What is the National Council?

What is the National Council?


The Hope Squad National Council is a distinguished group of high school juniors and seniors from across the country who serve for a term of one school year. As part of the National Council, members actively contribute to the mission of the Hope Squad, a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program. Participation in the National Council offers several benefits for junior and senior students. By joining, individuals have the opportunity to:

  1. Make a Significant Impact: Council members play a crucial role in shaping and improving the Hope Squad program on a national level, contributing to the overall mission of suicide prevention and mental health support.

  2. Develop Leadership Skills: Serving on the National Council provides valuable leadership experience. Members take on responsibilities based on their abilities and interests, honing their organizational and communication skills.

  3. Network with Peers Nationwide: Interacting with fellow council members from diverse locations fosters a sense of community and allows for the exchange of ideas and experiences. Networking on a national scale can be enriching and inspiring.

  4. Personal Growth and Learning: The responsibilities delegated to individual council members are designed to align with their abilities and interests. This tailored approach encourages personal growth and continuous learning throughout the school year.

  5. Contribute to Suicide Prevention Initiatives: Through active involvement, council members contribute to the ongoing efforts of suicide prevention within school communities. This engagement provides a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

  6. Enhance College and Career Readiness: Participation in a national council demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility and community service, enhancing a student's college and career readiness profile.

  7. Build a Supportive Network: Being part of the Hope Squad National Council means collaborating with like-minded peers, advisors, and professionals, building a supportive network that extends beyond the local school environment.

Involvement in the Hope Squad National Council offers high school juniors and seniors a unique opportunity to lead, contribute, and make a meaningful impact on a national scale while fostering personal and professional growth. It is an experience that not only benefits the individual council members but also contributes to the collective mission of suicide prevention and mental health awareness.


Eligibility

Eligibility for the Hope Squad National Council is open to high school juniors and seniors from diverse locations across the country. Council members serve for a term of one school year, during which they actively contribute to the national initiatives of the Hope Squad program. Responsibilities are delegated based on individual abilities, interests, and skills, fostering a flexible and personalized approach to involvement. This opportunity allows eligible students to make a significant impact on suicide prevention, develop leadership skills, and engage in a supportive network of like-minded peers.

Responsibilities of Council Members
Hope Squad National Council members are responsible for attending a minimum of two annual conferences, participating in monthly online Council and Council Support meetings, contributing to the planning and leadership of training sessions for new Hope Squad members, engaging with Hope Squad members via social media, providing support to new and existing Hope Squads nationwide, participating in dialogues to address the needs and concerns of Hope Squads, planning and leading member conferences throughout the school year, and ensuring prompt responsiveness to communications from their advisor.

Applying to Join National Council
The application process, though rigorous, offers significant rewards, making the effort worthwhile. Please note that applications are accepted on an annual basis. Applications to join the National Council go live each year on the Hope Squad website in April, and will be shared via the member and advisor newsletters. Applications consist of responding in writing and via video to brief prompts about your experiences with Hope Squad, asking for a recommendation from your advisor, and gaining parental permission. Applications are due by the end of April, and selected members will be notified in May, with their term on the National Council beginning in June.

I have questions about the National Council; who should I contact? Reach out to Sara Anderson at Sara@HopeSquad.com with questions about the National Council!






    • Related Articles

    • Common Questions from Advisors

      Can I present my Certificate of Completion to my school for professional development credit? Yes, the Hope Squad Licensed Advisor Trainers may count towards 6 professional development credit hours. We suggest verifying with your school district if ...

    • Common Questions from Parents

      What do Squad Members learn? Hope Squad Members are trained to recognize warning signs of suicide in their peers, reach out, and refer their peers to trusted adults. They are not taught to act as counselors, but rather how to support their peers by ...