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Message From the 2005 NYS Youth Council
This year the National Youth Summit (NYS) had the theme, “Youth in Action - Making a Difference.” A major goal
of the Summit was to equip the youth who attended with the skills necessary to go home and make a difference
in their own communities. Youth Council members played a substantial role in many aspects of the Summit,
including choosing workshops, selecting speakers, and planning special activities. Council meetings were held
every other week, via teleconferencing, and a 2-day pre-Summit planning meeting was held in Washington, DC,
in March. This year’s Youth Council was comprised of students from across the Nation who had a variety of
experiences and talents that helped to make this Summit even more interesting and unique than the last.
Workshops are a fundamental component of the National Youth Summit. This year the Summit planners took a
fresh approach by offering workshops in four modules: Public Policy, Economy, Community Service, and
Creativity. In addition to these youth workshops, many others focused on research and program development
for Summit participants working in the field of youth development. Youth workshops were copresented by youth
and adults from a variety of programs across the country and were designed to be practical and informative,
while also allowing time for one-on-one interaction and creative expression. Our goal was for youth to be
empowered to make a difference in their communities, and adults to be better equipped to support these youth
initiatives. Based on feedback forms and conversations with participants, the workshops were a success.
One of the most beneficial parts of the conference was having the opportunity to listen to extraordinary motiva-
tional speakers. Some were young, like the majority of Summit participants, while others were older, but each
gave a dynamic presentation which contributed to the success of the Summit. The youth speakers included
inspirational young people such as Kenny Long, Josh Shipp, and Caitlyn Day. Each of these speakers did a
marvelous job of promoting positive attitudes to youth leaders from across our Nation. It also was a great
privilege to have two exceptional, unforgettable keynote speakers: First Lady Laura Bush and America's
Promise – The Alliance for Youth cofounder and Chair of the Board, Alma Powell. In the end, these fantastic
youth speakers and phenomenal keynote speakers all stressed and encouraged one fundamental element:
Positive Youth Development. This lesson was invaluable for all who attended the Summit.
In planning for this year’s Summit, the Youth Council wanted to incorporate a way for participants to make a
meaningful contribution to society. The Cares & Shares quarter drive was chosen to achieve our theme of
“Youth in Action – Making a Difference.” Summit participants donated quarters to help raise over $400 for
Heifer International, an organization that helps people obtain a sustainable source of food and income.
Participants further expressed their interconnectivity through our Summit art project. Under the guidance of
artist Nobel Schuler, participants used cardboard cutouts and numerous other art supplies to express their
views of the world and how everyone is connected. During the art time, Summit participants also had the
opportunity to listen to music, eat lunch, and, best of all, make new friends. The art project, once again, was
a huge success.
One of the most fulfilling events of the Summit was the “Gift of Art” Project, a service project that brought all youth
participants together to donate, pack, and send art supplies to youth centers in Iraq. The Youth Council sent an
action call to all youth asking them to bring donations of art supplies from their communities. Summit participants
answered the call with everything from markers to pencil sharpeners to paint. All of the participants helped fulfill
the Summit’s dream that we are “Youth in Action – Making a Difference.” We were honored to have the Iraqi
Minister of Youth and Sports, Talib Aziz Zaini, and his delegation present for this incredible service project. The
Iraqi delegation was truly amazed at the youth initiative that took place throughout the Summit and greatly appre-
ciated all the art supplies that were donated. Without the youth attendees, this would not have been possible.
While taking action together for this worthy cause, attendees mixed and mingled with one another, enjoyed the
company of new friends, and became acquainted with the members of the Iraqi delegation.
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Throughout this year’s Summit, and during its closing session, we were asked, “What's Next?” Action planning
journals with resource tools were given out to help us think about service projects we could start back home.
Using the business cards we received, we made contacts that allowed us to work on “What’s Next?” Finally,
applications for Five Promises Action Award seed funding were distributed to all interested youth.
