Resilient Gwinnett Youth Advisory Council

What it is

The Resilient Gwinnett Youth Advisory Council (RG-YAC) is a leadership group of young leaders (ages 13-26) who help shape countywide efforts to promote mental well-being, prevent trauma, and build resilient communities. RG-YAC members serve as youth experts, offering insights, sharing voice, ideas, and lived experiences that guide Resilient Gwinnett’s programs, trainings, and initiatives.

Members are not just participants – they are co-creators of a more connected, equitable, and resilient Gwinnett.

What RG-YAC members do

Amplify Youth Voice

  • Provide feedback on trauma-informed programs
  • Share insights on ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and PCEs (Positive Childhood Experiences)
  • Help ensure youth needs and perspectives shape community initiatives 

 

Lead & Learn

  • Co-create safe, supportive, inclusive meeting spaces
  • Build leadership skills (public speaking, project planning, teamwork)
  • Participate in youth/young adult trauma-centered trainings (e.g., resilience, mental health awareness)   

 

Evaluate & Improve Programs

  • Participate in end-of-year focus groups
  • Contribute to the Youth Perspective & Youth Experience Reports 

 

Engage in Service

  • Earn community service/volunteer hours 
  • Help plan community events 
  • Training opportunities  

Application qualifications

Youth and young adults who:

  • Are 13-26 years old
  • Live, work, or attend school/college in Gwinnett County 
  • Care about mental health, resilience, and making a difference in their community 
  • Are able to attend virtual and in-person meetings and trauma-centered trainings 

No prior experience needed – just passion and commitment! 

Meeting schedule

  • First & last meetings in-person (kickoff celebration/August + end-of-year celebration/May)
  • Virtual meetings every other month: September, November, January, March
  • Virtual meetings via Zoom
  • 60 – 90 minutes per meeting
  • Includes grounding activities, project time, and discussion

Support and training

Member Benefits

  • Volunteer/community service hours
  • Certificates upon completion 
  • Opportunities for resilience and mental health training
  • Leadership development
  • Recognition on Resilient Gwinnett platforms and in community events 

How to apply

Complete the application and provide 1 letter of recommendation.

 

If under age 18, we require parent/guardian consent for:

  • Participation
  • Photo/media release  

 

Selected members must sign a participation agreement confirming commitment to meetings and events.  

Selection Process:

Application Opens

April 2026

Application Review

May 2026

Applicant Interview

June 2026

Notification

July 2026

Application Form

Why join

Be part of a team shaping the well-being of youth in Gwinnett. Build leadership skills. Make a real community impact. You have a voice and it matters – we want to hear it.