Brevard Youth Leadership Council

Meet the BYLC

The Brevard Youth Leadership Council (BYLC) is a program of Smile Forward and is based in Brevard County, FL.

The Council is a leadership board that is organized to give “youth voice and choice” in impacting change in foster care policy and practice.

The youth developed their Council after completing the 6 month leadership training Academy. The Academy prepared the youth with the leadership capacity to learn the key skills needed to be effective self-advocates as well as advocates for system change-as members of the Brevard Youth Leadership Council.

The program focuses on developing leadership, communication, critical thinking, problem solving, conflict resolution and team building skills to serve as effective leaders in their community.

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Vision

All youth and young adults in the system of care will have opportunities to thrive.

Mission

The Brevard Youth Leadership Council advocates for youth and young adults through “voice and choice” to improve the system of care.

Goals

Connect with peers who share similar experiences to find their voice, build confidence, and create a brighter future together.
Promote life skill training to successfully transition to independence.
Inspire diverse foster homes that provide quality and normalcy for youth and young adults.
Advocate for awareness of available resources for youth and young adults in care.

Why join?

Make new friends
Build networks for future employment and educational opportunities
Strengthen leadership skills for future aspirations
Build confidence in public speaking and advocacy
Gain opportunities to participate in state-wide youth leadership initiatives
Forge partnerships with community leaders
Create positive change in the lives of youth in care

Who is it for?

This program is designed to directly involve youth ages 14-24 who are in care and have the motivation, commitment and dedication to serve as leaders. In addition, have the degree of maturity necessary to comprehend the skills, knowledge, and understanding needed for effective leadership to serve on the Youth Council; a basic knowledge of the issues facing youth in care; and human relations skills to be leaders on the Brevard Youth Leadership Council.

How to apply?

Participants will be chosen through a selective application and interview process by the Brevard Youth Leadership Council. Interested candidates need to complete the application with the appropriate signatures from Legal Guardian and Foster Parent/Supporting Adult.

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