Mar 25, 2013 2 min read

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency is looking for nominations for participants in the agency’s Youth Preparedness Council.

The council offers an opportunity for members to complete a youth preparedness project of their choosing; to learn about youth disaster preparedness from the leadership at FEMA and other national organizations dedicated to youth preparedness; to voice their opinions, experiences, and share innovative ideas and solutions; and to participate in the Youth Preparedness Council Summit this summer.

Each council member is expected to develop and complete one preparedness-related project specific to their region and interests.

Council members will potentially participate in national, regional, state, tribal and local preparedness meetings and present their work. Anyone between ages 12 and 17 who is involved in individual and community preparedness can apply or be nominated to serve on the council. An individual may apply on his or her own behalf or can be nominated by an adult familiar with their youth preparedness activities.

Individuals interested in applying must submit a completed application form, a narrative and a letter of recommendation. The letter of recommendation can be from any adult, including a parent, guardian, community first responder or teacher.

Applications that do not include a letter of recommendation will not be reviewed.

Individuals interested in nominating a young leader to the council should complete the application form and narrative, but a letter of recommendation is not mandatory.

All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than 11:59 a.m. April 19 in order to be eligible.

Members will be announced in May. Once selected, members serve on the council for one year, with the option to extend for an additional year, based on a formal request by FEMA.

For more information and to access the application materials, visit ready.gov/youth-preparedness.