IHL Youth Summit

To apply, fill out the online application (LINK) when it opens in March by the deadline of April 1. Information sessions will be held before the application deadline. There will also be information sessions for representatives and their guardians once their application has been accepted.

Throughout the month of July, you will need to dedicate significant time to virtual activities and group tasks. The in-person summit includes two full travel days and two days of scheduled, all-day activities.

The cost of travel, lodging and meals during the event is covered by the Red Cross. However, attendees are responsible for meals while traveling and any personal spending money. 

Travel arrangements, whether by airplane or train, depend on your home location and are coordinated and paid for by the Red Cross team. Baggage costs will be at the expense of the attendee.

Travel chaperones are not guaranteed and will need to be coordinated by your local American Red Cross team. Travel and XXXXX for chaperones will be at the expense of the individual.

The Youth Summit will be based at the historic American Red Cross Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Attendees will visit other D.C. locations as well. 

Advocates will all stay at the same hotel as staff and volunteers in a pre-reserved block of rooms. Students will have a shared room with one other advocate of the same age range and gender.

Once students arrive in Washington, D.C. they are accompanied at all times by background checked, experienced volunteers and staff members. A member of the American Red Cross IHL Team will meet students at the airport and send them to the hotel in groups where they will be met by other Team members and assisted in checking in to the hotel. Students will move in groups accompanied by adult team members to and from the hotel and all summit activities. Students are not allowed to leave their rooms without express permission and a buddy when they are not actively engaged in Summit activities. These rules apply to all Summit attendees regardless of age. Room checks will be conducted by Red Cross Staff every night at curfew.

Meals will be provided and will accommodate any dietary restrictions provided in advance. There will be drinks and snacks available at all times.

The dress code for the Summit ranges from casual to business casual depending on events. Business casual clothing will be worn for all events, except when otherwise noted. Red Cross staff will inform you of the appropriate attire for specific events. A suggested packing list will be provided.

You must be at least 15 years old to attend the summit. Advocates up to 24 years old are welcome to apply. 

To apply for summit you must have participated in a Youth Action Campaign as an advocate for at least one year. Your team must have completed and submitted their campaign summary by the deadline.