Applications Now Open for the 2021 UNITY Earth Ambassadors Program

Mesa, Az – United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) has announced that the application process is now open for the 2021 cohort of its Earth Ambassadors Leadership Program. The environmental stewardship program, established in the 1990s, engages Native American and Alaska Native youth in training sessions and informational workshops to increase their knowledge of environmental issues affecting Native America, learn to serve as ambassadors to increase awareness of the issues affecting the environmental quality on Native lands, and promote efforts to address environmental concerns within the nation’s Native communities.

Over the course of one year, each Earth Ambassador will host their own community service project, showcasing the new skills and leadership tools they have gained throughout the year. Topics can focus on, but are not limited to, recycling, conservation, regeneration, and restoration. In addition, the ambassadors will have special opportunities, coordinated through UNITY, to take their message to tribal and government agency representatives and lawmakers.

APPLICATION DEADLINE is March 19, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. MST.

Apply online with the two-step application forms:

1. Nomination Form:

https://forms.gle/W48WAkT91jFSTkn8A

2. Student Personal Statement Form: https://forms.gle/JNmUcp25gd2qo5yMA

Both online forms must be completed before March 19 to be considered. Paper copies or email submissions are not accepted.

Eligibility:

Native youth must be between the ages of 14 and 24 years old and be able to provide proof of state or federally recognized tribal nation enrollment. Prior involvement in UNITY is not a requirement.

Ten selected Earth Ambassadors are eligible to receive:

• Opportunities for environmental awareness training and events with peers.

• Complimentary registration to the 2021 National UNITY Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas.

• One registration to the 2022 UNITY Midyear Conference to showcase their project final reports and experiences.

• Eligibility for UNITY travel scholarships and complimentary lodging at the host hotels for each conference.

All incentives are based on funding availability, financial need, and the awardee’s participation in conference-call meetings, requested ambassador duties, and required report submissions. In addition, all Earth Ambassadors must be in good standing with UNITY's Code of Honor, which is embedded in the National UNITY Council's Constitution and Bylaws. (Copies upon request)

The 2021 class of UNITY Earth Ambassadors will be announced on Earth Day, Thursday, April 22, 2021.

For questions, please contact Greg Mendoza at g.mendoza@unityinc.org or call our national UNITY headquarters at (480)718-9793.

ABOUT UNITY

Founded in 1976, United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. (UNITY) is a national network organization promoting personal development, citizenship, and leadership among Native Youth. UNITY's mission is to foster the spiritual, mental, physical, and social development of American Indian and Alaska Native youth ages 14 -24 and help build a strong, unified, and self-reliant Native America through greater youth involvement. UNITY's network currently includes 325 affiliated youth councils in 36 states. Youth Councils are sponsored by Tribes, Alaska Native villages, high schools, colleges, urban centers, and others.