USAID International Youth Digital Leadership Council 2022

The International Youth Digital Leadership Council or “Digital Youth Council” is a 12-member council of young leaders between the ages of 16 and 24 who are working on issues related to digital platforms and safety, and who are interested in reducing digital harm for children and youth. The Digital Youth Council will positively incorporate youth voices and strengthen the capacity of youth participants to both (1) allow USAID to get reactions and creative ideas towards successfully fulfilling the goals of its Digital Strategy, and (2) strengthen the next generation of digital changemakers and advocates. 

In the Spring of 2021, the Digital Youth Council selected the first cohort of young changemakers from Bolivia, Cameroon, Georgia, Haiti, India, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Rwanda, and Zambia. The Council kicked off monthly member meetings with USAID. Their work aimed to reduce digital harm for children and youth and to provide USAID with a better, youth-informed understanding of how children and youth want to interact with digital assets. The Council also forms part of USAID’s new Global LEAD initiative to support one million young changemakers around the world with increased civic engagement and leadership opportunities.  

USAID is recruiting for a second Digital Youth Council to begin in 2023. The second council will include one graduate of the first Digital Youth Council who will serve as a guide and mentor to new members in 2023. Council Members are expected to start in February 2023 and serve for eleven months.

• Table of Content
• About United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
• International Youth Digital Leadership Council
• Aim and Benefits of International Youth Digital Leadership Council
• Requirements for International Youth Digital Leadership Council Qualification
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About United States Agency for International Development (USAID)

When the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was created, it brought together several existing foreign assistance organizations and programs. Until then, there had never been a single agency charged with foreign economic development, so with the passage of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (pdf) by Congress, U.S. foreign assistance activities underwent a major transformation. Leading this transformation was President John F. Kennedy. President Kennedy recognized the need to unite development into a single agency responsible for administering aid to foreign ... continue reading

International Youth Digital Leadership Council

Aim and Benefits of International Youth Digital Leadership Council

Digital Youth Council members will receive a one-time $300 stipend to be paid upon the start of their membership to defray internet costs for Council meetings. Council members will also receive a $700 honorarium to be paid upon the successful completion of their membership. Members must document their time to receive the honorarium. The reporting format and guidance will be provided by YP2LE.

Requirements for International Youth Digital Leadership Council Qualification

Digital Youth Council members will work directly with Mattito Watson, Senior Technical Advisor, Children and Adversity, USAID DCHA/DRG, Children in Adversity Division. Additional member support will be provided by the YP2LE team at Making Cents International.

Based on the goals and objectives of the DYC, members will be expected to meet the following requirements: 

• Aged 16 to 24 years as of January 1, 2023;
• Have promoted or engaged in digital literacy, prevention of digital harm, or similar issues at a local, national, or international level;
• Have a good understanding of digital harm and how youth are accessing digital platforms and the internet in their region;
• Have a strong peer network and social media presence and can reach large numbers of young followers in their region;
• Have a proven ability to inspire and a reputation for inclusive, innovative leadership;
• Have working ability in English (both written and spoken); 
• Are from a low- and middle-income country and/or very well acquainted with low- and middle-income country contexts and digital harm issues;
• Are able to engage in regular Digital Youth Council meetings using platforms, such as Google Hangout, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams.

Application Deadline

How to Apply

For more details, visit USAID website.