NCAI Youth

For further information please contact Bernida Humetewa at 505-867-0203 or bhumetewa@ncai.org

NCAI Youth Commission

The NCAI Youth Commission was established at the 1997 NCAI Mid-Year meeting in Juneau, Alaska by resolution #JNU-97-003.  It was created in response to the vocalized need for an entity that would provide Native youth an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns.  The Youth Commission seeks to provide Native youth with leadership development opportunities and to provide a forum for networking with other Native youth throughout the nation.

Youth Commission Officers  

Mission

We, the National Congress of American Indian Youth unite as a commission of all backgrounds and ages to strengthen the past, present and future of our unity, knowledge and wisdom; to serve our people's concerns and interests by enhancing our spiritual, mental, physical and emotional well-being for a better Native America.

Purpose

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Youth Commission is designed specifically for college and high school students with an interest in political science, tribal government and Native American legislative and governmental affairs.

The Youth Commission provides a youth perspective with issues that concern the youth. It is to be a resource to NCAI and Tribal Leaders. It is an opportunity to acquire knowledge from NCAI and Tribal Leaders about the process of NCAI and Tribal Politics. Also to enhance our leadership skills and utilize those we may have obtained prior. Most importantly the NCAI Youth Commission is an avenue to provide a unified voice for ALL Native American and Alaskan youth.

What the Youth Commission can offer you:

• Mentoring Program: spending time with an elder, leader or delegate.
• Volunteering: a valuable learning experience working "behind the scenes" to see NCAI in action.
• Informative Workshops: learn from professionals in their field.
• Leadership Training: hands on experience in leadership development.
• Youth Luncheon: keynotes, honoring elders, mentors and youth.
• Addressing Issues: through resolutions, lobbing and sharing as well as learning.
• A Voice Within NCAI and NCAI Youth Commission: participants will learn the process of NCAI as well as contribute to changes and is a tool for any youth.  

ncai/youth/doc/October_5__2006_Meeting_Minutes.pdf

Students have to pay to attend the NCAI general meetings. They do not have to pay to attend the Youth Commission meetings. However, they will not be able to attend any of the NCAI general meetings. Students also cannot vote unless they are a paying member of NCAI.  Student registration fees for Annual are $175 before October 19 / $200 after October 19.

Documents

• Brochure

  By-Laws

  Charter

  Mission Statement

  Establishing Resolution #JNU-97-003

E-mail the Youth Commission Representatives at NCAIYouthCommission@gmail.com.

NCAI Youth Ambassador Leadership Program

At the 2006 Mid-Year Conference in Sault Ste.. Marie, Michigan, NCAI leadership announced the creation of the National Congress of American Indians Youth Commission Ambassador Leadership Program (YALP).  The YALP is a scholarship program open to males and females aged 17-25.  The Ambassadors, one male and one female, will serve a two year term representing and promoting NCAI and the NCAI Youth Commission and aiding the NCAI Youth Commission leadership in its meetings and functions when requested.    

Youth Ambassadors 

How to become a Youth Ambassador

Ambassadors are chosen every two years at our Annual Conventions. Anyone may apply that is eligible for NCAI membership according to theNCAI Constitution, has support from their tribal council, and is a fulltime student at the high school, college or graduate level.

Each Ambassador will receive a $2,500 scholarship to be paid directly to their academic institution. 

To apply to be an NCAI Youth Ambassador, please fill out the NCAI Youth Ambassador Leadership Program Application. Applications must be received by September 5, 2008 and must be complete inorder to be considered.  For any questions, please contact our officeat (202) 466-7767.

E-mail the Youth Ambassadors at NCAIYouthAmbassadors@gmail.com.

NCAI Youth Sponsorship

NCAI's youth programs continue to seek sponsorship to accommodate our financial needs. Sponsorships goes towards the funding of our luncheon, receptions, Youth Track and in the future scholarships during the annual conventions of NCAI.

If you are interested in donating funds to the NCAI Youth Commission or the NCAI Youth Ambassador Leadership Program, please contact our office. Any type of donations are greatly appreciated and will be recognized appropriately.

Online

Visit our NCAI Yahoo Group at: groups.yahoo.com, keyword: ncaiyouthcommission.

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Make A Donation 

National Congress of American Indians (NCAI)
1516 P Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 466-7767, Fax: (202) 466-7797
Email: ncai@ncai.org

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