NCUIH 2021-22 Youth Advisory Council Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

Urban American Indian/Alaska Native youth suffer higher rates of depression, which can be attributed to isolation from tribal lands and identity, lack of adequate mental health care, and financial instability. They are often geographically dispersed and disconnected from other urban AI/AN youth. Overcome with a high prevalence of alcoholism, and increased risk for suicide and mental health issues, the need for better systems of care and improved community capacity to support urban AI/AN youth is a high priority.  

Through a Native Connections cooperative agreement with SAMSHA, the National Council of Urban Indian Health’s (NCUIH) Supporting Urban Native Youth (SUNY) program proposes to build the capacity of urban communities to assist urban youth to live healthy lives through community support. 

Through the development of a National Urban Indian Youth and Young Adult Advisory Council, NCUIH seeks to support young people in becoming advocates and leaders for the urban Indian health sector and community, specifically around the areas of youth suicide and substance abuse prevention and recovery support to AI/AN young people under 25.

The NCUIH Youth Advisory Council will promote peer-level awareness and support for youth and young adult AI/ANs living in urban areas.  Youth Council members will promote awareness of substance misuse, trauma, suicide prevention, and mental health among peers on a local and national level, while gaining professional development skills, such as public speaking and project managment.   

Youth Council Selection Criteria

1. American Indian/Alaska Native living in urban communities and off-reservation
2. Between ages 18-24
3. Ability to engage in a 12-month commitment with NCUIH beginning September 7th, 2021, and ending on September 6th, 2022
4. Must have a desire and willingness to grow by serving as a youth leader representing urban communities
5. Complete Youth Council application, obtain one (1) mandatory adult reference and submit by August 15th, 2021 at 12:00 PM (ET).

*NOTE: To supplement the mandatory one adult reference, applicants also have the option to obtain a second adult reference OR an additional peer reference.

 

• Youth Council Application
• Adult Reference  *optional to include a 2nd Adult Reference
• Optional Peer Reference

NCUIH expects that youth and young adults selected for the National Youth Advisory Council will commit to a 12-month term beginning Monday, September 7th, 2021, and ending  September 6th, 2022.  

Time Commitment

• Attend a 3-day, virtual Youth Council Orientation in late September/early October 2021
• Attend a 3-day in-person Youth Advisory Council Training
  • Dates: TBD in Washington, DC (May be virtual pending COVID-19 Status)
  • Expenses paid by NCUIH
• Attend NCUIH's 2022 Annual Conference
  • Dates: TBD
  • Expenses paid by NCUIH
• Attend monthly virtual check-in meetings between September 7th, 2021 - September 6th, 2022: 
  • 1st Virtual Meeting - Wednesday, September 9th, 2021 (Time TBA)
• Youth Council General Participation
  • Estimated 3-4 hours monthly (1.5 hours monthly meeting + 2.5 hours working time) 

Youth Council members will receive training in the following areas:

• Training to improve awareness regarding positive mental health practices

• Promotion of suicide and substance misuse prevention             

• Strengthening peer-support surveillance, motivational interviewing skills, and providing a space for cultural connections

• Creating campaigns for the peer-level prevention of suicide, substance abuse and mental health challenges

• Understanding the seven sacred teachings (love, courage, honesty, respect wisdom, truth, and humility) for sharing experiences and overcoming open communication barriers among peers 

• Building leadership and professional development skills

• Building self-care and wellness skills

• Building advocacy-based policy skills

• Strengthening team-building skills

Youth Council members will also have the following opportunities and benefits: 

• Sponsored travel, lodging and meals for: 3-day in-person Youth Advisory Council Training
  • Dates: TBD in Washington, DC (May be virtual pending COVID-19 Status)
  • Expenses paid by NCUIH

• Sponsored registration, travel, lodging, meals and attendance to: NCUIH's 2022 Annual Conference
  • Dates: TBD
  • Expenses paid by NCUIH

• A modest stipend

Youth Council applicants must be 18 years of age by the application extended deadline of Sunday, August 15th, 2021 at 12:00 PM (ET).

Youth Council applicants must be 18 years of age by the application extended deadline of Sunday, August 15th, 2021 at 12:00 PM (ET).

 

There will be no costs associated with membership in the NCUIH National Youth Advisory Council.  Any travel, lodging, meals, registration or other expenses will be covered by NCUIH.

Out-of-state travel for In-Person training and NCUIH's Annual Conference may be required for Youth Council members who are not located in Washington DC (pending COVID-19 restrictions). 

Yes. Youth Council meetings will occur virtually with all 5 members and NCUIH staff starting monthly on September 7th, 2021 - September 6th, 2022. Calls will last approximately 1.5-2 hours and will be facilitated through Zoom software. (Alternatively, participation can occur via cell phone as well).

In addition, most tasks or action items may require members to use a computer or laptop to successfully contribute to the council campaign/projects.

Youth Council members will be notified of their selection to the NCUIH Urban Indian Youth and Young Adult Advisory Council by Monday, September 7th, 2021.