The 2005 National Youth Summit was a tremendous success. Youth from across the country came to
Washington, DC, and shared in a wonderful opportunity to become leaders, not only of tomorrow, but also of
today. Over the next year, we expect to learn just how our call to action is making a difference in schools, neigh-
borhoods, and service organizations across the Nation. The experiences gained at the Summit will undoubtedly
have a positive impact on the lives of those who attended, and as a result spread to the friends, families, and
communities of the participants. The Youth Council’s hope is that all Summit participants took the challenge and
have taken the skills gained and the lessons learned home with them so they are truly “Youth in Action – Making
a Difference.”
Hillary Bullock, Keisa Carroll, Jenoy Coleman, Lucas Hunt, Elizabeth Pericak, Tina Williams,
David Harris, Sam Herbert, Matt Lerner, Stephanie Taylor, and Marlene Valderrama
...................................................
PREFACE
“I am deeply grateful to all the young people here who have discovered what a privilege it is to make a difference in
the life of your communities. By staying committed to your work and sharing your experiences with others, you’ll
inspire others to dedicate their time and talent and energy to helping their communities.”
First Lady Laura Bush, 2005 National Youth Summit Honorary Chairperson
“Youth in Action – Making a who are becoming leaders, for Children and Families, U.S.
Difference” perfectly describes youth workers, adult advisors, Department of Health and
the 2005 National Youth Summit. and managers from programs of Human Services. They empha-
Held July 28–30 in Washington, all sizes and geographic loca- size the value of Positive Youth
DC, the 3-day event highlighted tions, as well as government Development (PYD) – and cele-
young people’s determination to personnel from Federal, State, brate the strengths of America’s
be leaders in decisionmaking, in and local agencies. youth. FYSB’s national leader-
service to others, and in support- ship extends to individuals,
ing neighborhoods and commu- National Youth Summits are organizations, and communities,
nities. Its events and activities unique annual events of the providing effective, comprehen-
energized and inspired youth Family and Youth Services sive services for youth and
who already are leaders or those Bureau (FYSB), Administration families in at-risk situations.
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When over 1,000 young people O Keynote speakers, featuring O Onsite service project for Iraqi
and adults arrived from every First Lady Laura Bush youth
state, the District of Columbia, O Interactive workshop sessions O Youth entertainers singing and
Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin drumming
O Youth-created art project
Islands, Canada, England,
O Call to service and “What’s
O The Cares & Shares charity
Colombia, Iraq, and Bermuda,
Next?” funding award coin drive
they found the 2005 Summit
packed full of new experiences, O Business card swap
O President’s Volunteer Service
opportunities, and perspectives: Awards, and much more . . .
O Guests from the Iraqi Ministry
of Youth and Sports
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Summit 2004: Youth in Action – Making a Difference
civilization of peace, justice, and
love.” The Assistant Secretary “The best way to help youth
urged youth to make a difference avoid high-risk behaviors is by
by serving others and making building on their assets and help-
thoughtful everyday decisions in ing them develop feelings of
their own lives – about how to competence, belonging, and
spend time, who to hang out empowerment.”
with, and what to read, watch, Dr. Wade Horn
and listen to.
Welcome
Dr. Horn underscored the O giving youth safe places to go
Dr. Wade F. Horn, President’s commitment to after school with structured
Assistant Secretary for Positive Youth Development activities; and
Children and Families,
through the Administration’s initia- O providing young people with
Administration for Children
tives and programs that benefit opportunities for community
and Families, Department of
Health and Human Services families, youth, and children, service and civic participation.
including the Compassion Capital
In welcoming young people and
Fund and the Mentoring Children Dr. Horn observed that the
their advisors to the Summit,
of Prisoners Program. He noted Summit “not only gives young
Dr. Wade F. Horn noted that
that at its core, that comprehen- people a voice, [but] it also
every generation is challenged
sive youth strategy involves: gives us adults an opportunity to
to leave the world better than
listen attentively to what [they]
they found it – and that this is O focusing on the strengths of have to say.” For adults have
especially true since September youth instead of their weak- important roles in the lives of
11, 2001. He said the country nesses; youth as partners, supporters,
needs to “summon the moral O promoting ongoing relation- and mentors – roles that help
strength and courage of your
ships and connections with youth achieve their full potential.
generation to help create a
adults and adult role models;
Did you know? While young people’s discretionary spending ($141 billion annually) has a significant impact on the
economy, young people are also a major resource in helping those in need at home and around the world. Following
the tsunami tragedy that hit Southeast Asia in December 2004, 33 percent of American 8- to 18-year olds contributed
a total of $926 million to relief efforts – that’s $66 a piece.
