Illinois Violence Prevention Authority’s Youth Advisory Board was established in 1998 as a national model for effective youth philanthropy in violence prevention, the Youth Advisory Board (YAB) is the youth grant-making component of the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority’s Governing Board.  

ICVP manages this collaborative partnership, and YAB is comprised of young people between the ages of 14 and 21 who represent our state’s rich geographic and cultural diversity.    To learn more about the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority, click here.

YAB Mission

The IVPA Youth Advisory Board seeks to serve as a collective voice for youth in the statewide violence prevention movement and strengthen violence prevention efforts in communities throughout Illinois. 

YAB Opportunities

The Youth Advisory Board carries out its mission through the initiation and support of the following activities:

• In collaboration with the IVPA Governing Board, manages the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority’s Youth-Led Mini Grant process.
• Plan and coordinate the Grant Bidder’s Conferences in several regions across the state.
• Design and present interactive, educational workshops and trainings about violence prevention and youth philanthropy to youth and adult audiences.

Throughout the program year, Youth Advisory Board members have the opportunity to:

• Develop skills and knowledge in violence prevention
• Learn the fundamentals of grants-making and philanthropy
• Participate in conferences and statewide events
• Act as a spokesperson for youth in Illinois building the capacity of youth-led violence prevention initiatives.

"It isn't enough isn't enough to talk about peace. One must believe in it. It isn't enough to believe in it. One must work at it." -Eleanor Roosevelt

As YAB members, you will have the opportunity to:

• Award up to $130,000 in youth led violence prevention grants in Illinois!
• Run for Co-Chair and collaborate with the Illinois Violence Prevention Authority's Governing Board, with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan and other state officials!
• Make new friends with a diverse group of youth, who are also passionate about preventing violence!
• Network with other youth and youth-serving organizations!
• Travel throughout the state and participate in a weekend retreat!
• Develop leadership and public speaking skills!
• Gain real life experiences toward college or employment opportunities!

This a great opportunity for adults who work with youth also. IVPA YAB Adult Sponsors have the opportunity to learn more about violence prevention and youth development; network with other youth workers from around the state; and be a grantreader for the IVPA Youth Led Mini Grant.

NOTE:  IVPA Youth Advisory Board deadline is June 27, 2008.

Please click below for PDF versions of our application.

New YAB Applicants Youth Advisory Board Application

Returning YAB Applicants Youth Advisory Board Renewal Application

New YAB Adult Allies Youth Advisory Board Adult Ally Application

Please contact the Youth Development Coordinator at 312-986-9200 extension 236, if you would like more information!

"There are no great men or women in this world. Only great challenges ordinary people must take on." –Rudy Lozano Sr.