Peer Leader, Youth Mental Health
Asian Women for Health (AWFH) is a Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing health equity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women, their families, and their communities through community health worker workforce development, community education, community-engaged research, and youth mental health initiatives. The Asian Women for Health Youth Mental Health Initiative (AYMHI) empowers young adults through leadership development, peer connection, belonging, and culturally responsive mental health programming, with a focus on supporting LGBTQIA2S+ AANHPI communities.
About the Role
AWFH is seeking five Peer Leaders to join the AWFH Youth Mental Health Initiative (AYMHI) Peer Leadership Program for the 2026–2027 academic year. This paid leadership fellowship provides training, mentorship, and hands-on experience for young adults interested in promoting positive mental health and strengthening their communities. We strongly encourage applications from LGBTQIA2S+ and/or Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) young adults, who are a priority population for this grant-funded initiative.
Responsibilities
- Participate in monthly in-person leadership workshops and virtual cohort check-ins
- Complete Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training and certification
- Develop skills in communication, facilitation, advocacy, and community engagement
- Learn about youth mental health and culturally responsive resources
- Provide peer support and facilitate peer counseling sessions under the guidance of AWFH staff following completion of QPR training
- Support community outreach and mental health education activities
- Collaborate with fellow Peer Leaders to plan and support a signature youth mental health community event in Spring 2027
- Participate in mentorship and professional development throughout the fellowship
Requirements
- Are approximately ages 18–25
- Have an interest in youth mental health, leadership, public health, advocacy, community engagement, or social impact
- Demonstrate a commitment to supporting LGBTQIA2S+ AANHPI communities
- Are collaborative, reliable, and eager to learn
- Can commit to participating throughout the October 2026–May 2027 program year
- Are able to attend virtual and in-person activities in the Greater Boston area
Previous leadership or mental health experience is welcome but not required.
Who Should Apply
We welcome applications from young adults with a variety of educational, professional, and lived experience backgrounds. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, working professional, taking a gap year, changing careers, or exploring your next step, we'd love to hear from you. This fellowship is ideal for young adults who are passionate about mental health, leadership, and community engagement. While individuals pursuing careers in public health, psychology, social work, counseling, medicine, nursing, education, nonprofit leadership, community organizing, or health equity may find this experience especially valuable, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Benefits
- $1,000 leadership stipend
- Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Certification
- Leadership development and individualized mentorship
- Hands-on experience in community outreach, health education, peer support, and event planning
- Professional networking opportunities
- A supportive cohort of emerging leaders committed to improving community well-being
Schedule
Approximately 5–10 hours per month, including:
- One monthly in-person leadership workshop (approximately 2 hours)
- One monthly virtual cohort check-in (approximately 90 minutes)
- Occasional community outreach events, peer support activities, and program events (weekdays and weekends, as applicable)
The 2026–2027 AWFH Youth Mental Health Initiative (AYMHI) Peer Leadership Program begins October 1, 2026.