Ambassador FAQ's

2026/2027 REGISTRATION OPEN
 

Ambassador Roles by Grade:

​

Grades 3–7 — Youth Ambassadors Participate in SAYVA Junior programming and service events.

Grades 8–12 — Teen Ambassadors Participate, Assist, & Lead events

​

Grades 8–9: Teen Ambassador

Participate in all SAYVA events and monthly service activities.

Join committees they are interested in and help with tasks as needed 

​

Grade 10: Leader in Training

• Take on increased responsibility by assisting and supporting Committee Directors ​

​

Grade 11: Committee Directors

• Organize and plan one event per semester as Director of a SAYVA committee.​

• Application process: Rising juniors submit an application in mid-April each year. Interviews are conducted by rising college freshmen who previously held the position, with parent volunteer support. Applicants are notified of their placement by mid-May.

• Qualifications: Must have attended 2 or more events and assisted and supported the committee director the previous year.  

​

Grade 12: Executive Team

• Oversee senior-level operations, manage Committee Directors, and make executive decisions for the organization.​

• Application process: Rising seniors submit an application for Executive Team (C-suite) positions in mid-April each year. Interviews are conducted by rising college freshmen who previously held the position, with parent volunteer support. Applicants are notified of their placement in May.

• Qualifications: Must have held a director position the previous year. 

Time Commitment

Teen Ambassadors

• Attend monthly meetings and participate in monthly service activities

• Collaborate with Lead Ambassadors on tasks (approximately 1 hour/week)

• Attend grade level events

​

Youth Ambassadors

• Participate in a minimum of 2 service activities per year. 

• Attend grade level events

​​

Lead Ambassadors & Committee Directors

• Additional commitment of 1–3 hours/week 

​

Committees:  

Ambassadors join one or more committees based on their interests

​

• Cultural — Plan and execute cultural celebrations including Diwali, Mock Wedding (dances, speeches, decorations, fundraising), and Holi

​​

• Community Builders — Raise awareness and educate the community on current world topics through events like SAYVA Kickoff launch event and community event with Grandparents

​​

• Health & Wellness — Organize events that support physical and mental wellbeing, such as the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk and Game Day

​​

• Community Service — Lead flagship service events including Rise Against Hunger and community service with partnering non-profits.

​​

• Marketing — Create social media posts, stories, graphics, and photo/video content (must be active on social media platforms)

​​

• Photography & Videography — Capture and edit photos and videos at SAYVA events (must have a phone or professional camera)

​​

• Blog — Write event recaps and articles on community and global issues (minimum one post per year)

​​

• Youth Program — Organize and assist at events for SAYVA Juniors in grades 3–7

​​

• Party Project — Host monthly birthday parties for children at NCCF in Bethesda

​​

• Senior Friends — Conduct quarterly visits with senior citizens in the community

​​

• Sustainability — Develop and implement initiatives to reduce waste, such as composting, reusable bottles, and recyclable products

​​

• Website — Help maintain and update the SAYVA website throughout the year

​​

• Fundraising — Reach out to local businesses and families to raise funds supporting SAYVA's programs

​

Events

​

• Monthly events are held in person

• Additional opportunities may be available through virtual seminars and webinars

​

Membership Fee

 ​

Grades 3–7 (Youth): $50 Grades 8–12 (Teens): $75 

​

Fee covers programming, a SAYVA t-shirt, and administrative costs. Some events may have additional costs for food, venue, or fundraising activities.

​

​

Benefits of Joining: 

​

• Community Impact: Make a real difference through hands-on service events locally and globally

​​

• Skills Development: Build leadership, communication, and business skills through real-world experience working with teens and partner organizations

​​

• Recognition & Awards: Earn service hours for school and Honor Society. Ambassadors may also qualify to receive the National Volunteer Service Award - a prestigious honor.

​​

• Network & Community: Meet new friends, access college planning seminars led by SAYVA alumni at top universities, and become an advocate for causes that matter to you through our newsletter and social media channels

​​

• Member Perks: Receive a welcome packet with resources and SAYVA swag, and opportunities to write and publish articles for the newsletter​

 

• Mentorship & Intergenerational Connection: Connect and collaborate with SAYVA Ambassadors of all ages! Younger members gain role models while older teens develop leadership skills by working alongside and guiding their peers. Ambassadors also have opportunities to engage with senior citizens in the community, including inviting grandparents to events, fostering meaningful connections across generations.

​

• Alumi Network:  As a SAYVA member, you can leverage the power of the alumni network during your time in the program, throughout college and your professional career.

​​​​​​

​