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Teen Advisory Council
Children's Wisconsin cares for patients of all ages, from infants to young adults. As adolescence can be a critical developmental phase for children, we offer a number of age-specific resources and programs for this population to ensure the care we provide meets their unique needs. Teen Advisory Council (TAC) is one of the programs that exist to help advocate for hospitalized teens and allow for their voices to be heard.
The purpose of TAC is to give teen patients, teen siblings of patients, and teen volunteers a forum to share their thoughts, ideas, and concerns regarding the programming, policies, environment, and overall care that directly impacts the teen population here at Children's.
Who are Teen Advisory Council (TAC) members?
- Members must be between the ages of 16 and 21 years
- Current or former patients of Children's Wisconsin within the last 4 years
- A brother or sister of a current or former patient of Children's Wisconsin within the last 4 years
- A Children’s Wisconsin volunteer
How do TAC members get started?
Interested applicants should review the current TAC Standards and Contract Agreement (PDF) and submit a TAC Interest Form. The TAC Coordinators will review submitted interest forms and contact applicants to schedule an interview and determine membership status.
What other requirements should TAC members consider?
In order to protect the health, safety, and confidentiality of patients, family, and staff that TAC members will encounter while volunteering, they must meet all Volunteer Services requirements:
- Submission of Parental and Employee Health and Wellness consent forms (for those under 18 years of age)
- Completion of the Volunteer Services online application
- Submission of official immunization records and agreement to the confidentiality statement outlined on the application
- Completion of the Volunteer Services orientation
- Completion of a two-step TB test
- Completion of the Background Information Disclosure form is required for all applicants ages 18 and older
Note: There will be annual maintenance requirements for all returning members (i.e., HIPAA training, Safety Review and flu vaccination).
Please send any inquiries regarding the information above to childlife@childrenswi.org and one of the coordinators will respond within 48 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Is there an application deadline?
We accept new members through the end of the year, pending the Volunteer Services orientation schedule.
How often does TAC meet?
Council meetings are scheduled for the second Thursday of the month from September to June.
What has TAC accomplished?
- Developed the 2017 & 2018 Volunteer Services holiday card design
- Provided input on the design of the Teen Lounge at Children's
- Planned and participated in nine annual patient proms for adolescent patients from the Children’s community
- Served as presenters and facilitators at donor events such as Celebrate Children’s and hospital tours
- Helped normalized the hospital environment for hospitalized children of all ages during the holidays
- Hosted a patient experience group forum to give providers ideas on how to make clinic environments more friendly
- Increased the council’s visual presence throughout the hospital
Can I still be a member if I go away to college?
Yes! As long as you meet the age requirement, maintain an active volunteer status, and attend the monthly meetings, you can be a member.
Do I have to attend every meeting?
Yes, it should be every member’s goal to be present for all meetings. Should transportation be an issue, members should talk to the coordinators about alternative options. Meetings may be cancelled due to inclement weather.
How do I access the Volunteer Services application after interviewing with the TAC coordinators?
The Volunteer Services Coordinator will provide you with the online application link once consent forms are submitted. Once the application is complete, you will be invited to a mandatory volunteer orientation.
How are the meetings structured?
Typical TAC meetings are two hours (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), divided into two sections lasting an hour each:
- Socialization with adolescent patients in the hospital – bedside or in Teen Lounge
- Formal meeting with an agenda and minute scribe – event planning, ‘teen topics,’ etc.
Some meetings/activities involve council members visiting patients of all ages and their families to celebrate a holiday, or completing a hospital-based initiative such as a forum, annual engagement or collaborative task. Each year’s activities vary! Additional time may be required outside of standard meetings for special events and projects.
Make an appointment
To make an appointment, call our Central Scheduling team or request an appointment online.
(877) 607-5280
Go to MyChart
If you are a registered user or have an access code you want to use, go to MyChart.
