UNITY is excited to announce the launch of its first annual Youth of the Year Award, recognizing one outstanding Native youth for their leadership, service, and positive impact in their community.
This new award celebrates Native youth who are stepping up, giving back, and making a difference through community service. Whether you have volunteered with your youth council, helped organize a local event, supported cultural activities, served elders, mentored younger youth, participated in wellness efforts, or led a service project in your school, Tribe, or community, UNITY wants to hear your story.
One outstanding applicant will be selected as UNITY’s Youth of the Year based on leadership, service, and community impact. The winner will be announced during UNITY’s 50th Anniversary Gala in Oklahoma City this July and will receive a free registration to a 2027 UNITY Conference of their choice.
Who Can Apply?
Native youth are encouraged to apply if they:
- Are a Native youth between the ages of 14–24
- Completed community service activities within the past year
- Can submit a written community service report
- Pay the $50 UNITY individual membership fee
How to Apply
To be considered for UNITY’s Youth of the Year Award, applicants must complete the following steps:
- Complete your community service report
Share how you served your community, school, Tribe, youth council, or organization during the past year. The report should highlight your service activities, leadership, and community impact. - Review what to include in your report
Applicants can find the individual report form and details on what to include here:
https://forms.gle/osUamoMi1qdwcWd59 - Submit your completed report to UNITY
Your report will be reviewed as part of the Youth of the Year Award selection process. - Pay the $50 UNITY individual membership fee
The membership fee is required for individual applicants to be considered for the award. - Celebrate Native youth leadership
One outstanding youth will be selected and announced during the 50th Anniversary Gala in Oklahoma City this July.
Award Recognition
The selected Youth of the Year recipient will receive:
- Recognition as UNITY’s first annual Youth of the Year
- Special announcement during the 50th Anniversary Gala in Oklahoma City
- A free registration to a 2027 UNITY Conference of their choice
The Youth of the Year Award is an opportunity to uplift the voices, dedication, and accomplishments of Native youth across the country. UNITY knows that young people are already leading in powerful ways, and this award will help shine a spotlight on those who are creating positive change.
Native youth are encouraged to apply now and share how they have served their communities. Your leadership matters, your service matters, and your story can inspire others.
Apply now for UNITY’s first annual Youth of the Year Award!
Submit your community service report and $50 UNITY individual membership fee for your chance to be recognized as UNITY’s Youth of the Year.
QUESTIONS? EMAIL: YOUTHPROGRAMS@UNITYINC.ORG
