Youth Advisory Board

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD APPLICATION

We are recruiting for our 2023-2024 YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD [YAB]! This is a NEW leadership program for students hosted by YouthWell in partnership with SB County Behavioral Wellness. We are looking for 1-2 students from each public and private school in Santa Barbara County and for diverse representation across ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, & socio-economic status.

Students will learn about mental health issues and how to advocate on their campuses and in their communities. Students will gain leadership tools that include planning, facilitating, public speaking, communication skills, program planning, evaluation and group decision-making.

PROCESS... [1] Apply online by SEPT 22, 2023 [2] Applicants will be called in for a short interview in Sept. [3] Mtgs will start at the end of September [4] If you are selected, students and parents will be asked to sign a Commitment Statement.

QUESTIONS: email YAB@YouthWell.org or call 805.448.2426

YAB APPLICATION >

YAB FAQ's

meeting calendar

YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD

2023-2024 MONTHLY YAB MEETING
**transportation provided [in-person meetings] for students in North and Mid County.
**virtual mtgs will be 2-3 hours 1 Sunday a month between 3:30-6:30pm.

OCT 8 [virtual]
NOV 5 or 12 [IN PERSON - Santa Barbara - includes lunch] 12pm-4pm
DEC 3 [virtual]
JAN 7 or 21 [virtual]
FEB 4 or 25 [IN PERSON - Santa Barbara - includes lunch] 12pm-4pm
MARCH 3 or 10[virtual]
APRIL 7 or 14 [virtual]
MAY 5 or 19 [virtual]

2023-2024 IN-PERSON - LOCAL MEETINGS (in your community - south or mid or north county)

DATES TBD - 1-2x per month with your local advisor.

YAB COMMITMENT

COMMITMENT

TIME

YAB members commit to serving on the board for 9 months [Sept-May]8-10 hours/month

MEETINGS

1 monthly virtual meeting
1-2 in-person meetings in your community (South, North, Mid County)
YAB members attend monthly virtual training

YAB BENEFITS

YAB MEMBERS WILL LEARN...

YAB members learn about current issues and community resources.
YAB members participate in team-building exercises that build character, improve communication, and reduce prejudice and stigma around mental health.
YAB members design campus campaigns and activities.
YAB members gain leadership tools that include planning, facilitating, public speaking, program planning, evaluation, and group decision-making.
YAB serves as an advisory committee to the YouthWell Collaborative and Youth Linkages Network to provide a student voice.
YAB members raise awareness and eliminate stigma around mental health by promoting self-care and kindness through connection, prevention, education & outreach activities!
YAB members receive COMMUNITY SERVICE hours!

MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION

Learn about current issues, how to recognize the warning signs of a mental health challenge, and how to connect someone to available community resources. Receive Teen Mental Health First Aid training.

LEADERSHIP & ADVOCACY TRAINING

Participate in team-building exercises that improve communication, build character, and reduce prejudice and stigma around mental health. Strengthen leadership skills by getting experience in program planning, facilitating, public speaking, evaluation, and group decision-making.

COMMUNITY & CAMPUS OUTREACH

Help design and implement campus campaigns for your school that bring awareness to mental health, and educate on the warning signs and resources in the community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Starting in 2024... Applications to become a YAB member are accepted year-round (due in May) and successful applicants are appointed in June each year. YAB internship begins in Aug/Sept each year.

YABis a 10 month commitment (Aug-May) with monthly virtual meetings and additional in-person meetings in your community.