Youth Advisory Council

Position Details:

YOU POWER, an initiative of Witness to Mass Incarceration (WITNESS), is dedicated to uniting and empowering youth to join the movement to end mass incarceration. As a YOU Power Ambassador for Justice & Economic Liberation, you will play a vital role in educating, engaging, and inspiring your peers to build a just and equitable society — while gaining practical experience in advocacy, organizing, and leadership.

YOU POWER Ambassadors will also have the unique opportunity to work alongside WITNESS staff and board members as we develop new streams of income to advance our mission: fostering economic liberation for formerly incarcerated individuals, system-impacted persons, LGBTQ+ youth, and the migrant community. By helping build pathways to economic independence and dismantle systemic barriers, you will directly contribute to creating lasting change.

Responsibilities and Expected Outcomes:

• Participate in monthly virtual YOU POWER Advisory Council meetings to discuss critical issues impacting incarcerated and system-impacted communities.
• Organize at least one activity per semester on your campus or in your community to raise awareness about mass incarceration (such as a panel, film screening, art show, fundraiser, or social media campaign).
• Collaborate with WITNESS staff and board on fundraising ideas, social enterprise efforts, and new income streams that support economic independence for people coming home from incarceration.
• Help expand the YOU POWER movement by recruiting peers to join and sustain long-term commitment to ending mass incarceration.
• Build meaningful connections with formerly incarcerated individuals through WITNESS programs, events, and storytelling projects.
• Strengthen your leadership, communication, and organizing skills by working within a national network of youth changemakers.

Qualifications, Credentials, and Technical Skills Required:

• Passionate about social justice, human rights, and ending mass incarceration.
• High school, college, or graduate student (or recent graduate) interested in advocacy, organizing, or public education.
• Strong communication skills — comfortable speaking with peers, posting on social media, or writing short reflections on critical issues.
• Reliable internet access and ability to participate in monthly virtual meetings.
• Initiative and commitment to organize at least one awareness activity or action each semester.
• Interest in exploring how fundraising, social enterprises, and creative income streams can build economic independence for system-impacted communities. 

Benefits of Joining

• Be part of a powerful national network of youth leaders working to dismantle mass incarceration and build economic justice.
• Gain mentorship, professional development, and references for future opportunities.
• Build your resume with direct experience in organizing, advocacy, nonprofit management, and economic empowerment initiatives.
• Play a key role in reshaping the narrative around incarceration and advancing concrete solutions that create lasting freedom.

Internships are available in the fall, winter, spring, and summer semesters.

Because this is an unpaid internship, Witness to Mass Incarceration is happy to provide recommendations or references for all interns. In terms of internship credit, some educational institutions require prior approval before the start of an internship. It is the responsibility of the student to check with their institution to be sure they meet any requirements before they accept a position.

About Witness to Mass Incarceration
Witness to Mass Incarceration (WITNESS) is dedicated to fostering economic independence for formerly incarcerated  (FIP), system-impacted, and LGBTQ+ individuals. We achieve this by building a hub of excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation, offering comprehensive vocational training, social enterprise solutions, and robust support systems. Our mission is to cultivate economic independence, reduce recidivism, and nurture generational wealth, while dismantling systemic barriers and advancing equality for all we serve.