Are you a youth, parent, or caregiver living in New York looking to learn how to be an effective advocate for yourself, your school and your community? Are you interested in advocating on mental and behavioral health issues?

Apply to be a Member of Our Council!

Created in 2022, our council brings together young people, parents, and caregivers across New York State who are working together to improve access to mental and behavioral health support for all children and youth in New York State.

This year we are recruiting to fill FOUR open positions on our council, with stipends that pay YOU between $1500 – $3000 for the year!

Our Council is a yearlong group advocating on behalf of themselves, their loved ones, and communities mobilizing youth and families across the state, advocating for mental and behavioral health supports through policy and budget recommendations to state leaders, and help us create long lasting, permanent change.

Now in our second year, the council’s work will span from September 2023 through August 2024 with an opportunity to continue in the group after your first year. If selected, you can expect to:

• Meet monthly to develop policy priorities on mental/behavioral health issues, share resources, create opportunities for community and youth advocates across the state, and mobilize on issues important to you.
• Contribute to specific projects and activities that advances the priorities of the Council and the HMHK Campaign; create policy & budget recommendations to State leaders 
• Meet with your local, city, and state leaders on issues we are advocating for.
• Participate in workshops and trainings that build your advocacy skills.
• Act as leaders and ambassadors for a statewide network of Community and Youth Advocates

Apply To One of Our Following Open Positions in our Council:

• One (1) Parent or Caregiver Council Member
• Two (2) Youth/Young Adult Council Member
• One (1) Youth Council Leader

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Be a youth/young adult between the ages of 13-29 years old or a parent/caregiver with a child who has experienced mental or behavioral health needs
• Currently live in New York State
• Demonstrate a strong interest in serving as a community advocate
• Commit to consistent attendance in the activities of the council
• Have a willingness to collaborate, to work with others, and to grow with this group.
• Youth applicants also must:
  • Be At Least 13 Years Old
  • Get permission from a parent or legal guardian (if under 18 years old)

Applications for our Council’s 2023-2024 year will be accepted on a rolling basis. Our application period closes on Wednesday, September 27th or when open council seats are filled!

For questions, please contact Carlos Rosales, Senior Community Engagement Associate at crosales@cccnewyork.org.