Apply to the National Youth Council

Applications for the National Youth Council are currently OPEN.

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The National Youth Council seeks committed volunteers aged 16–22 to represent Red Cross youth nationally. This remote, two‑year role requires local engagement, occasional travel, and at least two years of prior Red Cross experience. The Council offers a unique leadership opportunity to drive national youth programs, integrate youth into the Red Cross mission, and strengthen youth involvement by harnessing the creativity and dedication of young volunteers.

Interested in hearing directly from a current Council member about their experience? Sign up for a 15‑minute coffee chat! You can access the link at the top of the Volunteer Connection Youth & Young Adult Events calendar

National Youth Council

Member Application

Eligibility Requirements (Applicants must meet all criteria to apply)

16–22 years old by July 1, 2026
Two years active in Volunteer Connection by July 1, 2026
Minimum of 20 hours logged in Volunteer Connection in the last twelve months
Held a leadership role within the Red Cross
Available to serve on the National Youth Council from July 1, 2026 – July 31, 2028
Commits to serving an average of 10-15 hours per month

Key Responsibilities & Expectations

Represents and advocates for youth and young adult volunteers during a two‑year term, with the possibility of a third year
Leads and participates in National Youth Council projects and activities, including the Youth and Young Adult Ambassador Program, National Youth Involvement Month, campaigns, and social media efforts
Engages with local volunteer positions in the member’s current region
Attends and actively participates in all scheduled meetings, including weekly Working Group Calls, weekly Campaign Calls, and biweekly All‑Council Calls
Maintains a Red Cross email address for all Council matters and responds to emails within 48 hours
Attends the annual in‑person meeting
Demonstrates understanding of the value of youth and young adult volunteers

Application Timeline

March 23: Application opens
April 26: Application closes
May 15: Selected applicants invited to interview
June 26: Decision notifications sent to all applicants
July 1: Council members begin FY27 term

How to Apply

1: Log into Volunteer Connection.
2: Click on the Opportunities tab and search for the National Youth Council Member position.
3: Click 'Apply'. You will receive a separate email within 1-2 buisness days to complete the full application form.*
4: Send the recommendation form to your Red Cross and non-Red Cross adult leader.

*Please be sure to press 'Apply' in Volunteer Connection early so you have ample time to complete the application once you receive it.

Required Application Materials

Description of Red Cross experiences and relevant non‑Red Cross experiences
Personal response in the form of a video
Two recommendation forms:
- Red Cross recommendation: A Red Cross staff or leader who has directly observed your volunteer involvement (e.g., Youth Engagement Lead, Red Cross Club Advisor, Volunteer Services Manager)
- Non‑Red Cross recommendation: Someone who has observed you in a non‑Red Cross capacity (e.g., teacher, professor, mentor, supervisor)

Q: I am meeting all but one requirement. Can an exception be made?

A: Due to the high volume of strong applications we receive each year, we are unable to make any exceptions to the eligibility requirements. We encourage you to continue building your Red Cross experience and leadership skills, and we hope you will consider applying in a future cycle.

Q: Can my recommendation form be submitted by another student or peer in a leadership position?

A: All recommendations must be from an adult you have worked with.

Q: Can I apply again if I am not selected this year?

A: Yes! Many successful Council members applied more than once. We encourage applicants to strengthen their Red Cross involvement and leadership experience before reapplying.

Q: When a new member joins the Council, what support do they receive to help them succeed in their roles?

A: All new members complete an onboarding period during their first month, where they learn the fundamentals of working on the Council. We ensure that members feel comfortable with the Council’s structure and functions before beginning formal responsibilities. Members gradually take on more responsibilities and receive a leadership role beginning in August.

Q: How are Council positions assigned?

A: After onboarding, members receive information about all available leadership roles for the year. The Executive Committee reviews each member’s demonstrated skills, leadership qualities, and ability to contribute to different parts of the Council’s work. Positions are then assigned based on where each member can be most successful and make the biggest impact.

Q: In addtion to my assigned Council position, are there opportunities to plan and lead projects I am passionate about?

A: Absolutely! The Council encourages creativity, leadership, and new ideas. If you have a project you’re excited about, you can submit a proposal to the Executive Committee. They’ll work with you to help shape your idea and provide guidance.

If you have any additional questions, please contact YouthInvolvement@redcross.org. Good luck to everyone applying!

National Youth Council

Advisor Applications

Application Instructions

Our application cycle is currently closed. For any questions, please contact us at youthInvolvement@redcross.org.

Responsibilities

The National Youth Council holds three weekly Working Group Calls, weekly Executive Committee Calls, and bi-weekly All‑Council Calls. These calls often occur during evenings and occasionally on weekends.
Most Council work happens during these meetings, and Advisors are expected to participate in each of them.
Advisors can expect to dedicate 8–10 hours per week to Council‑related work.
Advisors are expected to facilitate bimonthly professional development and leadership‑building sessions during the All‑Council Call. Topics are determined by Advisors, with input from Council Members.
There is one in‑person meeting each year that Advisors are expected to attend; meeting dates and locations are typically determined approximately two months in advance.
Advisors lead the Progressive Discipline Process as needed, based on Red Cross Human Resources policies and National Youth Council Standard Operating Procedures.
Advisors conduct clearly defined member evaluations twice per year, with the purpose of supporting professional development and increasing Council engagement.
Advisors are expected to provide guidance and recommendations for all Council projects and serve as subject‑matter experts in their specific Red Cross fields.
Advisors also work with the entire Council and the NHQ Youth Engagement Team to connect members with internal and external areas of the American Red Cross where opportunities for engagement may exist.

Qualifications

Positions are open to experienced regional youth coordinators, Red Cross Unit Executives, and skilled employees within specific lines of service who are committed to advancing youth and young adult engagement.
Advisors serve a two‑year term, which may be renewed.