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young people to continue their Featured Address
commitment to service as they Alma Powell,
grow into adulthood. Already, Cofounder and Chair of
young people across the Nation America’s Promise –
are turning good ideas into The Alliance for Youth
successful programs to help
America’s Promise – The Alliance
America’s children and youth,
for Youth cofounder and Chair
the First Lady said. She high-
Alma Powell described the organi-
lighted several such efforts,
zation’s resolve to deliver Five
Keynote Remarks including Think Detroit, Will
Promises to America’s youth:
First Lady Laura Bush, Power to Youth in Los Angeles,
caring adults who are actively
2005 National Youth Summit Florida’s Teen Trendsetters, and
involved in their lives; safe places
Honorary Chairperson three outstanding projects by
in which to learn and grow; a
Summit youth who are making a
Summit attendees were thrilled healthy start toward adulthood;
difference in their communities.
to welcome Mrs. Laura Bush as effective education that builds
keynote speaker. Following an marketable skills; and opportuni-
introduction by Department of ties to help others. Since its
Health and Human Services founding in 1997, the Alliance has
Deputy Secretary Alex Azar recruited families, individuals,
and a rousing welcome from faith- and community-based
attendees, Mrs. Bush thanked organizations, local, State and
the young people at the Summit. Federal agencies, businesses,
“You demonstrate a commitment former Presidents, religious
in your communities to make leaders, and elected officials as
your communities stronger,” partners in delivering the Five
she said. Promises to America’s Youth.
Mrs. Bush emphasized that chil-
Drawing on President Bush’s
dren’s and young people’s lives “When all Five Promises are
request that all Americans dedi-
can be enriched and strength- fulfilled, young people are 5 to 10
cate 4,000 hours over their life-
ened through their relationships times more likely to succeed, and
times to serving communities
with positive role models of all research also reveals that young
and America, Mrs. Bush urged
ages, and that youth can be people themselves overwhelm-
exemplary role models them- ingly believe that these Five
Through the President and Mrs. selves. Mrs. Bush concluded by Promises are vital.”
Bush’s initiative, Helping expressing her gratitude to all Mrs. Alma Powell
America’s Youth, Mrs. Bush the young people at the Summit
said, “we’re encouraging adults “who have discovered what a
to serve as positive role models The Alliance recently conducted
privilege it is to make a difference
for young people, but we know a national survey of youth to
in the life of your communities.”
that responsible teenagers can hear directly how they view
serve, really, as better role mod- themselves and their future.
els to their peers and to young Mrs. Powell reported that
children. When youth have posi- among its extensive findings,
tive role models in their lives, the study produced good news
they’re much more likely to be on the state of America’s youth
able to build a foundation them- in obtaining the American
selves for a lifelong success.” Dream. “More than 80 percent
of youth [say] they believe it is
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possible to be anyone you want involved in youth issues, the
to be in this country. Ninety-five report will be a valuable
percent have already set goals roadmap,” she said. “And just
for their lives and are working to like any report card that shows
achieve them. Nine in 10 say good grades and not-so-good
their success depends on how ones, it will challenge all of us to
hard they work.” work together even harder for
the well-being of our children.”
But there also are significant In conclusion, Mrs. Powell asked
gaps for one-third of surveyed the “real” question for Summit
Promises. Mrs. Powell noted
youth. Mrs. Powell identified this attendees, “the action question:
that the Alliance is compiling
as an “American Dream gap” What will you do – your organi-
a “Report to the Nation.” “For
that occurs, regardless of demo- zation, your community, your
policymakers and for our part-
graphics, because youth lack State, you yourself – to keep the
ners in the corporate, nonprofit,
one or more of the Five promise of America?”
and faith-based sectors that are
...................................................
