Can you believe it’s already autumn? This means it’s the season for pumpkin lattes, sweaters, school… and to find new NYLN leaders!

The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is accepting applications for our Governing Board (GB) and our two committees. NYLN is a membership-run organization. This means all our members lead and run all the work we do. The main ways to become an NYLN leader is to serve on the GB or a committee.

ABOUT NYLN

The National Youth Leadership Network encourages disabled youth to:
• Build interdependent support systems;
• Participate and serve in local communities;
• Become involved in the Disability Rights Movement and other social justice movements; and
• Know the value behind their experiences.
What does the Governing Board do?
GB members are NYLN’s organizational leaders. They make decisions for NYLN and are often the leaders in NYLN projects. Examples of GB responsibilities include:
• Represent NYLN in coalitions and at conferences;
• Fundraise;
• Recruit new members;
• Build collaboration with other organizations; and
• Serve on at least one committee.

What do the committees do?

NYLN has two committees. One will focus on Outreach & Involvement within the community; the other will focus on Education & Media activities. Examples of some work that the committees did in 2011:
• Publish a zine
• Organize conference tracks
• Run the NYLN facebook and twitter accounts
• Create a resource directory
• Host webinar trainings
What is the time commitment like?
Serving on the GB or a committee typically involves one-two meetings a month. Meetings happen by phone or online chatroom. GB members spend about 15 hours a month on NYLN. Committee members spend about 8 hours a month.

Requirements for Applying

What are my options?

You can apply to be on A.) the Governing Board and a committee or B.) only a committee.

Requirements for serving on the Governing Board or a committee:

Applicants must 1) Be between 14 and 28 years old, 2) Have a disability, 3) live in the United States or its territories 4) Have a passion for social justice and 5) Believe in full-inclusion. NYLN is a cross-disability organization. This means we are made up of people with all kinds of disabilities. Anyone with any kind of disability is welcome to apply.

Important dates:

• Applications for the Governing Board or committees are due on Monday, November 21, 2011.
• Service on the Governing Board or committees begins in January 2012. (There will also be a welcome call in December 2011.)
You can complete the application on-line at www.nyln.org. You can also submit the application in hard copy to the address noted on the application form.
To find out more, visit www.nyln.org. You can also call Stacey Milbern, Community Outreach Director, at Stacey@NYLN.org.

Applications MUST be received by Monday November 21, 2011! 

If you are not able to use the form below, please download and print our application. The mailing address is available on the application. It must be received by Nov 21 so if you are submitting your application by mail you must send it a few days early in order to be considered.

LINK to HARDCOPY APPLICATION.