Rising Leaders Program Information & Application Virtual Training
The Tourette Association of America is very proud of the Youth Ambassador Program and since its start, has worked to expand and strengthen it. We are pleased to announce that the second Rising Leaders Program training will be held virtually! After careful consideration we have made the decision to transition the Rising Leaders Training and National Advocacy Day to a fully virtual event as the health and safety of our community is our number one priority.
The RL Training and National Advocacy Day will be held February 26 – February 27, 2021 and March 2 – 3, 2021. You will notice we have spread the program out over the course of a week to accommodate for school and work schedules and hope this will make it easier for you to attend. The time commitment is the same as the previous training; the schedule is just distributed differently. For the first time, Rising Leaders are invited to also participate in National Advocacy Day to help advocate for the most pressing issues facing the TS community. Rising Leaders will be able to speak with elected officials on legislation affecting the TS and Tic Disorder community.
We look forward to offering another training, the space to connect with other young adults with TS from across the country, and the opportunity for you to advocate for people in the TS community.
Sunday, January 24:
Application deadline
Friday, February 26:
Virtual Welcome and Meet and Greet
Advocacy Day Preparation Dinner
Wednesday, February 10:
Mandatory National Advocacy Day Webinar
Youth Ambassador Rising Leader Training
Advocacy Day
The schedule for the training and Advocacy Day is listed below. Please note: All sessions are mandatory.
Virtual introduction and welcome session for the new RLs to meet each other and begin to build bonds with one another.
The RL training begins at 11:00am EST and will run until 5:00pm EST. There will be breaks incorporated throughout the day. RLs will gain both personal and professional development skills.
*Schedule may be subject to change.
This session will help prepare you for National Advocacy Day. Diana Felner, VP of Public Policy, will discuss what to expect on Virtual Capitol Hill and essential tips for communicating to ensure that you have productive and engaging meetings with your members of Congress.
RLs will meet virtually with members of Congress and their staffs. TAA Department of Public Policy will organize meetings for Rising Leaders and National Advocacy Day attendees.
Rising Leaders selected to attend the training will have the following costs covered by the Tourette Association:
• Program materials