Making It Against the Odds – Inspiring Others
Rudy Carrasco, executive direc- toss the cards and start over. anyone facing similar circum-
tor of the Harambee Christian stances, his hard-hitting motiva-
Family Center in Pasadena, Kenny Long, a college student tional message was loud and
California, described his journey from Oklahoma City, shared his clear: “Look at any problem as
through hard times as an orphan transformation from lost high an opportunity.”
in East Los Angeles taking school student to a youth min-
responsibility for his own family, istry leader. Today, he said, “I’m Caitlyn Day knew something
and later accepting responsibility just an average guy with a huge important was missing in her
in his new “extended family” by dream, a huge ‘why’ in life, a community – a public library. So
connecting to future generations purpose.” Telling Summit atten- Caitlyn became the driving force
of Latino and African American dees, “You have a purpose, to establish a public library in
youth in his community. too,” Kenny advised them to the only county in Virginia with-
choose to succeed, hang out out one. She worked through
Eric Anderson used illusions with dreamers, read and learn, obstacles and challenges,
and “motivational magic” to tell and have faith. founded the Craig County
his story of battling tough circum- Friends of the Library, and pro-
stances as a foster child and a Josh Shipp, in between hilari- ceeded to complete her goal.
young man. With a deck of cards ous jokes about his roommate, During this time, Caitlyn also
the size of his torso, he illustrat- his cooking, and other details of started a small ice cream busi-
ed that “Life is like a deck of everyday life, talked about his ness which she co-owns with
cards. You have to play with the abandonment by his birth par- her sister. Books and ice cream:
hand you’re dealt.” But some- ents, abuse in foster homes, a winning combination for
times, he concluded, you have to and not fitting in at school. To Caitlyn and Craig County.
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All-Youth Art Project
Following the Youth Orientation lar art panels with the theme Art Gallery. Everyone was able
organized and led by the 2005 “connections.” Intricately to view the dazzling works over
Youth Council, youth assembled designed with blasts of color 3 days, posing with their
in the exhibition hall, separating and images, the finished panels favorites and snapping photos
into small groups where, under were displayed in the Summit to take home.
the guidance of artist Nobel
Schuler, they created spectacu-
Youth Entertainers
Throughout the 3-day event, young singers and musicians delighted Summit participants with their amazing
talent and style. Drummers from Positive Vibrations Youth Steel Orchestra, country-pop-patriotic singers
from The Showcase Singers Association of Dallas and Oklahoma City, and the Best Friends Diamond Girls
Chorus had the audience clapping, tapping, and singing along.
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Special Events
Presidential Awards Special Guests: The Iraqi
David Eisner, CEO, Delegation from the
Corporation for National and Ministry of Youth and Sports
Community Service Summit attendees had the
Throughout the year, individuals exceptional opportunity to meet
from across the Nation who vol- the Iraqi Minister of Youth and
unteer in a variety of settings Sports, Talib Aziz Zaini, and a
are recognized by the President four-member delegation from the
with the President’s Volunteer Ministry. The delegation explored
Service Award for their commit- firsthand how America’s youth
ment to service and volun- are able to make a difference
service of others – to come in their communities, the
teerism. At this year’s Summit,
forward and accept this special importance of positive assets in
David Eisner, CEO of the
award on her sister’s behalf. reducing risky behavior, and the
Corporation for National and
“May we all follow Jessie’s lead benefits of youth-adult partner-
Community Service, described
and live lives to the fullest,” ships. By enabling them to meet
the power of volunteering and
Mr. Eisner said. young people and the adults
working to make a difference in
communities. He spoke of the Next, Mr. Eisner suggested, “If who work on behalf of youth,
belief “that youth can and are you are looking for extraordinary the Summit provided the dele-
making a difference in our com- examples of young people com- gation with a wealth of youth
munities. Youth are part of a mitted to their communities, you development ideas, inspiration
larger movement – showing need not look very far.” He was from model programs, and
America, and the world, that right! Heather Graves and insights into partnerships
America’s youth care, that Samantha Phelps, two friends between youth and adults. In
America’s youth serve, that from Mooresville, Indiana, were addition, the delegation made
America’s youth lead.” scheduled to speak about their contacts that will help them to
efforts to make a difference fol- further Positive Youth
lowing the death of two students Development programs in Iraq.
