YOUTH COUNCIL
Purpose and Mission
Connection to Foundation LAILA
The Youth Representative Council (YRC) exists to ensure that the voices of young people, including those with Down Syndrome and their peers, are integral in shaping Foundation LAILA’s programs and services, and encompassing the role of the community.
The YRC’s mission is to advocate for the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome, foster inclusivity, and create safe spaces where youth from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and lead. This group aims to elevate youth perspectives, empower young advocates, and support community integration through active involvement and leadership.
As an essential entity of Foundation LAILA, the YRC operates in alignment with the Foundation’s overarching vision and mission. The Council works parallel to the Foundation, serving as a youth-led advisory body that contributes fresh ideas, advocates for inclusive practices, and enriches the organisation’s programs with their unique insights.
A designated Youth Representative from the Council will serve on the Foundation’s Board, ensuring direct communication and influence over service delivery and strategic initiatives.
The YRC will spearhead initiatives that raise awareness of Foundation LAILA’s mission and promote social inclusion. They will work collaboratively with the Foundation staff to collect and analyse data on their impact, integrating their findings into the Foundation’s broader strategic plans to refine and enhance program delivery to benefit children, young people and families with Down Syndrome.
Purpose and Mission
The Youth Representative Council (YRC) exists to ensure that the voices of young people, including those with Down Syndrome and their peers, are integral in shaping Foundation LAILA’s programs and services, and encompassing the role of the community.
The YRC’s mission is to advocate for the rights of individuals with Down Syndrome, foster inclusivity, and create safe spaces where youth from diverse backgrounds can connect, learn, and lead. This group aims to elevate youth perspectives, empower young advocates, and support community integration through active involvement and leadership.
Connection to Foundation LAILA
As an essential entity of Foundation LAILA, the YRC operates in alignment with the Foundation’s overarching vision and mission. The Council works parallel to the Foundation, serving as a youth-led advisory body that contributes fresh ideas, advocates for inclusive practices, and enriches the organisation’s programs with their unique insights.
A designated Youth Representative from the Council will serve on the Foundation’s Board, ensuring direct communication and influence over service delivery and strategic initiatives.
The YRC will spearhead initiatives that raise awareness of Foundation LAILA’s mission and promote social inclusion. They will work collaboratively with the Foundation staff to collect and analyse data on their impact, integrating their findings into the Foundation’s broader strategic plans to refine and enhance program delivery to benefit children, young people and families with Down Syndrome.
Structure and Membership
The YRC is composed of young people aged 16 to 25, volunteering to participate in either the main committee or as active program members. The main committee will include up to 8 members, with additional youth involved in specific activities or projects.
The council is run by youth and consists of a balanced mix of individuals with Down Syndrome and their peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Membership is drawn from local schools and the community to ensure diverse representation.
Structure and Membership
The YRC is composed of young people aged 16 to 25, volunteering to participate in either the main committee or as active program members. The main committee will include up to 8 members, with additional youth involved in specific activities or projects.
The council is run by youth and consists of a balanced mix of individuals with Down Syndrome and their peers, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Membership is drawn from local schools and the community to ensure diverse representation.
Operational Overview
Volunteering and Participation
Youth between 16 and 25 can apply to join, contributing to a range of activities based on their interests.
Projects and Engagement
The Council will initiate and manage projects that reflect community feedback and provide program recommendations to the Foundation.
Workshops and Leadership
Members will develop and facilitate youth-led workshops and activities that build leadership skills, promote advocacy, and strengthen community ties.
Sustainability
To maintain fresh ideas and perspectives, the YRC will establish a rotating membership system, allowing new members to contribute regularly while sustaining experienced leadership.
Advocacy
The Council will serve as an advocacy body, representing the needs and rights of young individuals with Down Syndrome in the broader community.
Activities and Responsibilities
In this youth-led initiative, members will…
- Organise and Run Events:
Plan inclusive events and activities that bring the community together, encouraging participation from schools and promoting awareness of the Foundation’s mission.
- Lead Advocacy Campaigns:
Engage in writing campaigns, speak at schools, and contribute to the Foundation’s wider advocacy work to champion the rights and opportunities of individuals with Down Syndrome.
- Foster Connections:
Create social outings and discussions that build relationships, enhance social skills, and expand networks among peers, including those with Down Syndrome
Operational Overview
Activities and Responsibilities
Volunteering and Participation
Youth between 16 and 25 can apply to join, contributing to a range of activities based on their interests.
Projects and Engagement
The Council will initiate and manage projects that reflect community feedback and provide program recommendations to the Foundation.
Workshops and Leadership
Members will develop and facilitate youth-led workshops and activities that build leadership skills, promote advocacy, and strengthen community ties.
Sustainability
To maintain fresh ideas and perspectives, the YRC will establish a rotating membership system, allowing new members to contribute regularly while sustaining experienced leadership.
Advocacy
The Council will serve as an advocacy body, representing the needs and rights of young individuals with Down Syndrome in the broader community.
In this youth-led initiative, members will…
- Organise and Run Events:
Plan inclusive events and activities that bring the community together, encouraging participation from schools and promoting awareness of the Foundation’s mission.
- Lead Advocacy Campaigns:
Engage in writing campaigns, speak at schools, and contribute to the Foundation’s wider advocacy work to champion the rights and opportunities of individuals with Down Syndrome.
- Foster Connections:
Create social outings and discussions that build relationships, enhance social skills, and expand networks among peers, including those with Down Syndrome
Want to be a YRC member?
Check out the application and selection process for the Youth Representative Council.
The application and onboarding process is designed to encourage youth participation, a high standard of engagement, and maintain an inclusive, safe environment that aligns with Foundation LAILA’s mission.
Application Guidelines
Do you meet the following Selection Criteria?
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Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrated passion for inclusivity and advocacy for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
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Leadership Potential: Previous involvement in school or community activities that showcase leadership, teamwork, and initiative OR an interest in being involved.
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Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and work collaboratively within a diverse group.
-
Reliability and Responsibility: Evidence of commitment to past projects or programs and adherence to deadlines.
Application Guidelines
Do you meet the following Selection Criteria?
-
Commitment to Inclusion: Demonstrated passion for inclusivity and advocacy for individuals with Down Syndrome and other disabilities.
-
Leadership Potential: Previous involvement in school or community activities that showcase leadership, teamwork, and initiative OR an interest in being involved.
-
Communication Skills: Ability to articulate ideas clearly and work collaboratively within a diverse group.
-
Reliability and Responsibility: Evidence of commitment to past projects or programs and adherence to deadlines.
Member Selection Process
- Initial Review
Applications are screened by Foundation LAILA staff and current YRC members to ensure completeness and eligibility. - Shortlist and Interview:
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an informal interview with a panel consisting of Foundation staff and current YRC members. The interview will assess your alignment with the Council’s mission and your readiness to contribute. Bring along any questions you may have. - Final Decision:
The panel will select up to 8 core committee members. Additional applicants may be invited to join as program participants for broader engagement events and activities.
Notification and Onboarding:
Successful candidates will be notified via email or phone call and provided with onboarding materials.
A welcome meeting will be held to introduce new members to the existing team and outline initial responsibilities and projects.
Onboarding Process
- Welcome Package: Includes a guide to the Council’s mission, member roles, meeting schedule, and upcoming projects.
- Initial Training Session: Introduction to YRC operations, governance basics, advocacy training, and code of conduct review.
- Buddy System: New members will be paired with a current member for their first term to facilitate smooth integration.
- First Project Participation: New members will take part in a group project to apply their training and build confidence.
