2010-2011 Teen Advisory Board Application

Teens in the Driver Seat (TDS) is the nation’s first peer-to-peer safety program for young drivers, involving teenagers directly in developing and delivering driving safety messages. The goal of TDS is to raise awareness of the top driving dangers for teens and prevent crashes involving young drivers. The program empowers teens to spread the word among their peers about deadly driving risks and encourage them to make smart choices while behind the wheel and as passengers. TDS is committed to fighting the number-one killer of teenagers in America, but it can only succeed with the involvement and commitment of young people who are represented by the TDS Teen Advisory Board.

Why apply to the TDS Teen Advisory Board (TAB)?

The inaugural TAB members shared why they were glad to participate on this board:

• “With other organizations, they want our feedback but really don’t listen. With TDS, I feel as if they really listen and care about what I have to say. I also am amazed how quickly this organization has spread and affected so many people.”
• “TDS has more than met my expectations – it has exceeded them. We haven’t just talked … We’ve done.”
• “I really like how much we are listened to and our ideas are implemented.”
• “I have enjoyed working with staff members and meeting with new students towards the betterment of this program.”

Member Duties

• Participate in monthly meetings, as well as respond promptly to periodic e-mail requests for input and feedback.
• Attend at least one quarterly meeting.
• Attend the annual Teens in the Driver Seat Summit (usually held in October/ November of each year).
• Required to actively try to organize a TDS program at your local high school and at neighboring schools in your community.
• Assist in organizing program-oriented events and activities.
• Actively promote the TDS web site and participate in online discussions (i.e. – blogs).
• Provide feedback, ideas and opinions on new program materials, safety messages, promotional items and related elements.
• Provide ideas and insight on how to continue to successfully engage teens and sustain their interest in the TDS program.
• Serve as an ambassador/leader for Teens in the Driver Seat, leading by example.

Member Qualifications

Must be:

• Between 14-17 years of age at time of application and be in high school (public, private or home-school).
• Willing to commit to a minimum of one meeting a month via conference call, web meeting or for quarterly meetings in-person, as well as respond promptly to periodic e-mail requests for feedback on TDS-related material or ideas.

Member Term

• Begins May 1, 2010 and ends April 30, 2011.
  

• Teen advisory board members may serve more than one term, so long as they re-apply and meet qualifications.

Member Meeting Requirements

• Request each member attend designated quarterly meetings in-person, typically occurring in July, November, January and May.
  • Members residing in Texas are eligible to receive up to $250 reimbursing eligible travel expenses quarterly, for each in-person meeting.
• Members will have the option to participate in all meetings through a toll-free conference call.
• To remain active on the board and be eligible for formal recognition and/or awards at the end of a 1 year term, meeting attendance is required.
  • If a member misses 3 meetings, the member will be placed on probation. If the member misses an additional 2 meetings after being put on probation (for a total of 5 meetings) the member will be removed from the board.
• At the initial meeting of the 2010-2011 TAB, the monthly meeting schedule for the upcoming year will be determined.

Application Deadline: TAB Applications are now closed.

Download the official Teen Advisory Board flyer.