New Member Application

Thank you for your interest in CA FWD’s Young Leader Advisory Council. The application period to join the next cohort are now closed. If you have any questions about YLAC and the application process, please email ylac@cafwd.org.

We are on a mission to make sure – no matter what circumstances you were born into or what social category you’ve been assigned – that everyone has the opportunity to pursue their dreams and succeed. To that end, we recognize the future is now and we must ensure youth representation and collaboration in policy-making and planning efforts in our state. The youth remain underrepresented in the California Legislature and many of the issues that are facing our generation are not being addressed. We deserve a seat at the decision-making table.

The CA FWD Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) is recruiting new members to bolster our efforts to make an equitable state for all Californians. We are seeking motivated and community-rooted change makers, to help shift the traditional policy discussions. We exercise conscious inclusion and look for opportunities to make sure the council reflects the state and even more so – the state that we want to see.

YLAC membership is a voluntary professional development opportunity and an opportunity to directly contribute to triple bottom line policy development. In addition to participating in CA FWD’s annual California Economic Summit, members are regularly invited to present publicly to various audiences including policy professionals, state legislators, business leaders, government employees and more. Members can expect to contribute anywhere from 5-10 hours per month working with us, with opportunities to further involve oneself to the extent there is capacity. This will go up to 10-15 hours per month closer to the California Economic Summit.

This is a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in learning more about public policy and legislation while getting hands-on experience.

CA FWD is guided by a triple-bottom-line approach of economic mobility, social equity and environmental resilience.

Qualifications for Applicants:

  • □ Age 17-24 by June 30, 2023
  • □ Interested in public policy, public affairs, community narratives, community organizing, civil rights or similar efforts
  • □ Willing to collaborate with a team and consider different ideas for solutions
  • □ Value data-based solutions and recommendations
  • □ Ability to do research and find sources to support recommendations and positions

“YLAC for me presented a chance to go a step further and advocate for youth to be more than token representation, especially as California’s leaders continue to make instrumental decisions that will impact our future. From making space for youth voices at the CA FWD Economic Summit and work groups, creating our first policy agenda, to being part of a RFP for the County of Tuolumne, we have continued to push the boundaries of what it means to be a youth leader and I encourage those who join the fourth cohort to do the same.” – Sauntharya Manikandan, YLAC Cohort 2 Member

Application:

Young Leaders Advisory Council New Member Application

APPLICANT INFORMATION

WHICH DESCRIBES YOUR INTENDED SCHOOL AND/OR EMPLOYMENT STATUS FOR FALL 2023 (check all that apply)
If you’re here we must have done something right. We like to learn how we can keep finding talented people to join our work.

CALIFORNIA FORWARD (CA FWD) LEADS A STATEWIDE MOVEMENT

Which California region(s) best represent your interested geographic area of focus or work? (check all that apply)

What are the areas you have a specific policy interest in? (check all that apply)

If selected to join the next cohort of the Young Leaders Advisory Council, what areas of CA FWD work would you be interested in contributing to? (check all that apply)

WE WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOU

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

In 1,000 words or less please respond to the following prompts - What drives you to support the causes or policies you believe in? How would joining the Young Leaders Advisory Council support your leadership and overall development? What would you like to accomplish during your time with us or what would you like to gain from your experience in the program?

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Let us know more about your background experiences - Include academic, work and volunteer history, previous and current leadership roles, notable awards and recognitions, extracurricular activities, and any other relevant skills and information.

Maximum file size: 52.43MB

Upload or share the URLs of samples of your work - this could be written blogs, reports, articles, social media posts, etc.

Is there anything we didn’t cover that you would like to share?

APPLICANT ACKNOWLEDGMENTS (REQUIRED)

INITIAL NEXT TO EACH STATEMENT BELOW to confirm that you acknowledge and understand the participant expectations if admitted into CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council (YLAC) program.
I ACKNOWLEDGE that participation in CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council program is for my own professional development and I understand that the more I put into the program, the more I will benefit.

I ACKNOWLEDGE that participation in CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council program is a two year commitment.

I ACKNOWLEDGE that if admitted into CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council program, I will be expected to participate in program activities including, but not limited to: (1) YLAC Meetings held twice a month, (2) CA FWD's Annual Economic Summit, and (3) other Program and CA FWD organizational activities.
I ACKNOWLEDGE that meetings and activities may be scheduled in the evenings after regular business hours. If admitted into the program, I will be expected to prioritize my participation in program meetings and activities, and make every effort to clear conflicts that may arise.
I ACKNOWLEDGE that if admitted into CA FWD’s Young Leaders Advisory Council program, I will be expected to be responsible for managing communications from and with staff for the entire duration of my participation in the program, and that I am responsible for communicating with staff regarding any changes that may impact my participation in the program.
I ACKNOWLEDGE that if admitted into the program, I am a representation of CA FWD by extension and will be expected to be respectful when engaging with peers, staff, and CA FWD's external partners.

By my signature below, I certify that the information provided on this application form is true and correct to the best of my knowledge.

(TYPE YOUR FULL NAME)