EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council
EarthEcho International was founded on the belief that young people have the power to change the world. You are invited to apply to join the Youth Leadership Council (YLC) - a team of young environmental leaders, selected annually through a competitive application process, who play a key role leading EarthEcho’s programs while developing and implementing campaigns to mobilize young people worldwide to protect our ocean planet.
Through this unique experience, you will grow as an environmental leader, gain an understanding of the operations of an international non-profit organization as you shape our work and mission, and build connections with your peers and EarthEcho partners working around the world to ensure a sustainable future.
Thank you for your interest in EarthEcho's Youth Leadership Council. We are no longer accepting applications for the 2024 cohort. Join our GenSea community or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or TikTok for updates on this program and future opportunities!
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is the guiding youth voice driving the development and implementation of EarthEcho’s global programs designed to support our vision of a world where every individual, from all backgrounds and experiences, has the opportunity and tools to create a healthy, thriving ocean planet. YLC members expand the reach and impact of EarthEcho’s programs, design collaborative campaigns to mobilize young ocean advocates worldwide through GenSea, and learn alongside a global network of their peers while gaining skills to support personal conservation work.
YLC members will commit to the following during their two-year term:
- Dedicate a minimum of eight hours per month to YLC activities.
- Participate in one full YLC video call every month (times TBD based on members’ schedules).
- Serve on one of three committees: education/outreach, social media and community engagement, and events to drive the GenSea Community, support EarthEcho programs, and lead campaigns to mobilize youth-led action to protect our ocean planet.
- Participate in communication/calls with committee members and EarthEcho staff as needed to ensure objectives are met.
- Plan and participate in the Youth Leadership Council Annual Meeting, tentatively scheduled for August 6-11, 2024 in the United States (All travel expenses for participants covered by EarthEcho International. Please note: In line with local and federal guidelines, all participants may be asked to wear a mask throughout the event and must provide proof of full vaccination for COVID-19. In lieu of vaccination, participants may provide proof of a negative COVID test taken within 48 hours of the event.)
- Plan, lead, and participate in the annual EarthEcho Youth Leadership Summit. The next Summit will take place through a global series of in person events organized by the YLC focused on youth leadership in advancing the High Seas Treaty.
- Actively engage weekly in the GenSea platform, recruit new members to this growing global community of young ocean advocates, and build/participate in year-round networking, learning, and action opportunities for members.
- Communicate regularly with EarthEcho Staff and fellow YLC members via e-mail and the GenSea platform.
- Work with fellow YLC members virtually between calls to carry out Council projects and activities.
- Report progress on YLC projects to EarthEcho International staff, providing access to any media or digital content that EarthEcho can share online.
- Utilize existing and pilot new EarthEcho materials in your communities to provide constructive feedback and suggestions on new materials.
- Collaborate with fellow YLC members and EarthEcho staff to manage Council structure and operations.
- Actively engage with EarthEcho on social media (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), sharing EarthEcho announcements and news via personal and/or organizational social media platforms.
- Respond to opportunities to generate social media posts, video content and written publications.
- Represent EarthEcho through conferences and speaking engagements (EarthEcho to share opportunities as they arise – members may also have the opportunity to speak with and/or on behalf of EarthEcho International co-founder, Philippe Cousteau).
- Interact with and potentially serve as a youth member on EarthEcho International’s Board of Directors.
- Be a positive voice for EarthEcho in your school, organization, and community.
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How old do I have to be to apply for the Youth Leadership Council?
Youth Leadership Council members must be between the ages of 15-22 at the time of application.
How long do members serve on the Youth Leadership Council?
Members serve a two year term on the Youth Leadership Council.
Can I apply for the Youth Leadership Council if I live outside of the United States?
Applicants from outside of the United States are welcome to apply for the Youth Leadership Council. All applicants should have the ability to clearly write and communicate in the English language.
How do I access the 2024 Youth Leadership Council application?
