The JDRF Rocky Mountain Chapter Youth Ambassadors were announced March 13 – we’re excited to welcome 19 members to this elite team of youth leaders!

Rather than indefinitely postpone their first meeting the new Youth Ambassadors held their introductory meeting virtually. It was a welcome addition to their stay-at-home schedules and offered a unique opportunity to learn how to use meeting technology to communicate with their peers. Understanding the nuances of meeting online coupled with a cause they are passionate about provided an important learning experience that translates well to their new reality of going to school from home.

Recognizing this was likely the first time many of the students used a platform like Webex, Outreach Manager Kelli Deferme organized an agenda for the virtual meeting that took extra care to orient the Youth Ambassadors to this type of technology including virtual meeting etiquette;  using the chat function to ask questions and provide feedback; and the importance of the mute button!

The meeting was highly engaging and everyone enjoyed seeing new and familiar faces, and the opportunity to introduce themselves to the group.  The Rocky Mountain Chapter staff is also very proud that the local Youth Ambassadors inspired JDRF Youth Ambassadors from across the country to create virtual meetings.

The Youth Ambassador team will continue meeting virtually each week to share ideas about how they can be supportive to other students living with T1D and inspire action, support, and advocacy for JDRF.