A select group of high school leaders.
Making a meaningful difference for children, teens, and adults with special needs.
Board members commit to two core responsibilities:
For the 2026–27 school year, members may choose from 3 leadership tiers:
Executive Council – $10,000+ (Top tier – limited spots, premier recognition)
Ambassadors – $5,000+
Emerging Leaders – $2,500+
All fundraising commitments are due by January 30, 2027. Family gifts count toward your goal.
For those who wish to deepen their involvement in addition to the two core commitments above, additional leadership opportunities are available.
These vary from year to year and include:
Creating and leading new initiatives
Chairing and elevating existing programs or events
Organizing educational or fundraising initiatives
Coordinating community service projects
Developing school partnerships
Taking on other meaningful leadership responsibilities within Friendship Circle
Executive Council members will be given the first opportunity to take on additional leadership opportunities, followed by Ambassadors, and Emerging Leaders.
FAQs
Why join?
Gain leadership skills that last a lifetime. Build your resume and college applications with meaningful, high-impact work. Create opportunities that transform lives in the special needs community. Be recognized for your leadership and generosity throughout the year.
What’s expected of me?
Attend board meetings.
Fulfill your fundraising tier commitment.
What's the difference between the three leadership tiers?
The primary difference between the tiers is the level at which teens and families choose to support Friendship Circle’s mission through the fundraising or family giving commitment.
Additionally, Executive Council members will have the first opportunity for further leadership opportunities throughout the year, followed by Ambassadors and Emerging Leaders.
What kinds of additional leadership opportunities are available?
Additional leadership opportunities vary from year to year and include creating and leading new initiatives, chairing and elevating existing programs or events, organizing educational or fundraising initiatives, coordinating community service projects, developing school partnerships, or taking on other meaningful leadership responsibilities within Friendship Circle.
What is the time commitment?
Our goal is to provide a meaningful leadership experience for our teen leaders while ensuring the commitment remains manageable alongside their regular Friendship Circle volunteering, as well as their other school and extracurricular responsibilities.
All Teen Leadership Board members should aim to participate in 4-6 one-hour board meetings throughout the school year (October–May). Additionally, however much time is needed for your fundraising efforts.
For those who wish to deepen their involvement, additional leadership opportunities are available throughout the year. These are entirely optional and involve an additional time commitment that varies based on the scope of the project and the availability of the individual board member.
Does this count toward my school community service requirements?
Yes, absolutely. Your attendance at meetings will be recorded. Time spent fundraising should be reported to the Friendship Circle office for hours to be recognized.
Why fundraising?
More funding = more opportunities for the special needs community. Your efforts have a direct, visible impact.
How can I fundraise?
Each board member will receive their own dynamic fundraising page as part of the broader Teen Leadership Board campaign.
If you plan to fulfill the fundraising commitment through a family gift, you can choose whether or not you would still like to have your own fundraising page.
Will people support my fundraiser?
Yes! Friendship Circle’s teen leaders have collectively raised over $1,000,000 in the past 5 years. Share your fundraiser with family and friends — you’ll be inspired and encouraged by how many want to support your meaningful efforts.