Invitation to Apply to Become a

Member of the Care Leaders Council

Dear advocate for care-experienced individuals,

Are you passionate about championing the rights of care-experienced individuals and children without parental care? Do you envision a world where the voices of care leavers are empowered and their rights upheld? If so, we invite you to apply to become a member of the Care Leaders Council (CLC).

The Care Leaders Council invites applications from passionate care-experienced advocates to join our global network of advocates championing the rights of care-experienced people and children without parental care. The CLC is committed to driving positive change through research, training, policy advocacy, and socio-economic empowerment initiatives.

Member seats to be filled:

• Southern Asia: 1 member of any other country except India which is already represented
• South-eastern Asia: 2 Members
• Europe and Central Asia: 2 members
• Latin America and the Caribbean: 1 member of any other country except Colombia which is already represented
• Southern Africa: 2 members
• Western and Central Africa: 1 member of any other country except Cameroon which is already represented
• Middle East and North Africa: 1 member
• Global: 1 member who has demonstrated experience of advocating for the rights of those who face particular discrimination in the alternative care system, including children and young people with disabilities, who identify as LGBTQI+, or who are members of a group otherwise over-represented in the care system.

About the Care Leaders Council:

The CLC is a global group of care-experienced advocates working with diverse stakeholders, including institutional donors, civil society organizations, and care-experienced networks worldwide. We champion alternative family-based care and strive to empower care-experienced individuals to influence stakeholders and improve policies and services for vulnerable children globally. Learn more.

Vision and Mission:

Vision: A world where care-experienced people are empowered to influence stakeholders and improve policies and services for all vulnerable children, preventing family separation and strengthening family care globally.

Mission: To be a platform that acts as a global bridge for organizations, groups, and networks of care-experienced young people, facilitating spaces and opportunities for participation, community building, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

Objectives of the Council:

• Advocate for the rights of care-experienced people worldwide.
• Support and empower networks of young people with care experience.
• Advocate for care reform and better transitions from alternative care systems.
• Provide technical guidance and programs to support care-experienced networks.
• Monitor and support the implementation of socio-economic programs for care leavers’ well-being.

Eligibility:

• Personal experience of living in the alternative care system.
• At least 18 years of age.
• Current residents of the region represented.
• Direct links and connections to networks of care-experienced people in their country or region.
• Experience in leading youth organizations and advocacy at the national level.
• Availability to play an active role on the Council for a term of 2 years.

Roles and Responsibilities of Council Members:

• Actively participate in council activities, meetings, and initiatives.
• Contribute to agenda development and working groups.
• Lead and/or contribute to initiatives supporting the council's mandate.
• Present at council meetings and report back to respective networks.
• Act as role models and mentors to inspire other care-experienced individuals.
• Build partnerships and engage in international advocacy and networking activities.

Benefits of Joining:

• Networking opportunities with other care experienced leaders and also organizations working to strengthen alternative care systems across the globe.
• Professional development and skills enhancement
• Shape and facilitate more effective and meaningful participation by care-experienced individuals and their organizations at international level
• Make a meaningful impact on global care reform efforts
• Accelerate and improve fundraising capacity for the development of youth led initiatives
• Connect with multilateral organizations well positioned to influence states on improving care and care processes for children and adolescents.

Application Process:

To apply, please fill out the application form by 22 May 2024.

You will be asked as part of the application to provide the names and contact details for up to two persons who can provide a reference for you (someone who has direct knowledge of your work or activities related to reforming alternative care and of your engagement with national and/or regional care leavers networks/groups/initiatives).

Please include their full name, email, and relationship to you (e.g., supervisor, mentor, teacher, other). Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Members who commit to fulfilling the role and responsibilities, as described in the CLC Terms of Reference, are eligible for compensation to enable participation and in recognition of their expertise and contributions. The stipend is for a total of $1,000 per year.

Join us in our mission to amplify the voices of care-experienced individuals and drive positive change in the care system globally!