The Skillman Foundation's President Youth Council: Nomination Application

The Skillman Foundation is currently seeking nominations for the Foundation's President's Youth Council.

Overview

The Skillman Foundation’s most important advisers are unequivocally Detroit’s young people. We revere their perspectives and insights and regularly seek new ways to incorporate their input into every aspect of our work. As part of our commitment to developing effective community solutions that place Kids First, our President & CEO, Tonya Allen, is establishing the President’s Youth Council (PYC). Council members will identify issues that are most important to Detroit youth and provide the President with their perspectives on the Foundation’s efforts to improve and expand educational and economic opportunities for young Detroiters.

Logistics

The Council will consist of 10 youth who are:
- Between the ages of 12-20
- Residents of Detroit
- A diverse range of ages, races, genders, abilities, interests, neighborhoods, schools, etc.

Council members are expected to:
- Attend 2-3 meetings per year
- Occasionally gather input from other young people outside of regular meetings
- Serve a two-year term

Members will be financially compensated for their time in the following ways:
- $250 per meeting
- A $1,000 stipend upon completion of a two-year term
- Full reimbursement for transportation

Responsibilities

Council Members will:

Discuss issues and ideas that are significant to them and their peers.
Provide input to inform the Foundation’s role as a changemaker in Detroit.
Gather insights and feedback from other young people.

The Foundation will:

Learn from young people and incorporate their ideas and perspectives into our work.
Facilitate conversations about the issues and ideas that are most important to young people.

Outcomes

Council Members will:

Influence the direction of the Foundation’s work to improve and expand educational and economic opportunities for young Detroiters.
Grow their leadership skills and network through the program, helping them expand their influence and voice beyond their involvement with the Foundation.

The Foundation will:

Develop more effective, youth-driven community solutions.
Create deeper relationships with Detroit youth leaders.

Timeline

August 26: Call for Nominations Opens
September 25: Deadline to Submit Applications
Week of October 19: Council Members Notified of Selection
Week of November 9: Inaugural Council Meeting & Orientation

Qualifications

All youth must be:

Residents of Detroit
Between the ages of 12-20
Able to serve a two-year term on the Council
Able to attend two-to-three meetings per calendar year (virtually or in person)
Willing to occasionally consult with the president outside of Council meetings
Willing to discuss issues and ideas that are significant to them and their peers
Willing to occasionally gather input from other young people

Nomination Process

All nominations are due on Friday, September 25, 2020 at 5:00 pm EST.
Youth can either be nominated by someone else or nominate themselves.
Nominations can be submitted either online or via email.