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Operation Black Vote (OBV) is launching a Youth Board for young leaders aged 18–24 who want to shape politics, representation, and civic life. This is a platform for young people of colour to drive real change, amplify underrepresented voices, and gain hands-on leadership experience.
What the Youth Board Does
The OBV Youth Board is about Organising, Building, and Visibility:
Organise: Set goals and take action on political issues impacting young people of colour. Plan events, campaigns, and meetings that unite and inspire change.
Build: Create a network of engaged young leaders. Develop safe spaces — online and offline — for collaboration, discussion, and community.
Visibility: Use OBV’s platforms to spotlight young voices, challenge narratives, and bring new perspectives into political spaces.
The Role
Members will act as:
Critical Friends: Providing feedback to OBV’s main board on how well it represents young people.
Representatives: Attending political events, advising on youth priorities, and championing young voices.
Organisers: Leading strategies to engage more young people of colour in politics and hosting think tanks to create youth-led campaigns.
Leaders: Chairing meetings, hosting events, and building the foundation of the future Young Advocates Network.
Expectations
Term: 1 year (with option to re-run for a second).
Commitments:
Mandatory training residential
Monthly youth board meetings
Quarterly meetings with the OBV board
Bi-monthly mentorship sessions
Optional events and workshops
Annual General Meeting for the wider Youth Advocate Network
Recruitment & Elections
The process includes:
Registration of interest
Application & skills audit
Accessible interview project (create something around an issue facing young people of colour and how you’d tackle it)
Unsuccessful applicants can still join the OBV Youth Advocate Network.
Future cohorts will be selected through elections, offering a first-hand taste of civic leadership and governance.
What You’ll Get
Mentorship: One-to-one pairing with an OBV Board member for guidance, feedback, and professional support.
Leadership Training: Guaranteed spot on an OBV leadership course.
Progression: Potential to move onto the main OBV Board and early access to opportunities.
Experience: Political work placements, event attendance, and networking with leaders in governance and democracy.
Trips & Residentials: Including Parliament visits and major political events.
Who We’re Looking For
You don’t need to be an expert — just passionate, driven, and ready to grow. OBV is seeking:
Brave Voices: People unafraid to challenge norms.
Team Players: Respectful collaborators.
Organisers: Doers who can mobilise ideas into action.
Future Leaders: Those with ambition in politics, representation, or community action.
OBV wants applicants from all backgrounds — there’s no single mould for leadership. If you’ve got ideas, energy, and courage, this is your chance to make your voice heard.
Please send your applications to: info@obv.org.uk with the subject line: ‘Youth Board Application’
Download the OBV Youth Board Application Pack Here
