Youth Squad

What is ReThink Citizens?

ReThink Citizens is a youth-led nonprofit with the mission of tackling cyberbullying and redefining digital social connection to be more kind, intentional and inclusive. Since its inception, ReThink Citizens has hosted social media safety workshops with parents and digital caregivers across the country and even globally. The response to these workshops has been overwhelmingly positive–and made one thing clear: today’s parents, many of whom are not digital natives, want a window into the digital world; a real, comprehensive look at the opportunities and dangers that social media can present. And most importantly, they want this information from young people. They want a fresh, youth-led perspective on how they can ensure that their children remain safe online. To meet this need, we are launching the ReThink Citizens Youth Squad.

What is the ReThink Citizens Youth Squad?

The ReThink Citizens Youth Squad is a first-of-its kind initiative that will train selected Youth Squad members (aged 15-25) from across the country to deliver ReThink Citizens’ parents workshops to the digital caregivers in their communities. Through these workshops, we hope to foster much-needed intergenerational dialogue about how youth and parents can, together, chart a path forward to a better internet. This year, ReThink Citizens hopes to bring our workshops to parents across the United States, with our Youth Squad experts leading the way. Youth Squad members will:

• Receive expert training to lead transformative social media safety workshops for digital caregivers.
• Expand their network via regular virtual sessions with leading online safety thinkers, researchers, activists, and experts.
• Join a robust community of like-minded young digital changemakers passionate about realizing a better internet.

Applicant Requirements:

• Aged 15 to 25.
• Reside in the United States.
• Available for virtual Zoom training on the following Sundays from 3pm to 6pm EST: July 13th, July 20th, July 27th, August 3rd, and August 10th.
• Able to deliver ReThink Citizens Workshops to parents and caregivers in your community in fall 2025.
• Attend once-monthly virtual educational programming with expert speakers.
• Actively participate in the virtual ReThink Citizens community with fellow Squad members.

You’d be a great fit if you are:

• Passionate about making the internet a safer, kinder, and more inclusive space for everyone.
• Excited about speaking to and working with parents, caregivers, and community members to build bridges between generations.
• A strong communicator and feel confident (or are excited to grow!) in public speaking and workshop facilitation.
• Eager to take on a leadership opportunity and be part of a national network of like-minded changemakers.

How to Apply

Applications open on April 25th, 2025 at 9am EST. Submit your application via Google Forms (https://tinyurl.com/youthsquad25) by May 31st, 2025 at 11:59pm EST. Applicants will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants may be asked to complete a 15-minute interview. 

To learn more, join us for our Youth Squad Information Session on Sunday, May 18th at 3pm EST (register here). Any questions about the application or the Youth Squad can be directed to Lydia Bliss, our Youth Squad Program Manager, at [email protected].