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2026-2027 NAMI NYS Next Gen Application

Key Dates

Application Deadline: September 21st, 2026

Notification of application status: October 15th, 2026


Application Process:

This application is organized into four parts:

  1. Information about you.
  2. A series of short-answer questions that speak to your personal and professional experience.
  3. An example task designed to understand how you will contribute to NAMI NYS’s youth and young adult work. This is not a test, and we encourage you to be authentic and creative in your completion. 
  4. Expectations, responsibilities, and requirements for NAMI NYS Next Gen members.


Application Instructions:

Please complete the requested information and answer the questions to the best of your ability using a variety of personal and professional experiences. 

You must complete all of the requested fields marked with an asterisk (*) to ensure your application can be submitted for review. 


Selection Process:

After applications close, NAMI NYS Next Gen Task Force will review all applications and select a small group of candidates to move on to the interview stage. Those selected will be invited to participate in a 20-minute virtual interview. Those candidates selected to join the advisory council will receive an email notification.


Stipends for participation may be available

Part I: Contact Information 

Members must be the age of 16 at minimum by the start of the program.
* Name (First and Last)
0/50
* Pronouns
0/50
* Phone Number
0/50
* Email
0/50
* If selected, you will participate in at least 75% of Youth Advisory Committee meetings (unless excused by the chair).
* If selected, you will participate in the NAMI Education Conference November 2026 unless excused.

The full conference days are November 13th to 15th. Next Gen members would be required to attend the 14th in the evening and 15th in the morning but are free to attend the whole conference. Hotel and conference fees are covered. 
* If selected, you will participate in the NAMI Education Conference 2027 unless excused.

The full conference days are to be determined. Next Gen members would be required to attend NAMI Next Gen events at the conference, and are free to attend the whole conference. Hotel and conference fees are covered. 
* Are you over 18 years of age?
If you are under 18 years of age, a parent or guardian must sign off electronically here:
0/250

The parent or guardian must also sign the agreement if selected.

Part II: Education & Career
* What are your education, work, and/or career goals?
0/500
* What are three things about you that we wouldn’t know from your resume.
0/500

Part III: Personal and Professional Experience 
* Please tell us why you wish to serve on NAMI NYS Next Gen and what you hope to gain from your experience.
0/500
* Describe any prior experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities you possess that make you the best candidate for a position on NAMI NYS Next Gen.
0/500
What NAMI Signature Programs/ Events do you have experience with?
* As part of your role with NAMI NYS, sharing your story publicly is not required, but our lived experience informs the work we do at NAMI. How does your personal story and background inform your advocacy, and how do you hope to share that story as a part of NAMI NYS Next Gen?
0/500

Part IV: Example NAMI NYS Next Gen Activity 

Every year, NAMI NYS hosts an education conference that brings awareness to mental health and creates community and healing. The NAMI NYS Next Gen advisory group is tasked with co-designing a workshop for youth and young adults to spread awareness of youth mental health topics and bring new young leaders into the organization. You’re invited to a brainstorming session to design this workshop.
* How would you prepare for this meeting? What workshop topics would you propose?
0/500

Part V: Areas of Responsibility:


Break Mental Health Stigma:

  • Contribute to the development of mental health resources and programs tailored to young people's needs.
  • Contribute to the NAMI NYS Next Gen spotlight section in the monthly E-News
  • Share personal stories and experiences to inspire, connect, and raise awareness about mental health through developing social media content, and designing other creative materials.
  • Identify and engage in media opportunities for NAMI NYS Next Gen.


Advocacy & Outreach:

  • Assist with planning and executing youth-focused activities at NAMI NYS’s advocacy events and annual Education Conference.
  • Represent NAMI NYS Next Gen at community engagement events and press conferences.


Equity & Inclusion:

  • Ensure programming, initiatives, and youth and young adult mental health content, spaces, and resources serve all youth and uplift their voices and experiences.
  • Ensure BIPOC youth have the equitable support they need to thrive.



Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Have a collaborative spirit and ability to work effectively in a team environment with diverse perspectives.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including NAMI NYS Next Gen members, NAMI NYS board and staff, media outlets, and local affiliates. 

Part VI: The Requirements & Qualifications of Next Gen Members



During your one-year term as a NAMI NYS Next Gen member, you must be between ages 16 and 25 and identify as having lived mental health experience, live within New York State, and will not be employed by our state.


  • Attentive, empathetic mental health champion: Possess enthusiasm for meeting and engaging with people. Empathizes with the communities we serve. Passionate about mental health, justice, and healing.
  • Innovative and Problem-Solving: Share big and small ideas to proactively and creatively address mental health and well-being for youth and young adults. Develop solutions to current challenges for youth and young adult wellness.
  • Flexibility & Communication: Be skilled in oral and/or written communication. Be prepared to meet accessibility needs and open to learning new tools or methods for better team communication. Possess the ability to manage diverse communication channels and actively engage with email and instant messaging (Slack). Provide timely notification of planned vacations or absences.
  • Participate in Committees: The Next Gen program is member driven but has some recurring program committees focused on Communications, Advocacy, and Cultural Competence. Each participant will be asked to join at least one committee.
  • Commitment: Serve in NAMI NYS Next Gen role for a year term (November 2026 - November 2027).
  • NAMI NYS Next Gen members are expected to attend all meetings and shall miss fewer than two meetings.
  • Organization and Time Management: Ability to efficiently manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
  • Attend NAMI NYS Education Conference: NAMI NYS holds a education conference every November. NAMI Next Gen Members hold a town hall at this conference. Next Gen Members should plan to attend the Education Conference in 2026 and 2027.

Availability and Interests
* If selected for an interview, what time(s) of day are you available to meet with the NAMI NYS Next Gen Task Force?
* I am able to commit to a one-year term from November 2026 - November 2027.
* From the following list, are there any areas of interest that are especially important to you? Check all that apply.
0/250
* How did you first hear about this opportunity?

If you have a resume / portfolio of your work that you would like to share, please email all supporting materials to james@naminys.org
Submit Application

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