To serve as an HRC Foundation Youth Ambassador, you must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Be between the ages of 13-21 years old at the time of your application

• Please note, if you are under 18, you must have a legal parent or guardian permission and support to participate as a Youth Ambassador

• Live in the United States of America and plan to stay primarily in the country for your two-years of service as a Youth Ambassador

• Identify as LGBTQ+ and be comfortable publicly sharing your identity including discussing your identities on social media

• For those in the 2024-26 cohort, you must be available and willing to travel to the DC area (all travel costs will be covered) to participate in HRC's Equality In Action convention currently projected for April 24-26 2025.

• This year we really want to prioritize highlighting young people who have a direct connection to the problems LGBTQ+ youth are facing legislatively. Disclaimer: you don't have to meet these exact qualifications to be considered- all young LGBTQ+ folks interested in advocacy are encouraged to apply! If you:
  • Are currently attending a public middle/high school that has be impacted by anti-LGBTQ+ legislation
  • Can speak to the experience of being multiply-marginalized in addition to your LGBTQ+ identity
  • Have experience receiving life-changing gender affirming care
• You may be the next YA we’re looking for!

As a Youth Ambassador, HRC Foundation asks that all Youth Ambassadors:

• Attend virtual monthly meetings (date/time TBA)
  

• Respond to HRC emails and requests in a timely manner

• Be comfortable sharing your story, experiences, and identities as keynote speakers, panelists, on webinars, in videos and blogs, and on social media

• Publicly support the work of HRC and HRC Foundation

HRC Foundation works hard to ensure the Youth Ambassador program is a mutually beneficial relationship that provides youth participants with tangible support including:

• Training on developing your personal keynote speech and opportunities to deliver your keynote where appropriate

• Media and social media training from HRC staff leaders

• Opportunity to have HRC staff as professional references for high school, college, or job applications

• Financial stipend of at least $100 per engagement such as serving on a panel, provide a keynote, draft a blog post, or participate in a video

• HRC Foundation covers any and all travel costs for Youth Ambassadors if they are asked to travel for events, additionally, if the Youth Ambassador is under 18, HRC Foundation covers travel expenses for a legal parent or guardian to attend with their YA.