Volusia Pride Youth Council
The Volusia Pride Youth Council is a three-member leadership group made up of young people who will help shape, plan, and lead youth-centered programming with Volusia Pride. Youth Council Members will bring their ideas, lived experiences, creativity, and leadership to help ensure that activities are engaging, affirming, inclusive, and responsive to the needs and interests of LGBTQ+ youth in our community.
This is a participatory leadership opportunity. Council Members will have a meaningful role in directing the vision and activities of Volusia Pride’s youth programming while receiving guidance, support, and mentorship from a designated Leadership Mentor.
Commitment and Stipend
Youth Council Members will serve one-year terms and may be eligible to serve up to three consecutive terms, based on continued active participation, interest, and the needs of the Youth Council. Members will receive a stipend of $75 per month in recognition of their time, leadership, preparation, and active participation.
The Council will consist of three members. Members are expected to make a consistent commitment to the role, including participation in monthly planning meetings and involvement in youth activities, events, and program development as agreed upon by the Council and Leadership Mentor.
What Youth Council Members Will Do
Youth Council Members will help lead the development of Volusia Pride’s youth programming. Responsibilities may include:
Participate actively in monthly Youth Council planning meetings with the Leadership Mentor.
Help identify the interests, needs, and priorities of LGBTQ+ youth in the Volusia County community.
Generate ideas for youth events, activities, workshops, social opportunities, outreach efforts, and leadership initiatives.
Collaboratively create, plan, and direct youth programming.
Take leadership roles in preparing for, promoting, facilitating, or supporting youth activities and events.
Help create a welcoming, inclusive, respectful, and affirming environment for participating youth.
Share feedback about what is working, what youth want to see more of, and how programming can improve.
Work collaboratively with fellow Youth Council Members, Volusia Pride staff or volunteers, community partners, and the Leadership Mentor.
Represent the perspectives of youth in conversations about program planning and community engagement.
Leadership Support and Mentorship
Each Youth Council Member will be supported by a Leadership Mentor who will help turn the Council’s ideas into workable programming. The mentor will provide guidance on leadership development, planning, communication, event coordination, and navigating organizational processes.
While Youth Council Members will help direct the content and vision of youth programming, the Leadership Mentor will provide support with administrative and operational responsibilities, including:
Budget planning and management.
Grant-related documentation and reporting.
Program logistics, approvals, and organizational policies.
Coordination with Volusia Pride leadership, volunteers, vendors, and partners.
Support with timelines, materials, outreach, and event implementation.
This structure is intended to give Youth Council Members real leadership and decision-making opportunities while ensuring they have the practical support needed to successfully bring their ideas to life.
Ideal Youth Council Members
Youth Council Members should be young people, ages 15 to 24, who are interested in community, leadership, creativity, advocacy, event planning, or building affirming spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Members do not need previous formal leadership experience; enthusiasm, reliability, respect for others, and a willingness to participate are most important.
Ideal members will be:
Interested in helping create meaningful and fun opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth.
Open to sharing ideas, listening to others, and working as part of a team.
Willing to attend monthly planning meetings and remain actively involved between meetings as needed.
Responsible, communicative, and respectful of confidentiality and community agreements.
Interested in developing leadership, planning, communication, and community-engagement skills.
Committed to helping make Volusia Pride youth programming inclusive, accessible, and welcoming to youth with diverse identities and experiences.