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Youth Leadership Roles

Applications are now open for Youth Leadership roles in the ’26-’27 school year.

Who can apply?

We have two leadership teams at Society of Young Inklings. Each is made up of high school students who have either participated in Inklings programs or who have a deep interest in writing and a desire to lead by example within a creative community.

Youth leaders are co-creators of the Inklings community experience. They help shape the culture, contribute to meaningful projects, and play an active role in strengthening the community for others.

What does it mean to be a youth leader?

Across both teams, youth leaders:

  • Offer thoughtful feedback to help improve the Inklings experience
  • Collaborate on projects that support and energize the community
  • Participate in regular Zoom meetings
  • Contribute independently to projects between meetings, as needed
  • Attend at least 75% of scheduled meetings

Youth leaders are also encouraged to take an active role in the Inkwell and Writers Room. They share their own creative work, offer feedback to peers, and help create a culture of encouragement, curiosity, and growth.

Youth Advisory Board (YAB)

The Youth Advisory Board is a team of incoming juniors and seniors who meet monthly during the academic year.

YAB members:

  • Provide strategic feedback on programs and initiatives
  • Participate in brainstorming and development of new ideas
  • Take on special projects that support the broader Inklings experience

They also present an annual “State of Our Community” report to the Board of Directors, offering insight and recommendations for how Inklings can continue to grow and serve its mission.

Inklings Member Advisor Team

The Inklings Member Advisory Team is a group of incoming freshmen and sophomores who meet monthly following a live Inklings Membership session.

IMAT members:

  • Review and offer feedback on membership content
  • Help spark engagement in the Writer’s Room through discussions, challenges, and initiatives
  • Nominate work to be featured on the Inkwell
  • Participate in award nominations and community recognition
  • Help design and award community badges

Additional Opportunities

Youth leaders on both teams may also take part in special roles, including:

  • Inkwell moderator team
  • Inklings Book editorial letter team
  • In the Margins Zine editorial committee
  • Write-a-Thon committee

A Note About Participation and Support

Youth Leadership at Inklings is designed to be a meaningful, real-world leadership experience. This program offers creative growth, collaborative opportunities, and the chance to contribute to something larger than oneself.

While there is no tuition required to participate, there are real costs involved in supporting this program, including staff time, coordination, and project development.

Because of this, some families choose to contribute financially to help sustain Youth Leadership and ensure that it remains accessible to all students, regardless of financial circumstances.

This support is always optional, and participation in the program is not dependent on a family’s ability to give.

Our Intention

We are committed to creating a leadership experience that is:

  • Accessible
  • Meaningful
  • Community-centered
  • Rooted in shared ownership

Through their term, youth leaders will grow as writers and help shape a creative community that supports and inspires others.

Apply for the YAB or IMAT today