Youth Ambassador Program Application

Youth Ambassador Program Application

Thank you for your interest in joining the Youth Ambassador Program!

We are looking for young people ages 12–17 who are passionate about mental health and OCD advocacy. Whether you already lead in your community or you are just beginning to explore advocacy, we want to hear from you. Our Youth Ambassadors help shape the work we do and represent IOCDF in communities across the country.

We are seeking an inclusive group of young people who:

1. Are committed to raising awareness about OCD and related disorders

2. Want to help eliminate mental health stigma

3. Have ideas for building community, online and offline

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM ET ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 2026.

We want to hear your authentic voice. We are interested in your ideas and experiences, and receiving help will not disqualify you or count against you in any way.

If you have any accessibility concerns or need assistance, please contact Partnership Engagement Specialist, Julie Oliver, at joliver@iocdf.org. We look forward to your application.

If you received help from a parent/guardian or used AI tools such as ChatGPT for brainstorming, drafting, or editing, please check the box below and describe the assistance you received. This helps us understand how your application was prepared, and ensures we are evaluating all applicants fairly.

I received assistance (e.g. parent, ChatGPT, etc.) with this applicationI did not receive assistance with this application

Please describe the assistance you received:

Contact Info

Legal First Name

Preferred Name (whether the same or different from above)

MI

Last Name

Email

Phone (write N/A if not applicable)

Parent/Guardian Name (First & Last)

Parent/Guardian Email

Parent/Guardian Phone Number

COUNTRY OF CURRENT RESIDENCE

Address:

City:

Province

States

Your Voice

Why do you want to be a Youth Ambassador for the International OCD Foundation?

I'd like to submit my answer:

in written formas a video

**Videos are for IOCDF staff and review committee only**
1. Create a two-minute video telling us why you want to be a Youth Ambassador.
2. Go to WeTransfer.com.
3. Click on the "+Add Files" button to upload your video file from your computer.
4. Instead of entering an email address, click the "Get a link" option at the bottom of the page.
5. Wait for the file to upload, then click "Copy link" to copy the download link to your clipboard.
6. Paste the link directly into the application form below.

Please choose ONE of the additional questions below to answer:

What does OCD advocacy mean to you? What does being a role model mean to you?Tell us about a time you offered peer support, educated others, or spoke up about something that mattered to you.Share the strengths you have that will help you succeed in this role. ? (Examples: creativity, kindness, leadership, organization, public speaking, social media skills, writing, teamwork, etc.)What do you hope to accomplish as a Youth Ambassador?What are some ways that individuals working in the schools, their communities, or through social media can help reduce mental health stigma?What would you say if you had the opportunity to give a 2-minute talk to your peers about mental health?

Referral

Please provide the name and email of a non-family adult who knows you (teacher, coach, mentor, therapist, etc.). We will send them a brief referral form.

Referral Full Name (First and Last)

Referral Email

Referral Phone (optional)

Attestation

Please check each box to confirm:

My responses are my own work. If I received help or used AI, I have noted that below.

I understand that if selected, I will need parental consent and my own assent to participate.

I understand that a clinician will be present at all youth-facing programming.

I agree to follow the IOCDF Code of Conduct

I understand that parental consent is required for any public sharing of my media or video content.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

Today's Date:

Contact Information