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
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
