EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council
The Youth Leadership Council (YLC) is the guiding youth voice driving the development and implementation of EarthEcho’s global programs designed to support our vision of a world where every individual, from all backgrounds and experiences, has the opportunity and tools to create a healthy, thriving ocean planet. YLC members expand the reach and impact of EarthEcho’s programs, design collaborative campaigns to mobilize young ocean advocates worldwide through GenSea, and learn alongside a global network of their peers while gaining skills to support personal conservation work.
YLC members will commit to the following during their two-year term:
Dedicate a minimum of eight hours per month to YLC activities.
Participate in one full YLC video call every month (times TBD based on members’ schedules).
Collaborate with fellow Council members to lead projects that advance EarthEcho's work and mission, expand the impact of our GenSea community, and create opportunities to support youth-led action to protect our ocean planet.
Participate in small group communication/calls with fellow Council members and EarthEcho staff as needed to advance Council-led projects.
Plan and participate in the EarthEcho Youth Ambassador Retreat and YLC annual meeting, tentatively scheduled for August 6-10, 2025 in the United States (All travel expenses for participants covered by EarthEcho International. All applicants should hold these dates on their calendars).
Plan, lead, and participate in the annual EarthEcho Youth Leadership Summit. The Summit takes place through a series of in-person events hosted by YLC members, with the next events occurring in early 2026. New YLC members will be expected to organize these events in their respective communities with resources and support from their peers, the EarhEcho team, and our partners.
Actively engage weekly in the GenSea platform, recruit new members to this growing global community of young ocean advocates, and build/participate in year-round networking, learning, and action opportunities for members.
Communicate regularly with EarthEcho Staff and fellow YLC members via e-mail and the GenSea platform.
Work with fellow YLC members virtually between calls to carry out Council projects and activities.
Report progress on YLC projects to EarthEcho International staff, providing access to any media or digital content that EarthEcho can share online.
Utilize existing and pilot new EarthEcho materials in your communities to provide constructive feedback and suggestions on new materials.
Collaborate with fellow YLC members and EarthEcho staff to manage Council structure and operations.
Actively engage with EarthEcho on social media (Instagram, X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, TikTok, etc.), sharing EarthEcho announcements and news via personal and/or organizational social media platforms.
Respond to opportunities to generate social media posts, video content and written publications.
Represent EarthEcho through conferences and speaking engagements (EarthEcho to share opportunities as they arise – members may also have the opportunity to speak with and/or on behalf of EarthEcho International co-founder, Philippe Cousteau).
Interact with and potentially serve as a youth member on EarthEcho International’s Board of Directors.
Be a positive voice for EarthEcho in your school, organization, and community.
APPLY:
Thank you for your interest in the EarthEcho Youth Leadership Council! Applications for the 2025 class of YLC members are open through May 5, 2025 at 11:59pm EDT.
Applicants for the Youth Leadership Council in 2025 should:
be between the ages of 15-22 at the time of application;
demonstrate a passion for environmental conservation and evidence of leadership experience;
have experience working collaboratively with a team of youth and adults;
possess an understanding of ocean, environmental, and climate related issues;
have a desire to support EarthEcho International’s work and provide a youth perspective to the development of EarthEcho’s programs; and
have strong written and verbal communication skills in the English language
The 2025 Youth Leadership Council application is accessible through GenSea, EarthEcho’s digital community platform connecting our global community of young ocean advocates.
Not a member of GenSea? Sign-up today and activate your account to access and complete the 2025 Youth Leadership Council application by May 5.
Already a GenSea member? Complete your application for the 2025 Youth Leadership Council!
When completing your application, you will be asked to respond to the following essay questions (maximum of 250 words per answer). It is recommended that you draft your answers to these questions prior to starting the online application form.
Why do you want to serve as an EarthEcho International Youth Leadership Council Member?
What unique skills and experiences will you bring to the Youth Leadership Council and how will these support the work of EarthEcho International?
What leadership traits do you value? Describe a time when you personally utilized some or all of these traits to organize a team or group to accomplish a goal or overcome an obstacle?
What motivates your advocacy? What is an environmental issue(s) you are passionate about and why?
You have the option to submit your response to Question 4 in a video response. You may choose to write the essay or submit a video response but not both. The video response cannot exceed 3 minutes.Optional: If you have participated in an EarthEcho Ambassador program and/or the OurEcho Challenge, how would you like to mentor or engage with new cohorts of Ambassadors, either within the same program or across other EarthEcho initiatives?
When applying, you will also be required to secure a recommendation from a non-family member who can speak to your communication, leadership, and teamwork skills. The recommendation may be written by a teacher/school faculty member, employer, youth program leader, and/or peer. Please direct your recommender to this form to submit their reference by May 5, 2025.
Application Timeline:
To apply, please submit your application by Monday, May 5, 2025.
Finalists may be contacted in May 2025 for phone/video interviews.
Selected Youth Leadership Council members will be notified of their appointment to the Council by mid-June 2025.
To learn more and apply: https://www.earthecho.org/youth-leadership-council