Executive Committee

What is the Executive Committee (EC)?

See List of Current Executive Committee members.

1. Basic Membership  2. Program Area Participants  3. Executive Committee (EC)  4. Program Sponsorship Partners  5. Advisors and Friends  6. Sponsors

The primary motive force behind the success of the NYAC is the general membership. Overseeing and guiding the process and programs of the NYAC is the Executive Committee (EC). The EC is a team of youth leaders and activists from across the country, representing youth-serving organizations as well as unaffiliated individuals, that publicize and develop the work of the National Youth Action Council.

Individuals, both from NYAC member organizations and otherwise, are encouraged to apply to the Executive Committee of the NYAC. The Executive Committee is the primary decision making body of the NYAC, and serves as the primary coordination and oversight body thereof. This team of approximately 15 youth leaders and activists from across the country was originally created to set the criteria for and determine the recipients of the annual Youth in Action Awards. While EC members are still directly responsible for the Awards program, the role of EC members has expanded considerably since 1997. Specifically, EC members represent the NYAC and American youth through the National Youth Platform and act on behalf of the NYAC in media, political, and other social forums.

How can I get involved?

The EC accepts new members each year through an application process, and members serve three-year terms. As the role of the NYAC is expanded, the EC is changing, too. Individuals interested in applying should fill out an application. After applying, individuals will receive a confirmation email updating them of their status and the timeline for the addition of new members. Generally, new members are chosen each summer. If spots on the council remain after the summer selection, members are again added in the winter. All members terminate their terms in the summer three years after selection (two and a half years for members added in the winter).

As per the NYAC Constitution, there are certain criteria that all EC members must adhere to. NYAC members must:

1. Agree to uphold the mission and vision of Youth in Action ("YIA") and the National Youth Action Council
2. Be between the ages of 16 and 22 as of the start of their term.
3. Commit to serve three years of EC service, with an option to extend as determined by a three fourths vote of EC members if the member is under the age of 24.
4. Commit to serve 10 hours per month on EC business.
5. Attend at least one and at most two full meetings of the EC per year.
6. Be familiar with the programs of YIA/NYAC, as well as the Constitution and the roles of the EC.
7. Have regular access to e mail, checking and responding at least twice per week.
8. Maintain regular communication and adhere to the rules established by the EC.

If you meet these criteria, Congratulations! You can apply to the EC! EC members have specific responsibilities as they work to make the NYAC the primary representative body of young people in the country. In the regular course of their duties, EC members must:

1. Support the mission and vision of Youth in Action ("YIA") and the National Youth Action Council.
2. Promote participation in, and recruit participants for, YIA/NYAC programs.
3. Be responsible for leadership in one aspect of YIA/NYAC programs (Awards, Platform, Conventions, etc.) and communicate progress in this area to other EC members regularly.
4. Serve as spokespersons for the NYAC and the EC to the media, political officials, governmental bodies, and at various events.
5. Score all applications for Youth in Action Awards.
6. Recruit members for the EC.
7. Set criteria for EC membership.
8. Evaluate, select, and train new EC members.
9. Outreach to organizations and foundations as necessary and possible for support.
10. Work with YIA staff on programs as deemed necessary.
11. Establish the governance structure for the EC and NYAC through organizing document(s).
12. Develop and maintain communications and decision making among NYAC general membership as well as the EC.
13. Develop relationships with the Friends of NYAC and Advisors of NYAC groups.
14. Establish and maintain relationship with key youth leaders domestically and internationally as possible.

Executive Committee membership is an exciting opportunity for individuals across the country. All interested youth are encouraged to apply.