Mission
The HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board empowers high school students to serve children affected by congenital heart defects (CHD) by learning about HeartGift’s mission, engaging directly with the children and families we serve, and taking action to create meaningful and lasting impact in their lives.
Purpose
Understand the mission and impact of HeartGift locally and globally.
Engage in meaningful service opportunities that support children and families affected by CHD.
Develop leadership skills through volunteerism, advocacy, and community engagement.
Participate in conversations that help HeartGift create positive recovery experiences for children receiving care.
Serve as ambassadors who raise awareness of congenital heart defects and HeartGift's life-saving work.
Membership
Founding Board
- The inaugural HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board will consist of 10-15 founding members.
- Members must be enrolled in 9th–12th grade at the time of service.
- Membership is open through an application and selection process.
Application & Selection
- Applications will open annually in April.
- New member announcements will be made in May.
- An application is required for consideration.
- Future members must be nominated by a current HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board peer before consideration for membership.
Terms of Service
- The HGTAB program year runs from August through July.
- Members serve a one-year term.
- Terms may be renewed annually following a vote of the HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board.
Leadership
The HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board will be led by three elected officers:
- Chair
- Chair-elect
- Secretary
Officers will help lead meetings, encourage participation, and represent the board throughout the year, and have a one-year term.
Participation Expectations
HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board members will have opportunities to participate in meaningful experiences, including:
- Visiting children who travel to Austin for life-saving heart surgery.
- Meeting children and their families at the airport upon arrival.
- Creating blankets and comfort items for children receiving care through HeartGift chapters and the HeartConnect Program.
- Assisting with welcome signs and arrival celebrations.
- Participating in send-off and going-away celebrations for families returning home.
- Helping identify resources and ideas that improve the recovery experience for HeartGift children and families.
- Collaborating with HeartGift staff to share personal stories and experiences through social media and community outreach.
Board Reporting
Each year, during the month of September, an HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board representative will present to the HeartGift Foundation Board of Directors, providing:
- A summary of the year’s activities and accomplishments.
- Impact stories and service highlights.
- Recommendations and goals for the upcoming year.
Annual Fundraising Requirement
Fundraising helps HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board members become advocates and ambassadors for the children and families we serve.
- Each member is responsible for raising a minimum of $200 annually during their term of service.
- Funds raised directly support HeartGift’s mission of providing life-saving medical care to children affected by congenital heart defects who lack access to treatment.
Program Management
The HeartGift Teen Ambassador Board is managed by the Senior Development Manager of HeartGift under the direction of the organization's volunteer Program Director.
Through service, leadership, and compassion, HGTAB members help ensure that every child and family served by HeartGift feels welcomed, supported, and cared for throughout their journey. This version is structured as a formal charter/one-pager that can be shared with students, parents, schools, and prospective applicants.
