clubs members will:

• Consult and provide direct support to Heart Clubs by leading orientations for new Heart Clubs and assisting in regular communication to Heart Clubs.
• Co-develop the “hook statement/why” for Heart Clubs to help generate interest and excitement.
• Consult on Heart Club experiences, trainings, webinars, and materials aligned with club pillars of leadership, impact, fundraising, and well-being.

• Be a minimum of 16 years old and a junior in high school, and a maximum of 22 years old and enrolled as a college/university undergraduate or graduate student.
• Be able to articulate a personal commitment to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with a diverse group of peers and AHA staff.
• Have prior leadership experience, including roles on school-based clubs and organizations.
• Have access to a phone or laptop and reliable internet for monthly one-hour virtual meetings during the school year.
• Have the ability to commit to a minimum of 3-4 hours of service per month during the school year.

• Council will have 9 general members and 2 co-leads.
• General members will serve a one-year term with an opportunity to reapply for two additional terms. General members can expect a time commitment of 3-4 hours per month.
• Co-leads will serve a two-year term, with a staggered roll-off. Co-leads will meet regularly with the AHA liaison to plan and facilitate monthly council meetings and can expect a time commitment of 6-8 hours per month.
• The Council will serve from July to June each year.
• Meeting Cadence:
  • One-hour virtual meetings will be held monthly during the school year.
  • One annual full-day virtual convening.
  • Members are expected to attend at least 75% of meetings and will be expected to watch recordings of meetings missed.

• Boost for college resumes and job applications.
• Exclusive access to a Leadership Development Program customized for Youth Leadership Council members. Working at your own pace, earn an American Heart Association Leadership Certificate through completion of online learning journeys featuring videos, readings and personal assessments. Potential opportunities to participate in speaking engagements and media opportunities arranged by the American Heart Association. Networking and peer connections.
• Opportunities to connect and meet with American Heart Association senior leadership.
• Opportunities for honors and recognition.
• Credit for community service/philanthropy hours.