The 2024 Youth Leadership Council application can be accessed through GenSea, EarthEcho's digital community platform connecting our global network of young ocean advocates. Already have an account on GenSea? You can access the Youth Leadership Council application here. If you’re new to GenSea, visit www.joingensea.org and request an invitation. If you’re between the ages of 13-25, you’ll receive a confirmation e-mail to activate your account within 1-2 days. Follow the instructions to finalize your GenSea account, and log-in to access the Youth Leadership Council application.
What will I be doing as a Youth Leadership Council member?
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is the guiding youth voice driving the development and implementation of EarthEcho’s global programs designed to provide knowledge and develop tools to drive meaningful environmental action to protect and restore our ocean planet. Council members connect through monthly calls and virtual communication to provide guidance and leadership to EarthEcho’s programs while leading international campaigns to mobilize their peers to take ocean conservation action. Council members serve on committees to drive the implementation of campaigns to engage youth leaders in action to protect our ocean planet, create learning and action opportunities for young conservation leaders worldwide, and support the development of EarthEcho’s programs. Council members also have the opportunity to attend in-person meetings and training events, represent EarthEcho at conferences and community events, and collaborate with EarthEcho partners as opportunities arise.
What background experience do I need to apply?
Council members are selected to ensure the group contains members with diverse skill sets and experiences, a passion for environmental conservation, and an interest in providing a youth voice to the work of EarthEcho International. When completing your responses, consider the following criteria used by our application review team: conservation interest and leadership experience (applicant’s understanding of an environmental or environmental justice issue, evidence of environmental action, previous engagement in EarthEcho programs), skills and proficiencies (applicant’s unique skills or perspectives including communication skills, knowledge of specific ocean or environmental issues, experience leading conservation projects, underrepresented or traditionally excluded cultural and ethnic perspectives), and teamwork/collaboration (applicant’s experiences working in a team setting, collaborating with other organizations, personally organizing a team)
What are examples of past projects Youth Leadership Council members have been involved in?
Council members have a diverse role providing input and ideas to shape EarthEcho International’s existing and developing programs, while implementing their own campaigns to support EarthEcho’s work. YLC led initiatives have included:
OceanEcho 30x30 – an international campaign led by EarthEcho’s YLC designed to amplify the collective impact of youth-led action to protect 30% of the global ocean by 2030 (30x30). To date, this campaign has engaged over 20,000 community members directly through educational events and outreach focused on the importance of marine protected areas, mobilized youth leaders worldwide to advance policy, including the successful commitment to a global and U.S. level 30x30 ocean goal, and engaged youth leaders in communities from Puerto Rico to Hawaii and Argentina to the Galapagos in coastal habitat restoration efforts.
GenSea - Uniting EarthEcho's global community of young ocean advocates ages 13-25, GenSea provides year round networking, learning, and collective action opportunities to advance ocean protection for members from 100+ countries. The YLC plays a leadership role in building programming, campaigns, and opportunities for action in coordination with EarthEcho staff and GenSea members.
Youth Leadership Summit - YLC members play a key role in driving the annual EarthEcho Youth Leadership Summit, a convening of young ocean advocates focused on equipping participants with the skills, resources, and opportunities to advance ocean protection and ocean-based climate solutions. For three years, this event has virtually united hundreds of participants from 40+ countries and territories. In 2023, the YLC united over 230 youth and community mentors at the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Summit through eight in-person events around the world, as well as through a virtual session, focused on elevating youth leadership in advancing ocean climate action
I completed my EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council application – what happens next?
Applications will be reviewed over the coming weeks by a team from EarthEcho International. During this time some applicants may be contacted for follow-up interviews. All applicants will be notified of their application status by mid June of their application year.
What are other ways I can connect with EarthEcho International?
Join GenSea, our global community of young ocean advocates ages 13-25, connected for year-round networking, learning, and collective action to protect and restore our ocean planet. Additionally, be sure to connect with EarthEcho via social media on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Still have questions? Please direct additional questions to Sean Russell via email at srussell@earthecho.org or 202-350-3190.
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