Applying for a Position on the
Friends for Life of America National Board

This page is designed to help prospective applicants learn more about the Friends for Life of America National Board and the selection process. All students are encouraged to submit additional questions not addressed in this section to national@friendsforlife.com.

Updates

The online application is now available!

Criteria for Eligibility

Once a student has completed one year of full-time study at a single college or university, in pursuit of an undergraduate degree, he or she may apply for a position on the Friends for Life of America National Board. Though good grades and leadership experience are very important in determining the potential of a candidate, the Selection Committee also looks for students who display dedication, energy, enthusiasm, motivation, tenacity, and independent thinking.

Responsibilities and Benefits

Serving on the Friends for Life of America National Board is a remarkable experience and a true honor. As Friends for Life of America is a completely student-run organization, members of the National Board play an important role in directly shaping programs that impact the lives of patients and their families, while gaining immeasurable leadership experience.

The National Board strives to collaborate as a cohesive group to support the mission statement of Friends for Life of America. In addition to the responsibilities specific to each position, national officers are charged with generating new program ideas and fostering discussion about issues that affect the organization at the national level. National officers are expected to represent their respective schools and communities by taking an active role in their chapter, educating others about Friends for Life of America, and expanding membership at the local level.

While specific responsibilities vary by position, each member of the National Board will be expected to attend local events, monthly online meetings, and bi-annual conferences. Funding is available to cover some of the expenses incurred by members of the National Board.

"It’s an extremely rewarding job, and it's a lot of fun. I’ve enjoyed getting to know the rest of the National Board, and the Winter Conference in South Florida was a blast. But what I’ve enjoyed most about the experience is seeing the tangible results. Knowing that partly because of my efforts, over 11,000 holiday cards were sent to children living with cancer across the country is a pretty awesome feeling. I hope that you get the chance to experience it as well."

Andy Knopp, University of Kansas

"Friends for Life of America has afforded me the opportunity to work with other talented and dedicated individuals from across the United States in helping those afflicted with cancer. I am very proud of our accomplishments and feel a great sense of self-worth as a result of my participation. I know we are making a difference."

Kristin DeBusk, Texas Tech University

"Serving on the Friends for Life of America National Board has helped me become a stronger leader. I have learned how to better compromise with others, develop strategies, and think outside the box. I know that these experiences will continue to guide me long after I graduate from college."

Matthew Seymour, University of Florida

"Friends for Life of America continues to make a difference in the lives of pediatric patients every day through its incredible programs and services. As a member of the Friends for Life of America National Board, knowing that I have played a role in helping these children leaves me with an incredible feeling -- a feeling that simply cannot be experienced unless you get involved."

Jason Alperstein, Brown University

Application Process

All students who meet the "Criteria for Eligibility" are invited to submit an online application. Candidates are encouraged to carefully read the essay questions and save their responses in a separate word processing program in the event that a computer problem occurs while completing the application.

Available Positions

In an effort to make the application process as effective as possible, candidates will not be required to apply for a specific position on the Friends for Life of America National Board. These offers will be determined by comparing the abilities of each applicant with the requirements for each position.

Thank you for your interest in the Friends for Life of America National Board!