The UNICEF USA National Youth Council 2026–2027 is a premier youth leadership and civic engagement opportunity designed to elevate young people’s voices in national decision-making. Through structured advocacy, youth-led campaigns, and policy engagement, Council members help advance child rights and ensure that young people meaningfully influence systems, governance, and public policy in the United States.
This one-year volunteer leadership role empowers youth ages 14–24 to shape UNICEF USA’s strategy, campaigns, and advocacy priorities while building practical skills in organizing, communications, and civic leadership.
About the UNICEF USA National Youth Council
National Youth Council members play a vital role in advancing child rights and embedding youth voice within UNICEF USA’s culture, strategy, and operations. As recognized youth leaders, members elevate the lived experiences, perspectives, and priorities of children and young people across the country.
Council members activate their leadership through three core competencies:
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Lead
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Represent
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Act
By educating volunteers, advocating for policy reform, and bringing youth perspectives into high-level decision-making spaces, members ensure young people are not only heard but meaningfully influence change.
The Council also advances child-centered governance by promoting formal mechanisms that embed youth voice into public decision-making, including:
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Child impact statements
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Youth advisory bodies
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Children’s budgets
These efforts help translate youth priorities into concrete policy, funding allocations, and systems-level reform.
Key Responsibilities
Lead
Council members are expected to:
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Design, facilitate, and execute youth-led campaigns that educate UNICEF USA’s Clubs network about key issues affecting children
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Support management of the Circle community and host digital conversations with youth leaders
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Provide insight and feedback on emerging trends in youth engagement and social justice work
Act
Council members will:
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Model UNICEF USA activities to drive club engagement across pillars of action
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Advance key legislation that promotes and protects child rights
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Mobilize youth networks toward measurable advocacy outcomes
Represent
Council members serve as youth ambassadors by:
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Contributing to campaigns and publications that elevate youth perspectives
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Bringing youth voices into high-level spaces to influence leaders and decision-makers
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Partnering with staff and leadership to inform strategic initiatives and campaigns
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Speaking at local and national events to amplify youth priorities
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Advocating for child-centered governance models in policy and advocacy spaces
Commitment and Time Requirements
The UNICEF USA National Youth Council 2026–2027 requires a structured but manageable commitment.
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Term: August 3, 2026 – May 31, 2027
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Time commitment: 3–5 hours per week
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Mandatory weekly meetings: Tuesdays, 7:30–8:30 PM EST
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Participation in virtual and in-person trainings and gatherings
Members interested in serving additional terms are strongly encouraged to reapply.
Required Trainings
Summer Virtual Training (August 2026)
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Wednesday, August 5 @ 7:30–8:30 PM EST
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Saturday, August 15 @ 12–4 PM EST
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Sunday, August 16 @ 12–4 PM EST
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Tuesday, August 25 @ 7:30–8:30 PM EST
Fall Training
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Mandatory in-person retreat (dates to be announced)
UNICEF USA will cover all travel and lodging costs for Council members and a chaperone (if applicable) for in-person activities.
Benefits of Joining the National Youth Council
Serving on the UNICEF USA National Youth Council offers significant professional and leadership development benefits, including:
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Practical experience in volunteer organizing, civic engagement, advocacy, and communications
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Collaboration with a diverse team of youth leaders driving measurable improvements in child well-being
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Opportunities to connect with national leaders committed to advancing child rights
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Direct engagement with UNICEF USA staff and expert guest speakers
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Eligibility for service awards and volunteer hour recognition
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A $1,000 stipend provided to each member
This experience strengthens college applications, scholarship candidacies, and future careers in public policy, nonprofit leadership, international development, and social justice advocacy.
Eligibility and Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
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Be between 14–24 years old
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Reside in the United States during the full term
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Not study abroad for more than three consecutive weeks during the term
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Demonstrate interest in community organizing, youth advocacy, and civic action
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Show commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
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Meet time commitments and maintain active participation
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Have reliable internet access and a device for virtual meetings
Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to child rights, youth empowerment, and inclusive leadership.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
UNICEF USA is committed to recruiting a National Youth Council that reflects diverse lived experiences and underrepresented identities. Applicants from historically and traditionally minoritized communities are strongly encouraged to apply, including individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, gender, religious, neurodivergent, and disability backgrounds.
The organization prioritizes fair, equitable, and inclusive representation to ensure youth voices shaping national strategy are reflective of the communities served.
Data Privacy and Safeguarding
The application process may request sensitive demographic information to support equitable review. All information is used solely for applicant evaluation and is not shared beyond the selection process.
UNICEF USA maintains strict data privacy standards and adheres to its official data privacy policy. The organization also implements strong child safeguarding measures and informed consent procedures in accordance with its child safeguarding policy.
Applicants with questions about data usage or privacy protections may contact volunteer@unicefusa.org for clarification.
How to Contact UNICEF USA
For questions or additional information about the National Youth Council 2026–2027, email:
Use the subject line: National Youth Council 26–27
Why the UNICEF USA National Youth Council Matters
The UNICEF USA National Youth Council represents a powerful pathway for youth leadership in policy, advocacy, and systems change. By embedding youth voice into governance structures, advancing child rights legislation, and shaping national campaigns, Council members help drive meaningful, measurable impact for children across the United States.
For young leaders seeking hands-on experience in advocacy, civic engagement, and national-level leadership, this opportunity offers both practical skills and real influence in shaping a more equitable future for children and youth.