National Youth Advisory Council

Integrating the voice and gifts of youth to advance the field

Our National Youth Advisory Council Members

Adalyn Rodriguez

Destiny Morris

Evelyn Kohler

Gerardo Ortiz

Jose Gonzalez

Julia Zerbes

Justin Fannon

Katey Nguyen

Nicholas Garcia

Olivia Marcoux

Samuel Gorman

Tania-Vergara-Gongora

What is our Mission Statement?

The National Youth Advisory Council’s Mission is to give a voice to the faith, hope, and love of youth by building bridges and nurturing safe spaces across generations, cultures, and backgrounds. Using our unique gifts and talents we aspire to be an example of joy and unity in the image of God for the young church.

What is the National Youth Advisory Council?

The National Youth Advisory Council is a diverse group of young people that will integrate their voices and gifts into all work and ministry of NFCYM.

The council will be comprised of up to 12 young people and 4 adults, including Project Chair, plus 2 ex-officio (Strategy Leader and NFCYM staff liaison).

Why did we form a National Youth Advisory Council?

The National Youth Advisory Council is NFCYM’s initiative to model a shared leadership that empowers youth to activate their voices and gifts as members of the Church.

How does the National Youth Advisory form?

Nominations for young people have closed for this term.

Our next term will begin in August of 2024. The application process will begin in May of 2024 including nominations and interviews.

EXPECTATIONS FOR YOUTH

  • Actively engaged in their Parish, Catholic school, a Catholic organization, and/or Catholic apostolate. (*The young person does not have to currently be in leadership to be nominated.)
  • Available to gather online monthly for approximately 2 hours for meetings that include prayer, leadership formation, and discussion.
  • Available to attend an annual onsite gathering at NCYC each term year.
  • Have the full support of their parent/guardian and parish, school, organization, and/or apostolate leader.
  • Must be a freshman, sophomore, or junior in High School at the time of nomination.
  • Must commit to an initial term of 2 years with the option to extend the term another year.
  • Committed to growing in an ongoing relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church.

*Selection process considerations to include representation from various geographical areas of the United States and the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Church.

Yazmín Maní Malone

Pastoral Juvenil Hispana Coordinator,
Diocese of Austin


Diocesan Member

"NFCYM has accompanied me in reaching out to like minded professionals to better provide service (ministry) to adolescents. NFCYM has allowed me to network and grow professionally.

'Youth as Protagonists' has been essential to Pastoral Juvenil Hispana in the Diocese of Austin."

Eva P. Delgado

Youth Minister, St. Christopher Church

Associate Member

"The various resources have helped me keep our program exciting and vibrant. NFCYM has provided me with shared information via webinars, workshops, conferences, outreach, and opportunities that are very informative to help make my ministry successful.

NFCYM is an open forum for me to seek material, guidance and support in keeping the youth ministry program successful."