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How To Become a Member of UNITY

Activate Your Voice: Youth Councils in Action

Native American youth can make a difference, but first, they must be organized and prepared for action. An effective way to accomplish this is through a youth council. A youth council represents a practical way of enabling youth to have a meaningful role in helping solve community problems. Types of youth councils include:
  • Tribal Youth Councils
  • Alaska Native Village Youth Councils
  • Urban Youth Councils
  • High School Indian Clubs
  • College or University Native American Associations
  • A Church-sponsored Youth Group
  • An Independent Community Youth Group
  • Youth Enrichment Groups: Boys & Girls Clubs, Dance troops, Drum Groups, Sports teams, etc.
Keep in mind that youth councils are just as diverse as Native America itself. Each youth council maintains its own identity and is built upon the needs and values of that particular community.
By being involved with a youth council, young Native Americans can use their combined talents and energy to address major concerns facing them today. Youth design and promote their own programs to fit their needs.
Young people who are involved with youth councils learn to accept responsibility. They grow through achievement and in the knowledge that they are making a real contribution to their community and to Native America.
Find out more about the Benefits of Joining a Youth Council, What a Youth Council Does, and Steps for Organizing a Youth Council. Download the “How to Start a Youth Council” packet by clicking HERE.

Types of Membership:

Representatives of Youth Councils are considered to be in “Good Standing” if they meet the following membership criteria:

  • Submit a Youth Council Constitution and Bylaws to the UNITY office. Email youthprograms@unityinc.org.
  • Submit a Letter of Resolution from sponsoring organization, tribe, or school to the UNITY office. Email youthprograms@unityinc.org.
  • Submit an annual Youth Council Report online before June 1.
  • Pay the annual $100.00 affiliation fee online before June 1.
    Click here to pay online or include your fee in your Conference Registration.

Individual Members are considered to be in “Good Standing” if they meet the following membership criteria:

  • Submit a Letter of Support from a tribal leader, community support organization, or school official to the UNITY office. Email youthprograms@unityinc.org.
  • Submit an Annual Report (describing your community service completed) online before June 1.
  • Pay the annual $50.00 affiliation fee before June 1.
    Click here to pay online or include your fee in your Conference Registration.

CLICK HERE to Submit your Annual Report

NEW MEMBERS:

  • Email UNITY Headquarters to request a Zoom meeting to walk you through the onboarding process.
  • New Youth Councils will be asked to submit Constitution, By-Laws, and Resolution Letter from a sponsor during their first year.  Templates of these needed documents can be found in the step-by-step guide.
  • New Individual members will be asked to submit a Letter of support from a community or tribal representative.
  • Youth Council and Individual members are asked to pay their affiliation fees and submit a report during their first year of establishment.
  • Membership documents can be submitted to the UNITY Office via email to youthprograms@unityinc.org.

Who can apply to be a part of the UNITY network?

  • American Indian, Alaska Native, or Native Hawaiian descendants
  • Suggested ages include youth between the ages of 14-24 years old.

For more information on forming a New Youth Council:
DOWNLOAD A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO ESTABLISHING A UNITY YOUTH COUNCIL

If you have questions, please contact the UNITY Headquarters at 480-718-9793 or email Greg Mendoza at g.mendoza@unityinc.org

 

Become part of UNITY’s National Network to promote personal growth, citizenship, and leadership among Native Youth!

UNITY Annual Membership is effective from July 1-June 30 of each year

Quick Guide

How To Start a Youth Council

A Step-by-Step Guide on how to start a Youth Council.

Click to download guide >

Pay Membership Fee(s)



Membership Details

For complete details on Youth Council Membership click here >

Where To Submit Application

Membership documents can be submitted to the UNITY Office via email to youthprograms@unityinc.org.

If you have questions, please contact the UNITY Headquarters at 480-718-9793 or email Greg Mendoza at g.mendoza@unityinc.org

Want to vote at the National UNITY Council Business Meeting in July? Make sure your Youth Council or Individual Membership is up to date! Submit your report and membership fee by June 1 to be eligible.