What is the Young Ambassador Program?
The Young Ambassador Program is organised through the Friends of Saint Patrick organisation and the Saint Patrick Centre (www.saintpatrickcentre.com). It is designed to promote a greater understanding of the shared cultural heritage of Northern Ireland in North America amongst those aged 20-25. Based on the Application on this website and following an interview process Young Ambassadors will be selected to travel to Downpatrick and County Down for 15 days in June 2010 to explore various aspects of the history and traditions of the island of Ireland and develop their own chosen cultural dissertations. They will complete their agreed dissertations when they go home and following a successful review will be formally made Young Ambassadors.

The aim of the Young Ambassador Program is to establish a network of informed and influential individuals throughout North America who can actively represent the northern part of Ireland throughout their lives. Northern Ireland provides an incredibly diverse platform to learn about many social and cultural aspects of contemporary and historical life in Ireland as well as a developing model for community reconciliation which is relevant to many cities in North America. Young Ambassadors will develop a meaningful and on-going relationship with Chapters of the Friends of Saint Patrick, the Saint Patrick Centre and organisations linked to the Program. They will continue to represent them when appropriate throughout the rest of their lives.
Accommodation and Travel will be covered within this program but food and drink costs will be the responsibility of the successful applicants.

The Young Ambassadors Program is a program promoted by the Friends of Saint Patrick in North America and endorsed by the Northern Ireland Bureau in Washington DC.


How do I apply?
Apply by filling in the on-line application from 1st January 2010. You can save it and return to it at your leisure before 17th March 2010.


What happens then?
Based on the Application on this website and following an interview process Young Ambassadors will be selected to travel to Downpatrick and County Down for 15 days in June 2010 to explore various aspects of the history and traditions of the island of Ireland and develop their own cultural dissertations. They will complete their agreed dissertations when they go home and following a successful review will be formally made Young Ambassadors.


What costs are involved?
Accommodation and Travel within the Program will be covered by the organisers but food and drink costs will be the responsibility of the successful applicants.

Due to the considerable level of interest experienced last year the a small administrative fee ($10) is being charged for the 2009 Program to help with the Friends selection procedure.


What is my on-going commitment?
Young Ambassadors will develop a meaningful and on-going relationship with Chapters of the Friends of Saint Patrick, the Saint Patrick Centre and organisations linked to the Program. They will continue to represent them when appropriate throughout the rest of their lives. This will include being pro-active about reaching out to the community, working with Friends Chapters, giving lectures and giving talks on their experiences.

You will be required to:

	Provide a Final Report on your Young Ambassador Experience within agreed schedule.
	Attend two Friends of Saint Patrick Chapter meetings a year.
	Assist Friends Chapter with planning and implementing one annual activity or event supporting the Friends Chapter community work in the spirit of Saint Patrick
	Seek opportunities to speak to organizations or schools in your communities about your experience in Northern Ireland and the work of the Centre. Chapters will assist in locating organizations and Young Ambassadors will be included on the Centre’s website of speakers. Minimum one speaking engagement a year.
	Attend Irish festivals in your area to talk with attendees about Northern Ireland and the Young Ambassador Program and participate in panel discussions when requested. Minimum of one day per year.
	A letter will also be sent to your references recognizing your success as a Young Ambassador.
	Young Ambassadors who complete these tasks over three years will be invited to a Reunion Reception in Washington with the Northern Irelands Bureau.