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Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) recently announced the formation of its inaugural National Youth Council, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering young leaders aged 16 to 23 from across the nation. This council will serve as a crucial advisory body, ensuring that the voices of youth are considered in the strategic decisions and initiatives of BBBSA.

Promoting Youth Leadership

The primary mission of the National Youth Council is to position youth as active participants rather than mere beneficiaries. In this capacity, council members will provide valuable insights to BBBSA’s leadership, advocate for youth-driven solutions, and act as thought partners in shaping the organization's vision and values. As Artis Stevens, the President and CEO of BBBSA, stated, "This platform allows young leaders to drive real change and influence decisions that can alter the odds for young people across the country."

Council Members' Roles: Advise, Amplify, Advocate, and Act

During their tenure, which extends until December 2025, council members will undertake a variety of roles:

• - Advise: They will share their lived experiences to inform best practices in program design and policies.
• - Amplify: Act as ambassadors for BBBSA’s mission, ensuring that youth perspectives are heard and recognized.
• - Advocate: Engage with policymakers on issues affecting young people today, drawing attention to vital causes that need support.
• - Act: Initiate community-driven changes through innovative ideas, creating a lasting legacy for future generations.

This initiative highlights BBBSA’s commitment to fostering a leadership environment where young individuals can collaborate and contribute meaningfully.

A Step Towards Inclusive Representation

Recognizing the often limited representation of youth in advisory roles on a national scale, the National Youth Council aims to shift this paradigm significantly. By providing direct input and engagement opportunities, BBBSA is paving the way for a new era where young people can influence decisions that affect their lives.

The Selection Process and Diverse Representation

The application for the inaugural cohort of the National Youth Council wrapped up in November 2024, followed by a thorough selection process. The group chosen offers a diverse representation of young leaders from various communities, including:

• - Eric, representing Big Brothers Big Sisters South Texas
• - Frankie, from Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star – Houston
• - Ivette, associated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Columbia Northwest
• - Janet, from Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City
• - Alongside many others from different regions, they reflect the rich diversity of the youth across America.

Conclusion

BBBSA believes deeply in the transformative power of mentorship, and by implementing the National Youth Council, they are not only evolving as an organization but also creating a nurturing ground for future leaders. This initiative marks a significant step in ensuring that the aspirations and needs of youth are central to BBBSA's operations. For more insights on this new council, explore bbbs.org.