Thanks for applying to our Youth Advisory Cohort (YAC)! If you would like support with completing this application, need the application in a different format, or have additional questions contact info@eyesopeniowa.org
2025/2026 YAC Application
*Accepting applications now through August!
Meetings times are the last Friday of the month from 3:30-5pm. If the last Friday of the month is a holiday week then we will have meetings on the third Friday of the month at the same time. *subject to change based on member availability.
All the information you share on this application will just be for EOI staff to review. We will ask questions about your identities and experiences but this information will not be shared with other YAC members. You will not have to share any information publicly if you join a YAC.
Purpose: The goal of the YAC is to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health among Iowa's youth, particularly among youth who experience systemic marginalization or discrimination. This includes promoting positive health outcomes (reduced Sexually Transmitted Infections, unintended pregnancies, and reduce sexual violence) as well as positive youth development outcomes.
MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must be between the ages of 16-24 and live in Iowa.
Youth with all identities are encouraged to apply
Youth living in rural areas/communities are especially encouraged to apply.
WHAT WE EXPECT OF MEMBERS:
- EOI's YAC meets monthly (1-3hours) on zoom with an opportunity for an annual/biannual in person meeting in West Des Moines, Iowa. (9 times per year with summer off)
- EOI's YAC is part of a national YAC Collective that meets quarterly, four times, a year (3-4 hours) via Zoom. We expect members to be able to attend most of the meetings. All meetings will have the option to join online. (4 times per year)
- Members on the YAC must be able to attend 75% of the meeting times per fiscal year. July 2024-June2025
- Members are expected to consistently communicate about their availability and workload to ensure good teamwork.
- Authenticity (show up as your whole self, whatever that looks like) with cameras on.
- It is also expected that members will complete additional tasks between meetings, if necessary (like when we run out of time at meetings, have an urgent request for youth feedback or are doing a special project)
- We expect members to help create a brave and supportive environment both for themselves, their advisors, and other members
- Members should be passionate about youth advocacy work and inclusivity
- Permission from a parent or guardian is required for those ages 17 and under
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:
- Pay for your time ($15/hr), expertise, and travel stipend as well as meal support at in person meetings
- Become a peer health educator or Co Facilitator ($20hr) - deliver sexual health education to youth in Iowa and aid in leadership of the council
- Opportunities for leadership development
- Training on a variety of sexual and reproductive health and social justice topics
- Participation in social media campaigns
- Opportunities to give feedback on sex education lessons and other youth advocacy projects
- Participation in panels and events
- Other advocacy work relating to youth rights
Members have a lot of say over what happens throughout the year and we're always open to youth feedback. At all times, youth voice is the priority - feel free to offer ideas about how we can best make YACs work for youth!
To learn more about EyesOpenIowa (EOI) visit our website:
www.eyesopeniowa.org