TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL
REEL TEEN ADVISORY COUNCIL 2026-27
Your experience matters. We want to hear it.
REEL is looking for twice-exceptional (2e) teens and young people ages 13–19 to join our first-ever Teen Advisory Council.
Meet other 2e teens. Share what you wish adults understood. Help shape what REEL creates for young people like you.
Applications due October 2, 2026
*For our inaugural year, we’re limiting participation to students in the San Francisco Bay Area.*
5-10 minute application. No leadership experience required.
AGES
13-19
GROUP SIZE
5-8
MEETINGS
4-5 within the school year
WHERE
Virtual
Too often, adults decide what 2e students need without asking the students themselves.
We want to change that.
Taking place during the 2026-2027 school calendar year, the REEL Teen Advisory Council brings together a small group of 2e teens to talk about school, learning, friendships, strengths, challenges, and what it’s really like to have a brain that works differently.
What might we talk about?
SCHOOL
What do you wish teachers understood?
BEING 2E
What do adults sometimes get wrong?
SUPPORT
What actually helps—and what doesn’t?
IDEAS
What resources do you wish existed?
STRENGTHS
How do your interests affect how you learn?
REEL
How could REEL better support young people?
There are no "right" answers. We want to hear what you think.
Why join?
Meet people who may get it
Connect with other young people who may share some of your experiences.
Make your voice count
Help adults learn directly from young people instead of making assumptions.
Shape what REEL creates
Influence future resources, programs, events, and support.
Help the next student
Help another 2e student feel more understood and supported.
You don’t need to be a leader, an advocate, or someone who loves speaking up. You just need to bring your perspective.
Along the way, members will have opportunities to strengthen skills in self-advocacy, self-awareness, communication, collaboration, and leadership — while contributing in ways that feel authentic to them.
Is this for me?
THIS COULD BE FOR YOU IF…
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You’re 13–19
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Located in the Bay Area
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You identify with the experience of being 2e
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You have strengths or strong interests AND learning or neurodivergent differences
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You’re willing to share ideas and experiences
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You can join 4–5 virtual meetings
YOU DON'T NEED...
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A formal diagnosis
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Gifted identification
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An IEP or 504 Plan
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Leadership experience
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Advocacy experience
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Public-speaking experience
Not sure whether you "count" as 2e?
You can still apply.
What will meetings look like?
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Small group. Virtual. Conversational.
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Meetings will be about 75 minutes, approximately 4–5 times during the school year.
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Meetings will take place Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday from 6:45-8pm based on what works best for the group.
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This isn't a class or presentation. You'll talk, listen, share ideas, and get to know the other people in the group.
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You will never be expected to have the perfect answer—or speak for every 2e student.
We want your experience, not an expert opinion.
About our Facilitator
Nicole Connell
Nicole Connell, M.Ed. is an educator and facilitator who loves supporting kids and teens to connect, express themselves, and share how they see and experience the world. For over 20 years, she has supported kids and teens with a focus on honoring neurodiversity, creativity, and youth leadership. She believes deeply in the power of young people sharing their voices, insights, and wisdom (because we all benefit when they do!).
Ready to apply?
It takes about 5–10 minutes. For three questions, choose whatever way works best for you:
WRITE
Type your response
VIDEO
Record a short video
AUDIO
Record a voice response
or
or
All three formats are treated equally.
Applications due October 2nd, 2026
**Bay Area students only at this time**
Have questions? Contact REEL Teen Advisory Council
The REEL Teen Advisory Council is developed in partnership with:
