Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement

What We Do

Headed by the YOCE team, the League of Women Voters of Champaign County encourages civic engagement by promoting voter registration and voter education to young people in the community. 

Why It Matters

Educating young voters about the political process can build lifelong habits, create a familial dialogue about citizenship, and increase voter turnout. 
- Citizens Clean Elections Commission

Student Ambassador Program

The League of Women Voters of Champaign County is a nonpartisan organization committed to getting our local citizens registered to vote. We are excited to help local youth with an interest in voting rights, policy, and politics find ways to pursue those interests. The new Student Ambassador Program provides opportunities for young people to educate and empower members of their school or community to register to vote when eligible.

​If you are a Champaign County high school student 16 years of age or older you may apply to be a League of Women Voters of Champaign County Student Ambassador. If you know an eligible student you may nominate them to be an ambassador. The Student Ambassador Program is open to all genders.

Above, student ambassadors at Champaign Central High School. At left, at Unity High School's auditorium in Tolono.

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Examples of Student Ambassador Activities

• Organize a voter registration event with the support of the League of Women Voters of Champaign County. 
• Post information about voting and voter registration opportunities for other students on various social media platforms.
• Attend monthly training sessions offered by the Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement Team to learn about voter registration options, forms, and more.
• Display non-partisanship while acting  in your capacity as Student Ambassador (i.e., cannot endorse a specific candidate on Student Ambassador posts.)
• Attend one or more league-sponsored events.

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Eligibility for Student Ambassadors

• The student must be a junior or senior and enrolled as a high school student for the 2024/25 school year (both fall and spring semesters).
  
• The student must be 16 years of age or older.
• The student must be available 4-8 hours each month for Student Ambassador activities.

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Responsibilities

What's in it for you?

Ambassadors will work closely with the LWVCC's Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement Team. Prior experience is not required as training will be provided. 

Spotlight on
​Champaign County's
Current ​Student Ambassadors!

• ​Student membership in the League of Women Voters of Champaign County.
• Opportunities to develop and display leadership skills.
• Civic participation as you play an important role in your local community.
• Community service hours (if approved by your school).
• A Certificate of Recognition.

Interested??

• Apply to become a Student Ambassador.
• Nominate someone you know.
• ​Contact the Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement Team leaders with your questions. 

Student Ambassador Resources

Upcoming LWVCC YOCE Events

2024-25 Student Ambassador Training Dates
​(times to be determined)

• ​September 29, 2024
• October 27, 2024
  
• November 10, 2024​ 

• December 15, 2024
• January 12, 2025
• February 23, 2025

Click on flyer to download

Questions?
Contact the Youth Outreach & Civic Engagement Team

​For more information about Youth Outreach and Civic Engagement, contact the team leads, Lynda Minor or Rhonda Kirts, by emailing [email protected]. 

Team Members: Rhonda Kirts (team co-leader), Lynda Minor (team co-leader), 
Benjamin Beaupre, Natalie Frankenberg, Matthew Gorman, China Huff, Karen Kane, Jeanette Nuckolls, Leslie Sherman, and Paula Strong
​Consulting and Periodic Members: Kanittha Fay and Ann Prisland

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Every election is determined 
​by the people who show up. 
​          ― Larry Sabato, Pendulum Swing