TAA Youth Ambassador Applications Are Now Being Accepted

From the Tourette Association of America, an Announcement on the 2020 Youth Ambassador Training:

Deadline to apply: November 15, 2019
Training dates: March 2 – March 4, 2020
Location: Hyatt Centric Arlington, Arlington, VA

The TAA Youth Ambassador Program brings together, trains and supports teens to raise public awareness, foster social acceptance, and advocate for public policies and services that improve the health and wellbeing of individuals with Tourette and Tic Disorders.

Youth Ambassadors present before their peers and to members in their community at school, sports leagues, scout troops, camps and after-school programs. They also have the opportunity to discuss Tourette and Tic Disorders in Congress during their “Trip to the Hill.”

The goal of the Youth Ambassador Program is to educate children all over the country about TS and to increase understanding about TS, while also displacing the associated myths and stereotypes. The teen and their adult parent or guardian comprise a Youth Ambassador (YA) Team – with the teen giving presentations and the adult team member helping with scheduling and other arrangements.

This is an excellent opportunity for interested teens to learn public speaking, build friendships with other teens involved in the program, gain leadership and advocacy skills, and represent the TS community as they raise awareness through YA Program activities.

For more information on the Youth Ambassador Program or to apply as a youth ambassador, see the Tourette Association of America web site.

About the author: Leslie E. Packer, PhD