In an effort to make, and to continue to create, safe spaces for our youth, Garden State Equality has launched a Youth Advisory Board for the 2023-2024 school year. Students who are passionate about the rights and liberties of all people and who would like to expand their leadership experience were encouraged to apply for our inaugural Youth Advisory Board, as our team of Youth Advisors play a pivotal role in informing, planning and expanding our youth focused programs throughout the state of New Jersey. These advisors will have the opportunity to be a part of the Garden State Equality family and lend their voices to our mission of creating a safe and inclusive state for all New Jerseans.
To date, the current Youth Advisory Board cohort has developed a “How to Start a GSA” guidebook, created a webinar series that is completely youth led focusing on history and the inclusive curriculum, mental health, student rights and self advocacy, and queer representation in the media, as well as organizing a fully youth led statewide pride festival for July of 2024!
Each school year, Garden State Equality will hold application submissions for new members of the Youth Advisory Board. Applications will be opened in July.
What are the qualifications?
Through a series of interviews, Garden State Equality has selected 12 young advisors to sit on our inaugural board. Each applicant must be nominated by an educator, a mentor, or an advisor who believed that they would be a key fit based on the following:
- Students should be in grades 10-12 and in good academic standing with their schools.
- Students should have a vested interest in lifting up diverse voices within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.
- Students should be able to commit up to 6-8 hours, per month, on Garden State Equality related projects and activities.
- Students should be prepared to meet in person once a month either at our Asbury Park office or elsewhere in the state.
- Students will be expected to contribute to Garden State Equality’s social media channel and/or blog.
- Students will be expected to represent Garden State Equality at various events.
It is imperative for us to have diversity throughout all facets of our work. This being said, since many of our projects directly affect young adults, we want their voices to be reflected as a part of our advisory team. We know that young people are often at the forefront of every important social movement and this is especially true when it comes to human rights issues. We will ensure our Youth Advisors will have opportunities to meet other change makers across the state, partake in community learning opportunities and advance their educational and emotional outcomes.
Interested in learning more about our Youth Advisory Board?
Email Justine Evyn Saliski at [email protected].