The NB3 Foundation Youth Council is a beacon of inspiration for new UNITY-affiliated youth councils, demonstrating that the earliest stages of organization are critical for long-term success. While still in its infancy, this council has already laid the foundation to serve as a model for collaboration, vision-setting, and community engagement.
Building from the Ground Up
The NB3 Foundation Youth Council has embraced the UNITY model by prioritizing a collaborative approach to creating its mission, vision, and bylaws. At one of their early planning meetings, council members engaged in robust discussions to ensure their guiding documents reflected their shared values and goals. Jasmine Mitchell, a council member, expressed the group’s excitement: “Being part of this process has shown us how powerful it is to have a say in the future of our community.”
Their advisors have played an essential role in guiding this process, ensuring that the youth-led council stays aligned with UNITY’s principles of fostering leadership, wellness, and cultural pride. Advisors provided insights from UNITY’s youth council handbook, emphasizing the importance of structured meetings and inclusive decision-making processes.
Cultivating Social Wellness
Despite their early stage, the council has already hosted events that align with UNITY’s core focus on wellness. A gathering at Albuquerque’s Bachechi Open Space brought together members for team-building exercises, setting a precedent for fostering strong interpersonal connections. “Social wellness is about creating spaces where we feel safe to grow together,” said Corey Bird, highlighting the importance of community-building activities.
Plans for the Future
With a planning meeting to solidify their calendar of events, the NB3 Foundation Youth Council has outlined ambitious goals for the year ahead. They plan to incorporate community service projects, mental wellness workshops, and public speaking opportunities into their programming. Members are particularly eager to address mental health, drawing on their peers’ desire for facilitation training and safe spaces to discuss critical issues.
Their focus on creating impactful projects echoes the broader mission of UNITY to inspire and equip Native youth to address challenges in their communities. “We see this as a chance to make a difference—not just for ourselves, but for everyone around us,” said Simone Duran, a council leader.
Inspiration for New Councils
The NB3 Foundation Youth Council demonstrates the importance of starting small but thinking big for new youth councils. By prioritizing the development of a strong foundation—complete with bylaws, shared goals, and advisor support—they are well-positioned to create meaningful change.
Advisors emphasize that patience and collaboration are key in the early stages. “It’s important to take time to listen to the youth and let their ideas shape the council,” one advisor shared. This approach ensures that the council remains a true representation of its members while aligning with UNITY’s broader mission.
As the NB3 Foundation Youth Council grows, it will leave an indelible mark on its community, exemplifying the power of youth-led initiatives. Their story is a reminder that every great journey begins with a single, deliberate step.