Who is this for? Who are the “youth”?
In our definition, we are looking for young people between the ages of 18–25.
Why focus on that age range?
We believe there is a distinct perspective held by those whose core cognition was formed inside platform technology — digital natives who understand these technologically driven times in ways others cannot fully comprehend.
We believe that these perspectives remain largely absent from how technological, civic, academic, and institutional systems are designed today.
The Youth Council is an attempt to address that absence directly by assembling a cohort of young people to participate in shaping how this perspective is understood and integrated into development processes across these fields.
What is the time commitment?
Participation consists of one virtual session and one in-person gathering, with subsequent convening structured based on the outcomes and direction of these initial sessions.
The virtual session will take place during the week of May 19–21 and be approximately 90 minutes long.
The in-person session will take place during the week of May 27–29, over approximately 6 hours. Travel to Summerland, CA to attend physically during this week will be required.
Future meet-ups or ongoing engagement may follow the initial pilot, but will be shaped by the direction of the work that emerges.
What will be expected of participants?
Participation will involve open-ended discussions, small group conversations, analog and computational activities, and collaborative exercises oriented around technology, culture, systems, and the human experience of living within them.
No specialized expertise or preparation is required.
Is this paid?
A stipend will be provided for participation.
How are participants selected?
Our goal is to assemble a unique and varied cohort across disciplines, experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives.
What happens after submission?
Participants will be contacted directly to coordinate logistics and next steps.
Capacity for individual sessions will vary, but the intention is to remain in contact as the Youth Council continues to evolve over time.
