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The TSA National Youth Ambassador Program prepares teens with TS and others the skills they need to speak about TS before their peers at school, sports leagues, scout troops, camps, after school programs, government officials, etc…with the goal of increased understanding and tolerance.
If you are motivated and would like to be a TSA Youth Ambassador and are between the ages of 13 – 17 (those without TS may also apply if they are committed to the goals of the program and want to help promote understanding of the disorder), please visit TSA Youth Ambassador Program.
If this sounds like a great opportunity and you would like to become a Youth Ambassador and attend the 2015 National Conference, email your completed 2015 TSA Youth Ambassador Application to [email protected].
TO APPLY TO BECOME A YOUTH AMBASSADOR COPY & PASTE THE LINK BELOW INTO YOUR WEB BROWSER:
http://tsa-usa.org/aPeople/Youth/YouthAmb/2015TSA-YA-Training-Info_App.pdf
TSA-IL Youth Opportunities to get involved! What? You can't wait that long and you want to get involved now? Well you can with your local chapter, TSA Illinois. Send an e-mail to [email protected] and let us know! We NEED YOU!
The more involved children and teens get, the more you can help each other! Your story could help others who may have never met another child/teen with TS to realize they are NOT alone, just because they are different doesn't mean they are not absolutely, 100% AMAZING! Your voice (in writing, speaking, prose or art) sharing your positive and difficult experiences can give a child or teen hope. With hope, all things are possible!
MEET the 2013 YOUTH AMBASSADOR…..BRADLEY WILINSKI
This courageous 13 year old is no stranger to public speaking. In 2010, he spoke to more than 300 people about the challenges he faces as someone with Tourette's syndrome. In 2012, Bradley was featured as part of a documentary about Tourette's syndrome. Last month, he spoke at a luncheon in Washington DC for the Youth Ambassador program as well as speaking to IL Congressman and Senator's offices on Capitol Hill about his TS journey.
"I like to speak to people so they won't make fun of people with Tourette's, and help them understand that it's OK to be different."
In July, Bradley was interviewed by Channel 7. He shared his experiences hoping to help others understand what it's really like to have Tourette Syndrome. Click here to see Bradley's interview.
Congratulations to Bradley for winning the 2013 ABC Summer of Service Award in September. Bradley was selected amongst many youth for his dedication to education people of all ages about Tourette Syndrome and share his personal story in TV and newspaper interviews, public speeches and classroom presentations.
MEET the 2012 YOUTH AMBASSADOR…..PATRICK RESH
I hardly knew what I would get into as TSA Illinois Youth Ambassador (YA) for 2012. As hard as it is to have Tourette Syndrome (TS), it is just as difficult to talk about it. As a teenager, you just want to fit in and not draw more attention to yourself.
The most valuable aspect of the Youth Ambassador Training Program I attended in Washington DC, was networking with other Youth Ambassadors. I was at ease with these peers and this allowed me to become more comfortable talking about my disability. I learned a tremendous amount about the importance of advocating for the TS cause, not only on the home front and in schools, but also where there are decisions being made on policies important to families who encounter this disability.
On April 29th, I met with House Representative Judy Biggert, the staff members for Senator Mark Kirk and Senator Dick Durbin. I had the opportunity to discuss my perspective on TS. READ MORE
In early 2013, Patrick completed production of his documentary, "Tourette Syndrome…The Misunderstood Disability" by Patrick Resh. His dedication to educate others about Tourette Syndrome shows in his documentary: the numerous months developing the vision, recruiting a variety of people with different perspectives of TS, Interviewing, filming and post editing was well worth the final product. His documentary also helped Patrick earn the highest advancement rank in Boy Scouts, an Eagle Scout. Way to go Patrick!
Meet the 2011 Youth Ambassador Ben Auerbach & the 2010 Youth Ambassador David Glass
David Glass is one of TSA-Illinois' Youth Ambassadors. David attended 2010's Youth Leadership Conference on Capital sponsored by The Tourette Syndrome Association of America (TSA).
This year's TSA-IL's Youth Ambassador is Ben Auerbach. Ben had a wonderful time at this year's conference in Washington DC.
David and Ben got to meet each other at the Tourette Connection Support Group in April and share experiences and goals.
