GET INVOLVED / YOUTH FELLOWSHIP
Young perspectives. Real influence.
The Youth Fellowship is a space for young people to explore youth development, challenge ideas and help shape YOUTHOOD's work.
WHAT IT’S ABOUT
More than having your say.
Our Fellows bring their experiences, questions and ideas into the development of the mission.
Through conversations, shared learning and contributions between sessions, Fellows can engage with the policy questions, programmes and organisational thinking shaping YOUTHOOD.
ⓘ Places in the Youth Fellowship are limited, and joining involves a selection process. We're interested in your curiosity, perspectives and willingness to contribute, whatever your previous experience or level of involvement.
PROGRAMME SNAPSHOT
Who it's for
Young people aged 18–25 who care about the things affecting their lives and the lives of others, whether they're just beginning to explore how things could be better or already taking steps to make a difference.
How we meet
We come together twice a month in relaxed, interactive sessions to share experiences, explore ideas and work on things that matter to young people. There are also opportunities to contribute between sessions at a pace that works alongside everyday commitments.
Throughout the year, Youth Fellows also join wider YOUTHOOD gatherings, including Mission in Motion and our Annual Mission Review. These bring Fellows together with our team and Governance Board to reflect on what we're learning, discuss what's ahead and help shape the direction of our work.
What matters
You don't need previous experience, specialist knowledge or the confidence to speak up in every conversation. What matters is being curious, open to different perspectives and willing to learn alongside others.
We value people who bring their own experiences, ask questions, share ideas and help us think differently. You'll be encouraged to contribute in ways that feel comfortable to you, while being supported to grow your confidence and take on new challenges over time.
THE FELLOWSHIP EXPERIENCE
Explore. Challenge. Shape.
01
Explore ideas
Unpack the systems, experiences and questions shaping young people's development.
02
Challenge thinking
Test assumptions, ask questions and contribute perspectives that may otherwise be overlooked.
03
Help shape the work
Offer insight into programme development, resources and emerging policy proposals.
What participation means
Fellows have meaningful ways to influence and challenge YOUTHOOD's work, but do not take on staff, trustee or legal governance responsibilities. We explain clearly what Fellows can influence and how we respond to their input.
BECOMING A YOUTH FELLOW
A conversation, not a competition.
We want to understand how you think, what matters to you and what you might bring to the Fellowship. You don't need a CV, a list of achievements or previous experience.
01 / START HERE
✎ Expression of Interest
Complete a structured form about what interests you, how you see the things affecting young people's lives and what you'd like to contribute.
02 / OPTIONAL
◌ Discovery & Introduction
Meet us, learn about the Fellowship and ask questions. This session is optional but recommended. Not attending won't disadvantage you.
03 / AT THIS STAGE
â—‡ Selection Conversation
A friendly, structured conversation to explore your perspective, your questions and what joining could look like for you.
04 / NEXT STEPS
✳ Decision & Welcome
We'll communicate decisions clearly. Those offered a place receive details about accepting and getting started.
Places in the Youth Fellowship are limited, and expressing interest does not guarantee an appointment. We take time to get to know each person through our selection journey, considering what they could bring to the Fellowship and how different perspectives could strengthen the group as a whole.
We'll explain the arrangements, expectations and key dates for each selection round before Expressions of Interest open.
YOUTH FELLOWSHIP AT YOUTHOOD
What makes a Youth Fellow?
Being a Youth Fellow isn't about having the loudest voice, knowing the most about how organisations work or already having experience making change. At YOUTHOOD, a Youth Fellow is someone who brings their own perspective, remains curious about the world around them and is willing to help an organisation think more carefully about the decisions it makes.
There isn't one type of Youth Fellow. Different experiences, personalities and ways of contributing are what make the Fellowship stronger.
These five qualities help describe the spirit of our Fellowship. They're things you might already recognise in yourself, as well as things you'll have opportunities to develop along the way.
01. Curious by nature
Youth Fellows ask questions, notice things others might overlook and want to understand why things happen the way they do. Curiosity doesn't mean having all the answers. Often, it starts with asking a question nobody else has thought to ask.
02. Open to other perspectives
Youth Fellows recognise that their experiences are valuable, but not the only experiences that matter. They're willing to listen, learn from differences and explore ideas that might challenge their own understanding.
03. Willing to question and challenge
Youth Fellows don't have to agree with everything YOUTHOOD says or does. They help us think better by raising questions, noticing gaps and challenging decisions constructively. Sometimes, the most valuable contribution is explaining why something doesn't feel quite right.
04. Ready to contribute together
Youth Fellows understand that meaningful change takes time and involves other people. They show commitment by making an effort to participate, sharing responsibility and communicating openly when life makes involvement difficult. It's about being committed to the Fellowship and its purpose, while recognising that everyone has different circumstances and commitments outside it.
05. Bringing something uniquely theirs
Every Youth Fellow has a different way of seeing the world. Whether shaped by their experiences, interests, observations or questions, their perspective can help YOUTHOOD see something differently. They don't need to represent an entire community or speak on behalf of all young people to make a meaningful contribution.
You don't have to arrive as a finished Youth Fellow.
You might recognise yourself in some of these qualities already, while others are things you want to explore or become more confident with.
That's part of the Fellowship too. It's a place to learn, question, contribute and grow alongside others, while helping YOUTHOOD do the same.
TAKING THE NEXT STEP
Interested in becoming a Youth Fellow?
Start by getting to know the Fellowship. Our Information Pack explains the role, what you can expect from us and how our selection journey works.
READ BEFORE EXPRESSING INTEREST
Becoming a YOUTHOOD Youth Fellow
Information Pack covering the Fellowship's purpose, how you can contribute, participation, support and the appointment process.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Not accepting Expressions of Interest right now.
When places become available, you'll find the key dates, available places, participation arrangements and the form link here.
Questions or support
If you'd like to ask about the Fellowship or discuss something that would help you take part in the selection process, you can contact us. You won't be expected to share personal or difficult experiences to be considered.
DEVELOPMENT HAPPENS TOGETHER
You don't need to arrive with all the answers.
Bring your questions, your perspective and a willingness to explore what could be better.