The Youth Advocacy Council is a new initiative by Media Literacy Now. Created for young people who grew up with devices in their hands, the Council transforms firsthand experience into action. We know how today’s media environment shapes our beliefs, behaviors, and identities—and we’re not being given the opportunity to learn and develop essential media literacy skills.

With 94% of teens saying schools should be required to teach media literacy, Council members are stepping up to share their stories, inform policy, and help lead the movement so all students can be safe, healthy, and competent media consumers and creators.

An individual can have a major impact! High school senior Gracie Gilligan, as part of her senior project, administered the MLI survey in cooperation with Media Literacy Now to explore whether students are learning the skills necessary to decode messages sent via social media apps, television, video games, newspapers, and other forms of media. Teachers and administrators supported the effort. Learn more about her project and findings.

Youth Advocacy Council members will work alongside Media Literacy Now’s State Advocacy Leader network, developing advocacy skills, building a foundation of civic and state legislative process knowledge, and growing connections and state networks. Participants will also have opportunities to provide project-based support, including awareness-building campaigns, producing and disseminating youth-focused social media content, and the creation of a youth-centered advocacy toolkit. Depending on personal interests, there are many additional opportunities including meeting with state legislators and stakeholders, providing bill testimony, and writing blog content.

July 30, 2026: Applications due —Application period is now closed.
August: Interviews
early September: Participants notified
September 30, 2026: Cohort Kickoff