The Youth Mental Health

Ambassadorship

The Program

The Youth Mental Health Ambassadorship is an opportunity for exceptional students to serve as mental health leaders, liaisons, advocates, and peers by bringing a Thriving Asians workshop to their community.

Youth Mental Health Ambassadors are passionate about supporting Asian communities, and have strong community ties. Selected Mental Health Ambassadors identify their community of choice (e.g. school, student group, community organization, faith youth group, etc.) to collaborate with and host the workshop.

Over the course of the Ambassadorship, the student receives training & mentorship to:

  • Learn about mental health challenges, stigma, and strengths in Asian communities

  • Build interpersonal skills essential for peer education, facilitation, and support

  • Develop broader leadership skills in advocacy, community building, and project coordination

  • Lead the workshop event in their chosen community 

The Youth Mental Health Ambassadorship culminates with the student leading the signature Thriving Asians Workshop “Redefining Mental Health: A Foundation for Success” in their chosen community. The  1 - 2 hour event creates a peer-led community space for youth to explore:

  • Mental health stressors, stigma, and challenges in Asian communities

  • Ways Asian culture & community supports mental health & holistic success

  • Activities to support personal wellness & holistic success

  • Power as a peer, role model, and/or leader to support others & shape a mentally healthier community 

*Curriculum versions are available for various education levels (middle school, high school, or higher education); and cultural perspectives (AANHPI, Filipino, or BIPOC-identifying students).

Requirements

The Mental Health Ambassadorship is open to high school and higher education students. The ideal Mental Health Ambassador is:

  • Self-directed, coachable, proactive

  • Passionate about Asian community and/or mental health advocacy issues 

  • Interested in education & career paths in mental health, and/or leadership in related fields

The student must be able to attend online training sessions & planning meetings. All sessions/meetings are scheduled in advance according to the availability of the student, Director, and other Ambassadors (typically on a biweekly basis or as needed).

Student Wellbeing Commitment

In Thriving Asians’ commitment to student wellbeing, the Youth Mental Health Ambassadorship is flexible according to the student’s schedule and goals. Students are always encouraged to practice self-care, school-work-life balance, and healthy boundaries. At any time, students are welcome to contact the Director for general support or guidance. At any time, students can amend the schedule or expectations of their role; pause their role; or end the role altogether in order to attend to life priorities.  

Volunteer Role

The Youth Mental Health Ambassadorship is a volunteer position, as part of the Thriving Asians Internship Program established to provide students with educational/professional experience and leadership opportunities. The position is unpaid, and the student has the right to end their volunteer role at any time.

Student Spotlights

Meet the current YMH Ambassadors, and check out interviews with Ambassador Alumni

View More →