You've created public art. You've signed petitions. You've marched to the state capitol and you've sold Not Even Once wristbands. You've been a vital part of getting the word out across Montana—and the nation—about the dangers of Meth, and we invite you to take an official role in one of the most successful prevention campaigns in the nation.
» Apply now for Youth Advisory Council!
YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL VOLUNTEER JOB DESCRIPTION
Objectives
Building upon teens' and young adults' enthusiastic support for the Montana Meth Project and its efforts to create awareness of the dangers of methamphetamine, the Montana Meth Project Youth Advisory Council empowers young people to expand the Montana Meth Project's outreach efforts and help further reduce the use of Meth. The Montana Meth Project Youth Advisory Council program is designed to:
- Further engage teens in activities that help prevent Meth use in their communities and among their peers
- Expand local support and outreach to community prevention efforts
- Engage young people's activism to encourage community leaders, policy makers and donors to support the Montana Meth Project
- Get direct input from young people that will guide the Montana Meth Project and its Youth Advisory Council program in the years to come
- Empower youth with leadership skills and experience
Participants
Montana will have eight Youth Advisory Council regions, each with two to five council members. The inaugural 2010 Youth Advisory Council term will begin April 1, 2010, and go through September 14, 2010, with an option for council members to renew their terms each year that they are eligible. Subsequent terms will be the academic school year (September 15 through June 15).
Youth Advisory Council members play a key role in the Montana Meth Project, and help coordinate activities in their respective regions to spread the message "Not Even Once." Those chosen as Youth Advisory Council members must:
- Be between the ages of 14-22
- Be a permanent legal resident of Montana
- As a group, represent the diversity of their communities
- Exhibit leadership skills and an interest in serving their community
Activities
Youth Advisory Council members assist Project staff in a wide range of activities including:
- Volunteer Recruitment/Networking - Youth Advisory Council members take part in prevention-focused activities and connect with other volunteers to support the Montana Meth Project.
- Project Advisors - Youth Advisory Council members act as advisors to the Montana Meth Project, providing a youth perspective to research efforts, strategic planning, creative development and other activities. They work closely with Montana Meth Project leadership and staff to coordinate community outreach activities in the field.
- Local Outreach and Fundraising Activities - Youth Advisory Council members work in partnership with local teachers and community leaders, law enforcement, prevention specialists and other Montana Meth Project volunteers to sustain Meth education, community outreach, and fundraising efforts in their regions.
Benefits
Through the Youth Advisory Council, young people can make a profound difference and improve their communities, and build organizational and leadership skills that last a lifetime. The reasons a teen would want to be a Youth Advisory Council member include opportunities to:
- Gain experience in prevention, community action, fundraising, marketing, and community service
- Work together with young leaders from across the state and build valuable organizational and leadership skills
- Make a positive impact on the fight against Meth
- Meet and interact with key policymakers, Montana Meth Project representatives, and elected officials
Application Process
- Application is due, with a letter of recommendation from each of two adult mentors: parent, teacher, advisor, minister, coach, community leader, legislator, etc., no later than March 29, 2010. One letter of recommendation may be from a parent/guardian; the other must be from another adult member of the community.
- Please submit application online at www.montanameth.org. In addition to the application, the letters of recommendation from two adults must be received by midnight, March 29, 2010, via email to info@montanameth.org; or hard copy mailed to: Montana Meth Project / PO Box 8944 / Missoula MT 59807.
- Top 2-5 candidates in each of 8 regions will be chosen by March 31, 2010 and notified via email and U.S. mail. This inaugural Youth Advisory Council will run from April 1, 2010 to September 14, 2010. Thereafter, terms are each school year, beginning September 15-June 15 each year and renewable for one-year terms through age 22.
- Successful candidates will be expected to attend a one-day training April 10, 2010, in Helena (reasonable travel expenses to be reimbursed). Council members will also be asked to participate in regular (toll-free) conference calls at a time/date to be determined by the Youth Advisory Council members and Montana Meth Project staff.