Young Advocates Program - Chicago, Illinois

Young Invincibles is building a movement! We are looking for young adults who are ready and excited to become the next generation of community leaders. This unique, hands-on program trains young people to engage in their communities around the major issues shaping our generation.

The Young Advocates Program is a leadership development initiative of Young Invincibles (YI)—a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization whose mission is to amplify the voices of young adults in the political process and expand economic opportunity for our generation. YI cultivates and empowers young, courageous leaders who are driving transformative policy change to make higher education more affordable, expand healthcare access, and secure quality jobs.

Young Advocates work alongside our regional offices in California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, and Texas to strengthen youth voices across these issue areas. The program is an excellent opportunity for young adults ages 18 to 34 to develop advocacy and leadership skills, gain hands-on experience in public policy, and build connections with peers and mentors. Our Advocates are passionate about YI’s mission and committed to building youth power to create positive change in their communities.

ELIGIBILITY

The Young Advocates Program is open to young adults ages 18–34 living in or attending school in one of our regional states: California, Colorado, Illinois, New York, or Texas.

Applicants must:

• Be available and committed to the entirety of the program.
• Align with YI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Demonstrate passion or interest in higher education, healthcare, and workforce issues.
• Be able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Exhibit professionalism, maturity, and initiative.
• Be creative, flexible, and able to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Have access to a laptop and WiFi to participate in virtual sessions.

A college degree or current enrollment is not required.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

At weekly meetings, Advocates will receive training on community organizing, policy advocacy, strategic communications, and Young Invincibles’ key issue areas. Throughout the program, activities include but are not limited to meeting with elected officials during Day at the Capitol, creating digital content for advocacy campaigns, and conducting community outreach. Some activities, such as outreach and content creation, may take place outside of regular training hours.

TIME COMMITMENT

Advocates meet weekly for virtual sessions, with occasional extended sessions for special workshops. In addition to these sessions, participants attend in-person events, one-on-one meetings with staff, and skill-building assignments between sessions. In-person attendance is required on Fridays. This program is designed as a cohort experience where everyone’s participation matters. Consistent attendance and engagement are required. Because spaces are limited and participants are paid, please only apply if you can commit to attending all sessions and completing program activities through May 8, 2026.

Program Dates: February 13 – May 8, 2026

Session Times:

• California: Fridays, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm PT (virtual)
• Colorado: Fridays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm MT (virtual)
• Illinois: Fridays, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm CT (virtual)
• New York: Fridays, 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET (virtual)
• Texas: Tuesdays, 4:00 – 6:30 pm CT and Fridays, 12:00 – 2:30 pm CT (virtual; in-person meetings held on the last Friday of each month)

Compensation

Advocates are paid hourly for training and project work, averaging 6–10 hours per week.

State Pay Rate

California $17.87

Colorado $19.29

Illinois $16.60

New York $17.00

Texas $15.00

Application process:

1. Must be available to attend Orientation (February 13, 2026) and Graduation (May 8, 2026) in person.
2. Must attend in-person events such as Policy Shark Tank, Day at the Capitol, and monthly engagement events.
3. Must attend weekly virtual training with cameras on (no exceptions).
4. Applications close December 31, 2025, at midnight. Interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.

ABOUT YOUNG INVINCIBLES

Young Invincibles (“YI”) is a non-profit, non-partisan advocacy organization working to expand economic opportunity for young people ages 18 to 34 and to amplify their voices in the national political conversation and policy arena. Founded by and for young adults in the summer of 2009 during the debate over health care reform, YI has quickly grown into a leading voice for young people on the issues of healthcare, higher education, pathways to jobs/workforce, and civic engagement.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

YI is an equal employment opportunity employer and strongly encourages diverse candidates to apply. YI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, sex (including pregnancy), gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, medical condition including genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, (including transgender status), weight, height, linguistic characteristics (such as accent and limited English proficiency, where not substantially job-related), citizenship status, or any other basis prohibited by law. ​