Why Become an OHF Young Executive Leader?
Drive change, inspire the future!
We believe it is important for teenagers and young adults to have their own voice when advocating for Hyperoxaluria. The Young Executive Leadership Program (Y.E.L.P) aims to elevate young voices, build confidence, develop leadership skills, and provide young people the tools to raise awareness of Hyperoxaluria. Y.E.L.P is broken up into two age groups: “Future Leaders” for advocates between the ages of 12-15 and “Executive Leaders” for advocates between the ages of 16-30. Both groups will have opportunities to learn from each other and work together. We strongly encourage participants to be within this age range, but all with a hyperoxaluria connection are encouraged to apply!
Become an OHF Young Executive Leader
Serving as a Young Executive Leader allows you to lend your talents and develop new capabilities. Think about how you as a young person can best contribute to the OHF and look for opportunities to hone the skills you would most like to develop, such as social media advocacy, public speaking, fundraising, and more! You will have the opportunity to work directly with an OHF mentor to plan projects and creative campaigns and receive strategic guidance and feedback.
Areas include: Y.E.L.P’s main focus areas include Science & Research, Policy, Advocacy & Outreach and Fundraising. Y.E.L.P members can be anyone who wants to make a difference, and no prior experience in these focus areas is needed to be involved in the program.
Science & Research
Combine your passion for scientific research in innovative ways! Learn about what new developments are in the process for Hyperoxaluria patients and how patient advocates can help drive research.
Policy
Learn more about the role public policy plays in the Rare Disease landscape! Use your passion to shape the path of public policy in this space, and raise your voice to advocate for the priorities of the Hyperoxaluria community. Be a changemaker today!
Advocacy & Outreach
Let your voice create your destiny for the future of Hyperoxaluria! Anyone can be an advocate, and in today’s virtual age, much of advocacy is done through social media. Use your online skills to raise awareness of Hyperoxaluria, share your story, and educate your community about the needs of teenage and young adult Hyperoxaluria patients. We are always looking for new and fresh ideas to elevate our social media engagement and content!
Fundraise
Fundraising is vital for the OHF to continue to advance support, education, and research initiatives. The internet and social media allow fundraising efforts to go above and beyond what they have in the past. Let your mind and creativity soar. The sky’s the limit to do something unique and fun for you and your community. You decide!
Benefits for Future Leaders (12-15 years old)
- Connect with other young Hyperoxaluria patient advocates
- Receive a letter of recommendation for college applications
- Build self-confidence
- Learn to be a community service leader
- Strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills
Benefits for Executive Leaders (16-30 years old)
- Develop professional, real-world work relationships
- Connect with other Hyperoxaluria patient advocates
- Receive a letter of recommendation for future opportunities (e.g. college applications)
- Enhance your interpersonal skills and build self-confidence
- Learn to be a community service leader
- Strengthen critical thinking, leadership, persuasion and problem-solving skills
Spotlight on Y.E.L.P Members
Meet George!
George, a current first-year college student, became connected to rare diseases following a diagnosis with a rare kidney-liver condition, primary hyperoxaluria, at age eight. Through an immediate link with the Oxalosis and Hyperoxaluria Foundation (OHF), he was able to contribute to efforts to increase the awareness of primary hyperoxaluria alongside other community members. At two international hyperoxaluria conferences, George presented studies which sought to better understand the patient experience and to ascertain the benefits of social interaction in handling treatment for primary hyperoxaluria. Realizing the value of connecting with other rare disease patients because of these projects, he became interested in joining and expanding the Youth Executive Leadership Program (Y.E.L.P) established with the OHF. He remains eager to learn and connect with others and to continue advocating for his and all rare diseases through the opportunities Y.E.L.P affords.
Meet Mayah!
Mayah is a 22 year old Primary Hyperoxaluria Type I patient advocate from North Carolina, diagnosed at the age of four. Her personal experience with primary hyperoxaluria led her to obtaining a bachelor’s degree in public health from East Carolina University, continuing on to receiving her Master’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. She has spent her time at the OHF not only as a patient, but an intern whom created the Water Challenge fundraising campaign, posted infographics on the organization’s social media pages, hosted a Patient Advocate webinar, and led the Y.E.L.P program. Mayah has also taken part in multiple biotech advisory boards and story shares allowing her to spread awareness to PH and other rare diseases.
Expectations:
- Bring a positive, professional attitude and commitment to amplify change in the OHF community
- Choose a focus area and complete two related projects, at least one through the OHF
- Share your accomplishments with the OHF community
- Participate in two out of the four quarterly YELP Meetings with your peers
- Attend a scheduled call with an OHF mentor to facilitate your project
Time Commitment
The time you commit to Y.E.L.P each month is up to your own discretion. We understand some people have very busy schedules with balancing their health, school, work, social activities and more. Be transparent with your OHF mentor about how much time per month you may be able to realistically commit to Y.E.L.P. Some months may require more of a time commitment than others but always remember your health comes first!
