Resource Jul 8, 2025

Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council

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NPCA’s Texas Regional Office created the Texas Young Leaders Advocacy Council (YLC) as part of a strategic effort to engage young professionals with diverse backgrounds, community ties, and lived experiences. The goal is to help them develop their voices, speak up for our national parks, and grow our network of young advocates and volunteers.

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Young Leaders, Regional Council members, and NPCA staff summited Guadalupe Peak at Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Front: Sofia Lopez and Cristina Ramirez. Back: Lydia Heisel, Karina Miller, Tori Villarreal, Rebecca Hammack, and Cary Dupuy.

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About the Texas YLC

The Texas Young Leaders Council is a group of emerging professionals who support NPCA’s work in Texas. As an extension of the Texas Regional Council, the YLC collaborates with NPCA staff and council members to educate communities, business leaders, and elected officials on the challenges and opportunities facing our national parks.

Members are trained to serve as spokespersons, volunteers, and ambassadors for NPCA’s campaigns. Through workshops such as NPCA’s Civic Voice Workshop, members strengthen their public engagement skills and put them into action by connecting with decision-makers. Members also have the opportunity to volunteer at events hosted by NPCA or held at National Park Service sites and may participate in a park visit during their term.

By combining their talents and passion, YLC members help build awareness of the 18 national park sites across Texas and inspire others to get involved in protecting the natural and cultural places we all love.

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025–2026 Cohort!

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Past YLC members Emily Brieno (left) and Ashton Jeffers (right) in front of the Texas Capital Building in Austin.

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Are you interested in learning about national parks and advocacy? NPCA is recruiting advocates to join the San Antonio-based Texas Young Leaders Council.

What to Expect:

  • Monthly in-person or Zoom meetings

  • Civic Voice Workshop to improve advocacy and public speaking skills

  • Volunteer opportunities at NPCA events and National Park Service sites

  • Park visits with fellow council members

  • Participation in lobby meetings in district offices or in Austin with elected officials

Term Dates: August 2025 – May 31, 2026

Application Deadline: August 15, 2025

Location Requirement: Must live in San Antonio or surrounding communities

Age Requirement: Must be 18 or older

Ready to Apply?

Texas Young Leaders Council Apply Online

Questions?

For more information about the Texas Young Leaders Council, please contact: Cristóbal López clopez@npca.org

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Past YLC members Ashton Jeffers (left) and Sarah Bass (right) at a tabling event in Marfa, TX.

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Interested in Another Region?

If you’re not based in San Antonio but want to join a Young Leaders Council, NPCA has active councils in several other regions:

For More Information

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