Could you be one of Butterfly Conservation's first ever Youth Panel members? We are looking for 10 inspiring young people who are passionate about the conservation of butterflies and moths and the empowerment of youth voice within the conservation sector.

 

Here at Butterfly Conservation, we recognise that we need to increase diversity within our audiences; our supporters and our volunteers. We're starting a new chapter, and want to enable young people to deepen their relationship with us, whether in a supportive, collaborative or leadership role. It's time to ensure that young people feel valued, inspired and included in our work to save butterflies and moths.

 

What will the Youth Panel do?

This will be the first ever Youth Panel for Butterfly Conservation, which means we are looking for young people who are open-minded, enthusiastic, and passionate about paving the way for change. The Youth Panel will come together online, and occasionally in person, to develop and test exciting new opportunities for young people and young adults and support youth representation within Butterfly Conservation. Together, they will make real change to the way that we engage with young people and ensure youth voice is both empowered and heard.

We want to change how we do things, for the benefit of nature and young people, but we need you to help us do that. We’ll be led by your suggestions but to give you an idea of how things might work, the youth panel could:

  • Implement Butterfly Conservations Strategic Plan, particularly on how the organisation can sustain long-term engagement with young people
  • Share their ideas, experiences and opinions by contributing towards blog posts, vlogs, interviews, social media or film content.
  • Create materials and curate events to inspire more young people to get involved
  • Represent Butterfly Conservation at events (in person and online)
  • Co-ordinate and lead Youth Panel meetings with support from the engagement and volunteering team
  • Determine the content and agenda for Youth Panel meetings with support from the engagement and volunteering team
  • Represent young people at decision-making meetings with Butterfly Conservation staff and volunteers (branch members, policy team, volunteering team)

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for ten young people to form our first panel. Whether you have lots of experience, or none at all, we are looking for a range of different people to join our Youth Panel so please don’t underestimate your value when thinking about applying. If the list below sounds a bit like you, this might just be what you're looking for.

  • Aged between 16-25
  • Passionate about nature
  • Curious about conservation, the charity sector or campaigning
  • Able to commit to a couple of hours a month to take part in online meetings, training or workshops
  • Able to commit to at least one face to face meeting (where this happens will be determined by the Youth Panel)
  • Based in the UK

 

What can we offer you?

  • Training to develop career relevant skills, e.g. practical conservation, policy and campaigning
  • The chance to meet and connect with other young people, both in the Youth Panel and within the sector
  • Travel, training and any other costs associated with your role on the Youth Panel
  • Support from key members of staff, invested in your own personal development e.g. shaping your CV, building skills and connecting you with people within the sector
  • An insight into how a charity works, and the opportunity to have an input into big decisions
  • The chance to be part of something amazing, surrounded by a supportive and friendly team who value you

 

How to Apply

Youth Engagement Officer Emma
Youth Engagement Officer Emma

Applications are open from 12th February. To apply, please fill in our short application form. You may also apply by sending us a video or a voice note, but we do ask that you include all of the information requested on the form. We will be in touch via the email provided regarding your application before the 13th March 2024. If you have any questions or would like to chat anything through before applying please contact our Youth Engagement Officer Emma on [email protected]. We can't wait to hear from you!