Saskia on a Tax Appeal shoot
Become a Canteen Youth Ambassador
Youth Cancer Service
Read about what it's like to become a Canteen Youth Ambassador, and how to get involved!
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Thank you for your interest in training to become a Youth Ambassador for Canteen. This leadership role is for young people aged 18 and over who have completed at least one year of Foundations of Leadership and are ready to step up to raise awareness and support for Canteen.
What does a Youth Ambassador do?
Becoming a Youth Ambassador is a big commitment. You’ll use your voice and the power of your storytelling to shine a light on how cancer impacts a young person’s world - and the difference Canteen can make - sharing your personal experience of cancer across a range of settings, including:
- Creating digital content to reach and connect with young people and their families
- Appearing in media interviews – local and national
- Being the face of major marketing/advertising campaigns
- Representing Canteen at fundraising events such as gala dinners
- Speaking at events to promote Canteen
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Molly speaking at an event with Delta Goodrem
Leavea featuring on Today Extra on Channel Nine
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Youth Ambassadors play an important role in bringing Canteen’s work to life. Some past examples include:
- Louise on ABC News for Bandanna Day
- Rianna’s video promoting Canteen X Gold Coast Titans World Record Attempt
- Ivy’s Blood Cancer Awareness Month social media post
- Olivia sharing her story as the face of Canteen’s Christmas Appeal
- Youth Ambassadors collaborating with Dannii Minogue on bandanna design
- Rosie-May’s TikTok content for the #cancerandme campaign
Read the full role description here
Not quite ready?
As a Youth Ambassador, you’ll need to be open to sharing your personal cancer story - including the real, emotional and sometimes difficult parts - to help others understand the impact of cancer and the difference Canteen can make.
How and where you share is up to you. There are a range of opportunities to suit different comfort levels and strengths. For example, if you enjoy public speaking, you might choose to share your story at a large event with hundreds of potential donors. If you’d feel more comfortable in a smaller controlled setting, you might contribute a photo and quote for social media, take part in a filmed interview, or speak to a smaller group.
What matters most is a willingness to share your experience honestly. We’ll work with you to find the opportunities that feel right for you.
If you feel you need more preparation or are not selected this year, speak with your local leadership coordinator about gaining experience and coaching to apply again next year.
Leading Voices training program
To prepare for the Youth Ambassador role, selected applicants will take part in the Leading Voices training program. This program will help you:
- Share your personal or peer stories in a way that highlights Canteen’s services and impact
- Learn how to create engaging social media content
- Prepare for public speaking opportunities
- Develop techniques for answering questions in media interviews
- Understand the role expectations, opportunities, and procedures
- Meet and connect with other Youth Ambassadors from across the country
Program details
- Location: Canteen National Office, 75 King St, Newtown
- Arrival in Sydney: Friday, 15 May
- Program dates: Saturday, 16 May – Sunday, 17 May
- Accommodation: Mercure Sydney
How to apply
If you are ready for this role, submit an application video (maximum three minutes) addressing:
- Introduce yourself
- Provide insight into your cancer experience
- Let us know why you want to be a Youth Ambassador
- Identify what skills you will bring to the role
Key dates
- 9th March – Applications open
- 30th March – 2nd April – Selection panel review
- 7th-9th April – Successful applicants notified
- 17th April – Consent forms due
- 1st May – Pre-work exercises sent
- 15th-17th May – Leading Voices Training, Newtown, NSW
Submit your application
Complete your form below to confirm your application and verify that you have summitted your video at this link.
For any questions, contact your Local Leadership Coordinator.
Complete the below form with your name and confirm whether you have uploaded a video. Please also specify which opportunities you are interested in.