CU Youth Council

Become a Leader. Make a Difference.

The One Root Collective Youth Council is a leadership program for middle and high school students who want to make a positive impact in Champaign-Urbana.

Youth Council members help plan community events, lead service projects, share ideas that improve our community, and develop leadership skills alongside other students who are passionate about making a difference.

Whether you attend a public school, private school, or are homeschooled, you're welcome to apply.

Apply Here

Who Can Apply?

  • Students entering grades 6–12

  • Public school students

  • Private school students

  • Homeschooled students

  • Students who live in or attend school in the Champaign-Urbana area

What You'll Do

Throughout the year, Youth Council members will:

  • Plan community service projects

  • Help organize free family events

  • Volunteer throughout Champaign-Urbana

  • Develop leadership and public speaking skills

  • Meet community leaders and nonprofit professionals

  • Learn teamwork, communication, and advocacy

  • Build friendships with students from schools across the community

  • Help One Root Collective create programs for youth and families

Possible Projects

Youth Council members will have the opportunity to help plan initiatives such as:

  • Free Flower Bar

  • Family Craft Nights

  • Free birthday celebrations for children in CU

  • Community Read Alouds

  • Game nights

  • Volunteer opportunities at local nonprofits

  • Visits to senior living communities

  • Family events

  • Community improvement projects

  • New ideas created by Youth Council members

Why Join?

Members will gain:

  • Leadership experience

  • Volunteer/service hours

  • Resume and college application experience

  • Letters of recommendation opportunities

  • Community service experience

  • Networking opportunities

  • Exclusive Youth Council t-shirt

  • Free leadership workshops

  • The chance to make a real difference in Champaign-Urbana

Meeting Information

Meeting dates will be shared with accepted students.

  • Fridays
    4:00–4:45 PM

  • Fridays
    5:15–6:00 PM

Meet Your Advisors

Marina Taylor

Founder & Executive Director, One Root Collective

Hi! I'm Marina, the founder of One Root Collective. I've always believed that young people deserve to be heard, trusted, and given real opportunities to lead. Some of the most creative, compassionate, and impactful ideas I've seen have come from students who simply needed someone to believe in them.

Before starting One Root Collective, I spent several years as an elementary teacher where I loved helping students discover their strengths, build confidence, and find ways to make a difference both in and outside the classroom. I have a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and a master's degree in Diversity and Equity in Education, but the most meaningful part of my work has always been building relationships with students and families.

My hope is that every Youth Council member leaves knowing they are capable of creating positive change. Together, we'll plan service projects, support our community, develop leadership skills, and have fun along the way.

I can't wait to see what this group accomplishes.

Associate Director, SEL Lead, One Root Collective

Alexis Taylor

Hi! I'm Lexy, and I'm so excited to work alongside our Youth Council members.

As a Licensed Social Worker, I've had the opportunity to support children, teens, and families through many different experiences. I've learned that every young person has unique strengths, and when they're given encouragement, support, and opportunities to lead, incredible things can happen.

My goal is to create a space where students feel comfortable sharing ideas, trying new things, building friendships, and growing into confident leaders. Youth Council isn't about having all the answers—it's about learning together, supporting one another, and making a real impact in our community.

I'm excited to get to know each student, cheer them on, and watch them grow throughout the year.

We're excited to build something special with this first Youth Council! Whether you've led before or this is your first time stepping into a leadership role, we hope you'll apply. We believe every student has something valuable to contribute, and we can't wait to see the ideas, friendships, and impact this group will create together.

-Marina & Lexy

Application Process

  1. Submit an online application.

  2. Applications close August 20.

  3. Selected applicants will be invited for an interview.

  4. Students will be notified of their decision after interviews.

Because we want representation from schools across our community, this is a competitive application process.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Youth Council is completely free.

  • Yes

  • Not at all. We're looking for students who care about their community and are willing to learn.

  • Yes!

  • Our first cohort will be intentionally small so every student has opportunities to lead. We hope to include approximately 1–3 students from each middle and high school, along with homeschool and private school representatives when possible.