Young People's Forum Member

Young People's Forum Member

Meetings are held monthly, with 4 in-person meetings every year and the rest online.
We are looking for young people aged 13-24 who are passionate about local wildlife and global environmental issues. You will be part of a small team of young people who support the Trust to work better for other young people.

Position details

Commitment:

Weekdays, Weekends, Any Day

Frequency:

Monthly

What does the Young People’s Forum do?

Volunteers may be involved in:

  • Advising the Trust on how to meet the needs of young people interested in conservation and environmental issues.
  • Representing the Trust to other young people by, for example, promoting events and giving presentations.
  • Organising events for young people
  • Creating content for social media and the Trust’s website
  • Forum and Trust related Projects
  • Fundraising

If you haven’t already done so, please read through the information on the Young People’s Forum page on our website before applying. You can also see current and previous activities completed by the Forum here.

Frequency of meetings

Meetings are monthly. Each year there are four face-to-face meetings held on a Saturday or Sunday, with the rest being online on Wednesday evenings. Meeting schedules will be provided.

There are occasionally other activities in between these meetings as decided by the Forum. 

Please note that attendance is essential at our face-to-face meetings which take place across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Northamptonshire.

Equality and Diversity

Diversity and inclusion are extremely important to us and we are committed to creating an environment where young people from all backgrounds feel welcome, listened to, and valued. We encourage applications from young people currently underrepresented in the environmental movement, including young people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, young people with disabilities, young people from working class backgrounds and LGBT+ young people.

Frequently asked questions

Who can join the Young People’s Forum?

We are looking for members who have a passion for local wildlife and global environmental issues like the climate chaos and the loss of biodiversity.

Every member needs to be:

  • Passionate about conservation
  • Living, working, or studying in Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire or Northamptonshire
  • A member of the Trust (or willing to become a member - we offer free membership for Forum members)
  • Aged between 13 and 24
  • Confident representing the views of other people to staff, trustees and peers

What will I get out of joining the Young People’s Forum?

You will have the chance to:

  • Enhance your CV and improve your employability
  • Work in a team with the opportunity to improve interpersonal skills such as negotiation and leadership
  • Improve communication skills (writing, public speaking, presenting).
  • Be an advocate (someone who stands up for a cause and represents other people’s views)
  • Gain access to training on things like environmental issues, media and wildlife identification
  • Gain experience in things like fundraising and event organisation
  • Make a difference for people and wildlife
  • Get involved in allocated Trust projects
  • Get careers advice
  • Meet and socialise with like-minded people to form new friendships
  • Take part in social activities
  • Get involved in the Trust’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group
  • Visit some of the Trust’s reserves/ sites

What commitment do I need to make?

You will need to:

  • Be able to attend the four weekend face-to-face meetings
  • Be able to attend as many evening online meetings as possible (these may happen 8 or more times a year)
  • Create content such as articles, blogs or videos on projects or issues the Trust is focusing on
  • Spend some time outside of the meetings helping to organise events, work on projects and read relevant emails or communications
  • Be able to talk to other young people to share information and listen to ideas and concerns
  • Represent other young people
  • Be committed to and uphold the values and visions of the Trust
  • Be a member of the Forum for at least one year

How will the Trust support me in this role?

The Trust will:

  • Ensure that Forum meetings are engaging, with opportunities to learn.
  • Provide a variety of free training opportunities that will help you fulfil the role of Forum member.
  • Have a member of staff to support you in the role.
  • Offer social events (some online) for Forum members.
  • Help with transportation to and from Forum events, if needed.
  • Provide refreshments at events.

When and where are meetings held?

Our four face-to-face meetings will be held at different locations around our three counties, most likely at one of our centres or offices. Attendance at these is essential. 

There will also be shorter meetings which will take place online at more regular intervals (roughly eight times a year but may be more frequent).

What happens if I don’t attend meetings or need to take a break?

As part of the Young People’s Forum, it is important for both you and the Trust that you attend as many meetings as possible to help provide continued contribution, support, and guidance. However, we understand that personal lives can be stressful and very busy so please talk to us if you need to take a short break or can’t attend meetings so that we can support you with this.

 

How many people will be on the Young People’s Forum?

Between 10 and 15.

Who else will be at the Young People’s Forum meetings?

There will always be at least two members of staff at every meeting. At some meetings we might have other colleagues from the Trust or external guests join us in order to share information, hear ideas, provide project updates and/or provide support.

How to apply

 

We welcome applications from all young people regardless of experience or background.

To apply, please download and complete an application form and send to: youngpeoplesforum@wildlifebcn.org.

If you have any questions, find it difficult to complete online forms or would rather talk through your application with us, please get in touch.

Please note: For applicants aged 18 and over, we will need to carry out a Police check (DBS) and collect two references during the application process. We will support you through this process.

Applications are considered throughout the year.

Contact details

Contact Laura Allen and Alison Chaves for more information: youngpeoplesforum@wildlifebcn.org