Young Invincibles Launches 2026 Young Advocates Program in Texas
The Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program, an initiative by Young Invincibles (YI), offers a significant opportunity for young adults in Texas to develop leadership skills and engage in community advocacy. This program is designed to train individuals aged 18-34 to actively participate in addressing key issues that affect their generation. Participants will gain hands-on experience in areas such as higher education, healthcare access, workforce development, and civic engagement, becoming part of a larger movement to shape policy and amplify youth voices.
Young Invincibles is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to empowering young adults and expanding economic opportunities. Their mission is to ensure that the voices of young adults are heard in the political process. With regional offices in California, Colorado, and Texas, YI focuses on critical areas including the affordability of higher education, access to healthcare, job quality, and voter participation.
Program Overview and Key Activities
The Young Advocates Program provides a structured, cohort-based experience where participants work together on advocacy projects. The program runs for 12 weeks, from September 18, 2026, to December 11, 2026. Participants will engage in a variety of activities aimed at building their advocacy skills and contributing to tangible change.
Core Advocacy Tasks
The program’s key activities are designed to offer practical experience in different facets of advocacy and community organizing. These include:
- Organizing Campaigns: Participants will focus on campaigns related to higher education affordability, healthcare access, worker justice, and civic engagement. This involves learning strategies for mobilizing people and advocating for specific policy changes.
- Policy Development: The program offers a chance to help shape policy priorities that directly impact young adults. This involves understanding policy-making processes and contributing to the development of youth-focused initiatives.
- Event Support and Leadership: Participants will support statewide conferences, community events, and outreach activities. This provides experience in event planning, execution, and leadership roles.
- Voter Engagement: A significant component involves leading efforts to encourage and mobilize young voters. This includes understanding voter registration processes and get-out-the-vote strategies.
- Healthcare Enrollment Promotion: The program supports campaigns aimed at increasing access to healthcare services. Participants will learn how to inform and assist young adults in enrolling in health insurance plans.
- Digital Content Creation: Participants will produce content focused on advocacy for online platforms. This develops skills in using digital media for awareness and mobilization.
- Recruitment and Mobilization: This involves encouraging other young adults to become involved in community action and advocacy efforts.
Program Structure and Time Commitment
The Young Advocates Program emphasizes consistent participation and collaboration. The program is structured as a cohort experience, meaning each member’s involvement is important to the group’s success. The program dates are set from September 18, 2026, to December 11, 2026.
Weekly Session Schedules
Weekly sessions are held virtually, with specific times varying by state:
- California: Fridays, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm PT
- Colorado: Fridays, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm MT
- Texas: Tuesdays, 4:00 pm – 6:30 pm CT, and Fridays, 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm CT.
In addition to weekly virtual sessions, Texas participants will have in-person meetings on the last Friday of each month.
Additional Program Requirements
Participants are expected to attend an in-person Orientation on September 18, 2026, and a Program Close event on December 11, 2026. They will also participate in in-person events like the Policy Shark Tank and community outreach activities. A commitment to attending weekly sessions with cameras on, participating in two in-person meetings per month, and completing assignments between sessions is also required. The program expects advocates to dedicate an average of 6-10 hours per week to training and project work.
Compensation and Eligibility
Advocates participating in the program will be paid hourly for their training and project work. The hourly pay rates vary by state:
- California: $18.42 per hour
- Colorado: $19.29 per hour
- Texas: $15.00 per hour
To be eligible for the Fall 2026 Young Advocates Program, applicants must meet several criteria. They must be 18 years or older and eligible to work in the United States. A commitment to the entire program duration is mandatory. Applicants should align with YI’s mission, vision, and values, and demonstrate a clear interest in higher education, healthcare, or workforce issues.
Additional requirements include the ability to work both independently and collaboratively, showing professionalism, maturity, and initiative. Creativity, flexibility, and the capacity to thrive in a fast-paced environment are also valued. Finally, applicants must have access to a laptop and reliable WiFi for virtual sessions.
Application Process and Deadline
The application process for the Young Advocates Program requires applicants to be available for all scheduled sessions and events. The application package includes a resume, cover letter, references, and responses to short-answer questions. Applicants will also need to confirm their age and student status. The deadline to submit applications is July 17, 2026, at midnight Eastern Time. Interested individuals can find more information and apply through the provided link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Young Invincibles Young Advocates Program?
It’s a 12-week program by Young Invincibles designed to train young adults in Texas (ages 18-34) in leadership and advocacy for issues affecting their generation.
What kind of activities are involved in the program?
Activities include organizing campaigns, policy development, event support, voter engagement, promoting healthcare enrollment, creating digital content, and recruitment.
What is the time commitment for the program?
Participants attend weekly virtual sessions, in-person meetings, and events, dedicating an average of 6-10 hours per week to training and project work.
What are the eligibility requirements and compensation?
Applicants must be 18+, eligible to work in the US, have a laptop and WiFi, and commit to the full program. Advocates are paid hourly, with Texas participants earning $15.00 per hour.
