• NICU Helping Hands

NICU Helping Hands Youth Ambassador Council

Who is NICU Helping Hands and what do they do?

NICU Helping Hands is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization based in Fort Worth, Texas that develops hospital- and community-based programs that provide education and support for families with babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), during their transition from hospital to home and in the event of an infant loss.

Who Are the Youth Ambassadors for NICU Helping Hands?

We are highly motivated, high school students in the DFW metroplex with a passion to be leaders and make a difference within our community. We are dedicated to raising awareness about premature birth and educating the public that many babies in the NICU are not premature but are born with illnesses that require care only available to them in a neonatal intensive care unit. All NICU families, regardless of their baby’s gestational age face great difficulties when having a critically ill baby admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It is our goal to raise awareness of these challenges and to make a tangible difference for those families.

How our Youth Ambassadors Make a Difference in the Community:

The Youth Ambassador Council raises educational awareness about the needs of NICU families by sharing with students and adults issues surrounding a NICU hospitalization. We also plan and host awareness and fundraising events throughout our community that directly benefit families affected by a NICU hospitalization.

Expectations of a Youth Ambassador

The 2018-2019 Youth Ambassador Council will be comprised of 30 students in 9th-12th grade. Applications will be reviewed by a panel of six people from NICU Helping Hands staff, board members and local NICU healthcare professionals.

Expectations of NICU Helping Hands’ Youth Ambassador include:

Attend a minimum of 4 of 6 Youth Ambassador Council meetings in Fort Worth. Council will meet September, November, January, March, and May of each year. Year runs from September 1st - August 31st.
Complete a minimum of 15 Volunteer hours with NICU Helping Hands between September 1st - August 31st.
Participate on a Youth Ambassador work committee organizing and implementing two family oriented community awareness /fundraising events.
Represent NICU Helping Hands and the Youth Ambassador Council in a manner of honor and integrity.

What Benefits do Youth Ambassadors Receive:

Networking opportunities with business and healthcare professionals in our community
Up close view of the health and social problem impacting families in our community and opportunities to make a difference in their lives and the overall wellbeing of our community
Experience organizing and running events
Public speaking opportunities
Priority Sign Up for Volunteer Hours with NICU Helping Hands
Community Service Hours that apply towards high school graduation requirements
Leadership experience with a local and nationally regarded nonprofit to add to your college application and resume

Step 1 of 6

As an applicant for a position on the NICU Helping Hands Youth Ambassador Council I have read and understand the above expectations of a Youth Ambassador*
- I have read and understand the above expectations of a Youth Ambassador

Applicant Information
Name*
First Last
Grade*
Please enter a number from 9 to 12.
School*
Email Address*
Phone*
Home Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

Emergency Contact Information (Parent/Guardian)
In the event of an emergency please contact:*
Parent/Guardian First Name Last
Parent/Guardian Phone*
Parent/Guardian Email*
Parent/Guardian Address*
Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country
Emergency Contact Information (Non-Family Member)
Emergency Contact Name*
First Last
Emergency Contact Relationship to Applicant (e.g. neighbor, family friend, etc)*
Emergency Contact Phone*
Emergency Contact Email*

References
Please provide us with contact information for TWO references. References should be people who can attest to your character, work ethic, and leadership skills. Former employers, school teachers, or those who have supervised you in a volunteer setting are all good choices. Please do not list family members as references.
Reference #1 Full Name*
First Last
Reference #1 Phone*
Reference #1 Email*
Reference #2 Full Name*
First Last
Reference #2 Phone
Reference #2 Email*

NICU Helping Hands Youth Ambassador Council Application Essay Questions
Please answer the following question in 150 words or less. We ask that applicants complete this application on their own and in their own words.
Why are you interested in becoming a Youth Ambassador for NICU Helping Hands?*
Please select ONE of the following questions to answer in 150 words or less:*
- What two strengths would you bring to the Youth Ambassador Council?
- Briefly describe a past volunteer experience that you found rewarding?
What two strengths would you bring to the Youth Ambassador Council?*
Briefly describe a past volunteer experience that you found rewarding?*

Please select TWO of the following questions to answer in 250 words or less:
Please select TWO of the following questions to answer in 250 words or less:
What inspires you to help other people?*
Please share a quote about volunteer work that most resonates with you? Be sure to include the quote and author.*
NICU Helping Hands offers several different programs to the families we serve. Which program interests you the most and why?*
Application Deadline is Wednesday, September 30th.
Late applications will NOT be accepted. Applicants being considered for a Youth Ambassador position will receive an email no later than Friday, October 16th scheduling a brief phone interview with the Executive Director of NICU Helping Hands for the following week.