National Youth Council members are elected for a two-year term.
Virtual with an annual in-person meeting.
The CNIB National Youth Council (NYC) is a group of youth ages 15-30 from across Canada who are passionate about changing what it means to be blind.
Under direction of CNIB, the NYC works to ensure that current and new CNIB initiatives, programs, and policies are reflective of, and responsive to, the needs of children and youth who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision. The council meets bimonthly to share ideas and collaborate on projects that affect CNIB's organizational activities.
The NYC also provides opportunities for members to grow as future leaders through training, fellowship and practical work. Learn more about us and read about some of the projects we've been working on.
Specific Responsibilities and Tasks
- NYC members are expected to attend bimonthly meetings, be familiar with materials provided, support the CNIB mission and strategic plan, and contribute their expertise and experience to the work of the NYC.
- NYC members shall commit to one two-year term (members may seek reappointment until they reach the age of 30).
- NYC members shall serve on at least one project team.
- NYC members shall undertake to complete assignments and requested activities in a timely manner.
- NYC members shall always conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner.
Other Responsibilities
- To work collaboratively, act as ambassadors and advocate for solutions to relevant issues.
- To increase awareness on issues specific to children and youth who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision.
- To provide oversight and recommendations to the CNIB National Board of Directors on issues as tasked.
- To provide advice on improving CNIB services delivered to children and youth.
- To give youth a voice and provide a youth perspective that will address the gap to adult programs and services.
- To increase youth involvement in a positive and supporting environment that allows for networking and freedom to share experiences.
- To engage in activities that will support the work of CNIB and youth initiatives.
Membership
Members of the CNIB National Youth Council shall include knowledgeable and informed Canadian youth between the ages of 15 and 30 years old who reflect the diversity of the community that CNIB serves. To enhance regional representation in support of CNIB’s new strategic plan, The Way Forward, the NYC is currently recruiting youth who live in the following provinces: Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
- Being part of a dedicated and passionate team of like-minded individuals working to further CNIB’s mission and strategic plan.
- Making a difference for people who are blind, Deafblind, or have low vision in your community and across Canada by making sure their concerns and issues are heard.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth.
You would enjoy this position if you:
- Excel working in a diverse team environment.
- Are collaborative and communicative.
- Are organized and reliable.
- Enjoy advocating for equal, equitable and barrier-free opportunities for people who are blind, Deafblind, ow have low vision.
Your voice matters. Join a team of passionate young leaders who are breaking down barriers and creating real change for our community.
To apply to become a member of the CNIB National Youth Council, send an email to nationalyouthcouncil@cnib.ca including:
- A letter of intent detailing why you would like to be considered for the CNIB National Youth Council.
- Your resume.
- Two references and their contact information. References can be a teacher, mentor, family friend, or someone within your community.
The deadline to apply is Friday, October 17, 2025.
If you have questions or concerns about the application process, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at nationalyouthcouncil@cnib.ca.