Join UsDonate
Call for Nominations

IAVE Youth Board Representative

IAVE is looking for a young leader who will show up, speak up, and make sure our global volunteer network stays genuinely connected to how young people lead and engage today.

Nominate yourself ↓

Why this role

Young people are already leading the most dynamic volunteer movements on the planet. IAVE believes that energy belongs in its governance, not just its programs. The Youth Board Representative is a full voting member of the IAVE Board of Directors, shaping global strategy alongside leaders from around the world while keeping the organization genuinely connected to how youth today live, engage, and lead.

what you'll do

  • Bring youth voices and priorities into board decisions
  • Collaborate with the Secretariat on youth-focused initiatives
  • Grow and support IAVE's global youth network
  • Represent IAVE as an ambassador on digital platforms and at events
  • Co-shape IAVE's global strategy, programs, and direction
  • Share expertise on digital culture and volunteering trends
  • Serve on committees aligned with your interests
  • Participate in board meetings and cross-organizational working groups

What You'll Gain

Global influence

Represent youth at the highest decision-making level of a worldwide network.

Real governance experience

Board membership, strategic planning, and nonprofit leadership – not internship-level access.

International connections

Build relationships with changemakers, practitioners, and policymakers across the globe.

Lasting impact

Help define what youth engagement in volunteerism looks like for the decade ahead.

Time Commitment

~10 hours per month

Primarily virtual

Board meetings + committee work

Occasional in-person opportunities

Reliable internet access required

Who we're looking for

  • Ages 18–28, with demonstrated leadership in youth groups, networks, or movements
  • Passionate about volunteerism, civic engagement, and global social impact
  • Able to mobilize communities online and offline, across diverse audiences
  • Willing to actively represent IAVE on digital platforms during your term
  • Savvy across social media and digital communications and familiar with emerging trends in youth civic participation
  • Preferred combined following of at least 5,000 followers across social media channels, reflecting an established and active digital presence
  • Fluent in English; comfortable in a global, multicultural online environment
  • Excited to contribute, learn, and make your voice count at a global level

Election Timetable and Rules

Timetable
Rules for Nominations
Rules for the Election
Download the Call for Nominations
April 23 Call for Nominations sent to all members and key stakeholders.
May 14 Nominations due back via the online form by 5:00 PM UTC.
May 21 Selected candidates notified of their inclusion in the election (one per region)
May 28 First Round voting papers (e-ballot and candidate information) distributed to all members by email.
June 11 Deadline for return of First Round e-ballots by 5:00 PM UTC.
June 12 First Round results announced; up to three finalists notified.
June 15 Final Round voting papers (e-ballot and candidate information) distributed to all members by email.
June 22 Deadline for return of Final Round e-ballots by 5:00 PM UTC.
June 23 Final Round results announced; elected youth representative notified.
  1. Self-nominations may be submitted via the official online nominating form.
  2. Nominations may be submitted by both members and non-members of IAVE.
  3. Non-members may nominate themselves with the understanding that all board members must become paid members of IAVE prior to their service.
  4. The Board of Directors shall designate a Selection Committee, composed of board members and staff, responsible for reviewing all nominations against the established criteria. The Selection Committee shall review all eligible nominations and select six (6) final candidates for the election, one from each of IAVE’s six regions (Africa, Asia-Pacific, Arab Nations, Europe, Latin America, and North America and the Caribbean). Selection shall be based on the following evaluation criteria:
    • Demonstrated leadership and influence within youth communities or networks, locally, regionally, or globally
    • Proficiency across social media, digital communications, and content strategy
    • Evidence of community mobilization ability, both online and offline
    • Digital presence and following (preferred minimum of 5,000 combined followers across social channels)
    • Global mindset and commitment to international volunteerism, civic engagement, and cross-cultural collaboration
    • English fluency as demonstrated through written materials and video submission
    • Quality and substance of the candidate statement and video submission
    • Alignment with IAVE’s mission, values, and strategic objectives
  1. Only members currently paid as of June 15, 2026 are eligible to vote.
  2. The election is conducted in two rounds:
    • First Round: Members vote for one of the six regional candidates. Members may not vote for the candidate representing their own region. Up to three candidates receiving the highest number of votes advance to the Final Round.
    • Final Round: All eligible members vote for one of the finalists. There is no regional restriction in the Final Round. The candidate receiving the most votes is elected.
  3. Nominees must conform to the highest ethical standard of behavior throughout the election process. Candidates are expected to refrain from “negative campaigns” focused on their opponents but rather are expected to emphasize their vision for IAVE in the region and their own plans and qualifications. Candidates found not to be following this guideline may be declared ineligible for election.
  4. Nominees are prohibited from using IAVE resources to campaign. This includes all IAVE communication channels and platforms, such as social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and membership lists.

Download the official Call for Nominations document with the complete role description, eligibility criteria, election timetable, and rules governing the nomination process.

Download the PDF

Ready to step up?

Apply today! Self-nominations are open until May 14, 2026 at 5:00 PM UTC.
Submit a Nomination ➜