YOUTH AMBASSODOR TRAINING AT SPRING CONFERENCE
Tourette Syndrome Youth Ambassador
Leadership Training
April 2-3, 2008
Hilton Alexandria Mark Center ~ Alexandria , VA
This Training program is generously funded by Diane and Darryl Mallah in memory of her mother, Eleanor Wachter. The Youth Ambassador Program is seeking one youth/parent (or adult guardian) team from each TSA chapter and region at April' s Training.
TSA is kicking off this exciting new program with a two-day Leadership Training for teens and their parent/adult guardian, April 2-3, 2008 in Alexandria , VA. To be considered for this training program, applications must be submitted to your local Chapter or Region by January 31, 2008. Selected candidates will be notified by February 28, 2008.
Please call the chapter for an application. 646-202-9683.
What is the Youth Ambassador program?
The TSA Youth Ambassador Program gives young people with TS, their siblings, friends and classmates the preparation they need to speak about TS before their peers at school, sports leagues, scout troops, camps and after school programs. Understanding and tolerance are the program ' s goals.
What is the TSA Youth Ambassador Leadership Training?
The TSA Youth Ambassador Leadership Training is a two-day comprehensive program aimed at training exceptional teen leaders and their accompanying parent/adult guardian to teach others to become TSA Youth Ambassadors.
The preliminary agenda includes:
- support on public speaking
- guidance on how to present the program and presentation logistics
- a talk by one of TSA ' s leading physicians
- participating in TSA's annual Trip to the Hill
- ice breakers and other fun activities for the teens
Who should apply to attend the TSA Youth Ambassador Leadership Training?
Teens with or without TS can apply, as long as they are committed to the goals of the program and want to help promote understanding of the disorder. Also, the partnering adult does not need to be the teen's parent – they can be another responsible adult who has the consent of the parent. To be a part of the Youth Ambassador Program, it requires a strong commitment from both the teen and the parent/adult guardian to take the time to be trained and follow through on the program ' s responsibilities .
What are the benefits to being a TSA Youth Ambassador?
This is an excellent opportunity for interested teens to learn public speaking, build friendships with the other teens involved with the program, and represent the TS community by raising awareness through the many Youth Ambassador Program activities.
What are the April 2008 Training logistics?
Dates: April 2-3, 2008 (arrive in Alexandria , VA April 1st)
Location: Hilton Alexandria Mark Center , Alexandria , VA
Costs: TSA gratefully thank Diane and Darryl Mallah for their generous contribution in underwriting the costs of the Youth Ambassador program in memory of Diane's mother Eleanor Wachter.
Items that are provided free of charge by TSA:
• Hotel accommodations for nights of April 1st & 2nd for each youth/parent team (additional nights are at own expense)
• Airfare for teen
• Conference-sponsored meals for youth/parent team
• Training program materials
• Ground transportation to Capitol Hill for Trip to the Hill
Items that are at attendees own expense include:
• Non-conference sponsored meals and expenses for youth/parent team
• Airfare for parent/adult guardian*
• Optional extended stay and registration for National Conference, April 4-6**
How can you apply to attend the April 2008 training in Alexandria , VA ?
Interested teens and their parents/adult guardians who are committed to the goals and responsibilities of the TSA Youth Ambassador program can fill out an application and submit it to their local chapter by JANUARY 31, 2008. Applications received after January 31 st will not be considered. The team selected by each chapter or region will be notified by February 28, 2008.
* The parent/adult guardian attending the Youth Ambassador training program is responsible for paying for his/her own airfare. If, however, the cost is financially prohibitive, the selected adult may contact TSA to request some assistance. Need must be established.
** We encourage everyone, regardless of whether or not they are selected for the Youth Ambassador Leadership Training program, to attend the 2008 National Conference April 4-6. A track just for teens is just one of the many beneficial programs planned. The Conference is separate from the Youth Ambassador program and costs for attending are the expense of the attendee. Applications for scholarships offsetting the costs for teens to attend the National Conference are available at TSA National office. Contact Sandra Holland at sandra.holland@tsa-usa.org for more information.
