Champions for Change Frequently Asked Questions  

Q. What is Champions for Change?

1. The Champions for Change (CFC) program is a Native youth leadership initiative designed to highlight positive stories of impact from Indian Country. The program, inspired by a 2011 White House initiative, develops young Native leaders through experience-based learning and tailored advocacy training.  Each year, CNAY selects five inspirational Native youth to join the CFC leadership network. All applicants, regardless of acceptance, are named Youth Ambassadors and stay engaged with CNAY and the Gen-I Network.

Q. Who can apply for Champions for Change?

A. Youth who:

• Self-identify as Native or Indigenous;
• Are between the ages of 14 and 24 years old; and
• Currently reside in the United States.

Q. How do I know if I’m a Champion for Change?

A. Champions for Change are young leaders who have a desire to better their communities. This can be done in your school or in a program on your reservation or urban community—anywhere you see an opportunity to positively impact your people. Champions aspire to grow in skills to support their work, connect with other youth leaders, and receive resources through the Center for Native American Youth. This does not need to be done through a formal initiative. Seeing a need for positive change and having a desire to address it makes you a Champion. Applicants do not need to have prior recognition or training completed. You do not need to have prior exposure to Generation Indigenous.

Questions? Email Cheyenne Brady at cheyenne.brady@aspeninstitute.org

Q. When is the deadline to apply?

        A. The deadline to submit your application is 11:59 PM Eastern Time on January 6, 2023.

Q. What is the application process like?

A. The application is three parts:

• Application Essay;
• One peer recommendation; and
• One adult letter of recommendation (adult/over 18)

Q. How do I complete my application?

A. The application can be found here. You will not be able to save and return to this form. We recommend typing responses in a word processing document first and then pasting into the form when you are ready to submit. Please note: you must have all application materials in order to submit your application. This includes: your essay, peer recommendation and adult recommendation.

Q. I’m under 18, do I need guardian consent?

A. Applicants under the age of 18 must have a parent, guardian or legal representative provide their electronic signature and contact information on the Champions for Change Application. If you are under 18 and selected for a phone interview, your guardian is required to participate on the call.

Q. Who should be my recommenders?

Peer: A friend, teammate, someone from your school or place of work that is around your age that can discuss your work as a Champion for Change. Peer recommendations should be those who have seen your leadership ability, passion, and desire to grow. These peers may know you through school, work, team sports, youth council, cultural events, and/or your leadership initiative.

Adult: When selecting your adult recommender, it is important to look to those who can share what makes you a distinct and special applicant. Teachers, advisors, coaches, councilors, tribal leaders, supervisors, and those who work closely with you are great to share not only your work ethic, passion, and leadership efforts, but speak to your character and personality.

There will be a total of 2 letters of recommendation for a complete application.

Q. I’m a young person with a disability will CNAY make accommodations?

A. Yes! Please reach out to our team member, Cheyenne Brady at cheyenne.brady@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-3505 and let us know what accommodation we can provide to support your application.

Q. I’ve submitted all my application materials, what’s next?

A. You will receive an email confirming your submission. From there, CNAY begins an extensive review process with external and internal parties. The external review is comprised of professionals and representatives from tribal communities throughout the country. The internal review is completed by staff of the Center for Native American Youth.

CNAY will reach out to those chosen for the next round for a phone interview. If you were not selected for a phone interview, you will still be contacted to serve as a Generation Indigenous Ambassador. Following phone interviews, five Champions for Change will be notified before January 27, 2022.

Q. What are the obligations for my year as a Champion for Change?

A. Champions for Change will spend their year receiving support and resources for their work. Champions will be flown to Washington, DC in February 2023 for a series of recognition events and trainings. They will meet with their respective members of Congress. Champions will serve on CNAY’s Youth Advisory Board and guide the Center for Native American Youth’s programming. Champions will have the opportunity to travel and speak on behalf of CNAY as Champions for Change.

Throughout the year, Champions are required to be in good communication with CNAY staff. This comes in the form of emails, group check-ins, and survey completions. In addition, CNAY strives to provide various platforms for all Champions. This includes conferences, media placements, and panel events to highlight their work.

Q. Are there rules and guidelines while being a Champion for Change?

A. Champions for Change represent the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute as well as their communities. Please review the Code of Conduct to clarify expectations of all youth leaders within the CNAY network, including the Champions for Change.