Applying for NYC or NMCC? Check out this tip sheet.

Useful information for anyone interested in serving on the National Youth Committee or National Youth Meeting Committee:

• Ask yourself: What are the goals of the committee I’m applying for, and how can I contribute to those goals?  Make sure your answers clearly show what you would bring to the NMCC or NYC.
• Be concise and clear.  Consider that the youth trustees/NMCC Chair have about 2 hours to read between 20 to 30 applications.  The quicker you can get your point across, the happier you’ll make them.
• If you don’t understand one of the questions, email the committee chair.  There’s no right answer, so we can’t help you too much, but if there’s something you’ve never heard of (e.g.,what’s the local JB training program?), you should definitely ask about it.
• Typed applications are preferred over handwritten applications.  We’ll take it either way, but if you type it we’ll have an easier time reading everything, and it also shows you thought about it in advance.  If you don’t decide to apply until NBM, though, a handwritten application is perfectly fine.
• Proofread.  Mistakes happen to the best of us, but please do your best to avoid spelling and grammar errors.  Remember that good communication is a huge part of both the NYC and NMCC.  To check yourself, consider reading your application out loud before submitting it.
• If possible, apply early.  Applications will be considered equally regardless of when they’re received, but to help lighten the reading load on us, it would be great to already have read some of your applications in late September or early October.
• Remember: Serving on one of the youth committees isn’t the be-all end-all.  If you’re even considering applying, I can guarantee you that you’re a great CISVer and a terrific leader.  Also keep in mind that there are a lot of factors at play besides just how good an applicant you are.  For example, we’re trying to build a strong team, not just pick competent individuals, so we have to factor in concerns about the group dynamic.  Not getting selected isn’t a personal rejection.  I’d like to congratulate everyone in advance for applying, and I wish you all the best of luck!

Thomas Bryenton | Committee Youth Trustee

(CYT = NYC chair)