Youth Activist

“What really stood out to me about my time at the Governor’s Institutes of Vermont was learning about the politics and society of America while also being immersed in it. Having the opportunity to speak with Vermont lawmakers and politicians such as Becca Balint and Bernie Sanders was truly something amazing that many Vermont teenagers can’t even say they have had the opportunity to do. However, I learned just as much from my peers and by speaking with the American students about their opinions and experiences with the country’s politics and educational system, and that knowledge along with the friendships I made during my time there will really be the most valuable thing I take away from it.“ Niamh, 2023 Youth Activist

EIL Explore are excited to offer the Youth Activist award to five young people who have demonstrated leadership potential while being actively involved with a group in their community.

The Vermont Governor’s Institute each year, brings together 60 – 70 dynamic young leaders and challenges them to ask and answers difficult questions, by exploring different sides of issues and political perspectives.

It challenges participants to find solutions to the local and global problems that directly impact young people.

• Discussions with key politicians, activists and community leaders
• Team building challenges, leadership skills workshops
• Field trips, sports, campfires
• Creative simulations, including a Mock Congress
• Arts & cultural activities

An Example of a Day at the Global Issues and Youth Action Institute

7:30 AM: Breakfast
8:30 AM: Dialogue Groups
9:00 AM: Student-Selected Issue Groups
11:00 AM: Guest Speakers
12:00 PM: Lunch & Free Time
2:00 PM: Afternoon Workshops
4:30 PM: Arts Activism!
5:30 PM: Dinner & Free Time
7:30 PM: Nightly Activities and Social Events
10:00 PM: End of Day

Most participants at this incredible workshop will be young people from the US. So, are you ready to be an ambassador and voice for Ireland? Then apply today!