Let’s get a Boy Scout or Venturer on FEMA’s Youth Preparedness Council

Scouts worldwide have lived the “Be Prepared” motto since 1907.

So who better than a Boy Scout or Venturer to serve on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Youth Preparedness Council?

Right now FEMA’s seeking out “youth leaders who are dedicated to public service, who are making a difference in their communities and who want to expand their impact as national advocates for youth disaster preparedness.”

Let’s encourage preparedness-focused Scouts we know to apply. Having a Scout selected to serve would be some great positive publicity for Scouting and further strengthen our “Be Prepared” ties.

Applicants must be between 12 and 17 years old and  “engaged in individual and community preparedness” or have “experienced a disaster that has motivated him or her to make a positive difference in his or her community.”

The reward for those selected, in addition to a nice bullet point on a résumé or college application, is a chance to spread the word on youth preparedness, communicate directly with FEMA leaders and attend a summit in Washington, D.C., at FEMA’s expense.

Last year’s council members were an impressive bunch who promoted preparedness in their communities and across the country. But I know there’s more than a few Scouts and Venturers out there who have gone beyond earning the Emergency Preparedness merit badge and made a lasting difference in their community.

Youth interested in applying to the Council must submit a completed application form and two letters of recommendation.

Specific information about completing and submitting the application and attachments can be found in the application instructions. All applications and supporting materials must be received no later than Feb. 24, 2014, 11:59 p.m. EST in order to be eligible.

New Youth Preparedness Council members will be announced in May 2014. If a Scout you know is selected, be sure to let me know. Good luck!

H/T to Gary Wilson of the Bucks County Council for the blog post idea. Photo from Flickr: Some rights reserved by Inventorchris