Welcome and thank you for your interested in serving on FilmNorth's Youth Advisory Board. Before applying, please read the full guidelines found below:

The FilmNorth Youth Advisory Board empowers emerging youth creatives to shape FilmNorth’s youth programming, provide insight into outreach and engagement efforts, and strengthen the organization’s connection to the next generation of filmmakers and storytellers. This board ensures that youth perspectives are integrated into the future of media arts education, access, and opportunity in Minnesota.

As a member, you will:

• Provide feedback on FilmNorth’s outreach and youth programming, including workshops, camps, and pathway initiatives, and help identify opportunities to improve access and impact.
• Offer youth perspectives on audience needs, trends in youth media, and storytelling formats; participate in select staff meetings or working groups to share youth-centered ideas.
• Help build connections to high schools, colleges, and community partners; advise on promotional strategies to effectively reach young creatives; optionally assist in school visits, peer-led conversations, or youth events.
• Represent youth perspectives on FilmNorth’s Board of Directors through the Chair’s quarterly non-voting participation.
• Build leadership skills, gain mentorship, and make a meaningful impact in shaping youth media arts programming.

As Vice-Chair, in addition to member responsibilities, you will:

• Support the Chair in representing the Youth Advisory Board and step in when the Chair is unavailable.
• Help facilitate meetings, coordinate communication among members, and contribute to agenda planning and goal setting.
• Serve as a peer mentor and help foster a collaborative, inclusive, and creative group environment.
• Take on a visible leadership role in youth events, campaigns, or initiatives as needed.

As Chair, in addition to member responsibilities, you will:

• Lead the Youth Advisory Board by setting meeting agendas, facilitating discussions, and guiding the group’s overall direction and goals.
• Serve as the primary liaison between the Youth Advisory Board and FilmNorth staff, ensuring youth perspectives are effectively communicated.
• Participate quarterly in FilmNorth’s Board of Directors meetings in a non-voting capacity, representing the collective voice of the Youth Advisory Board.
• Provide mentorship to the Vice-Chair and other members, helping cultivate leadership within the group.
• Take an active role in shaping youth-facing initiatives and representing the Youth Advisory Board at public events, presentations, or strategic planning sessions as needed.
   

Please Note: All Youth Advisory Board members report to CTEP Youth Programs Coordinator Abby Stewart, who provides mentorship, facilitates communication with FilmNorth staff, and ensures alignment between the Board’s work and the organization’s mission. 

Participation on the Youth Advisory Board is both a creative and leadership commitment—we’re looking for thoughtful, engaged individuals ready to collaborate, share ideas, and represent youth voices in meaningful ways.

Thank you again for your interest in serving. We’re excited to learn more about you and the perspective you’ll bring!