Junior Ambassador Program

The Junior Ambassador program is right for you if you are: 13 to 17-years-old; Willing to share your personal arthritis story, both in writing and in front of groups, at Arthritis Foundation programs and events, meetings with elected officials and other events; Enthusiastic and passionate about finding a cure for arthritis; and Interested in meeting with peers virtually and receiving training from Foundation staff and volunteers.

Complete the Junior Ambassador Application - Submission instructions are included. Once your completed application has been received, we will send you an email with next steps, confirming your participation. Participation in the program is through email. Participants and their parents must have an email account.

Writing a letter to your elected official telling them your arthritis story. Meeting with your elected official in his/her local congressional office. Telling your arthritis story at a Foundation event. Helping to recruit Advocates at events like Walk to Cure Arthritis or Jingle Bell Run. Recruiting adults you know to become Advocates, like your pediatric rheumatologist and other health care providers. Attending a town hall meeting with your parent/caregiver. Finding a way to tell your arthritis story (or do research on kids with arthritis) through one of your existing activities, like school projects. Brainstorming other meaningful ways for Junior Ambassadors to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation.

While we are looking for committed Junior Ambassadors, in no way do we want program involvement to become too demanding. It is our overall vision to provide the Junior Ambassadors with a series of meaningful and reasonable opportunities for engagement. Consistent with the existing Ambassador Program for adults, Junior Ambassador tasks will be distributed on a bimonthly basis. Some will be quick and easy while others a bit more time-intensive. Junior Ambassadors are also encouraged to share their arthritis story when other opportunities arise.