due to bad driving decisions. During a meeting, Ministry
But what they did not know was delegates were joined by repre-
For information on how you can
that they were to be the recipi- sentatives from Federal youth
become a volunteer, check out
ents of the President’s Volunteer programs and community-based
www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
Service Award, presented to organizations in order to
them by Mr. Eisner! exchange ideas and unique per-
After noting the various opportu-
nities to volunteer and serve, spectives. Harry Wilson, FYSB’s
Mr. Eisner described the Associate Commissioner,
President’s Call to Service observed that challenges facing
Award, given to a citizen who youth in Iraq are not much dif-
has demonstrated the lifelong ferent from those in urban cen-
ethic of volunteer service. He ters in the United States. “The
then asked Abby, the sister of constant pressure to join violent
Jessie Longhurst – a remark- extremist groups is related to
able young woman who had the pressures facing youth in
committed her short life to the this country with relation to
gangs and violent activities,”
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he said. He further noted that in
“The first trip ever of an Iraqi delegation to a youth summit in America was
both cultures, young people
full of new discoveries for every member of the delegation, including the
need “to be inoculated with
Minister himself. It was a life memory! Four of the Iraqis expressed that it
protective factors – strong con-
was a life-changing event for them; it was like a dream. ... To me, this is true
nections to family, school, and
democracy at work!
community. Whether it’s building
a new democracy or helping “Democracy is being able to do what you want without being afraid of getting
make a difference in their com- penalized or killed. Democracy is when bigger countries reach out and help
munity, young people need to other, younger countries; democracy is working together as a team without
feel that they matter.” fear, in different parts of the world. Democracy is having youth from different
States and different continents join together and find ways to promote the
real values of life, the values of peace, tolerance, and hope. Hope is young!
And no one can deliver hope better than the young.
“We always find time to talk about negative things when they happen, but we
rarely emphasize the positives. Through the full team effort of the Iraqi
Ministry of Youth and Sports, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the U.S. State
Department, America’s Promise – The Alliance for Youth, and the National
Youth Summit, this was one of the many positives.”
Mounzer Fatfat, Ph.D., Senior Consultant, Ministry of Youth and Sports,
U.S. Embassy, Baghdad, Iraq
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The “Gift of Art” Service Project
ters. A list of art supplies was and Nashville, Tennessee’s NOI
developed in collaboration with Office Supplies sent cartons of
Iraqi youth workers. By e-mail materials. And Sanford Corpora-
blast, letter, and Web site, youth tion in Shelbyville, Tennessee,
were asked to bring “packable” sent a whole pallet of art materi-
art supplies to the Summit. als and school supplies for the
“Gift of Art.”
In addition to supplies pur-
chased by the Youth Council With the Iraqi delegation looking
with money collected from on and marveling at the energy
friends, family, and classmates, and generosity of Summit youth,
the Summit received generous attendees packed a whopping
donations from three compa- 84 cartons to be shipped to
nies. Both Blick Art Materials youth centers in Iraq.
“We feel that this project fits
perfectly with the NYS emphasis
on both service and creativity ...
Deciding that they wanted to
Sometimes people forget that
reach out to youth in Iraq, the
the arts are an important part of
2005 National Youth Summit
every youth’s education!”
Youth Council coordinated an
onsite service project to collect — Youth Council letter sent to
art supplies for Iraq’s youth cen- prospective donors
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Workshops
“This year ’s Youth and Community
four-module
Service
workshop In The Power of Service and
structure – Opportunity in Reversing
[focusing on] Negative Lifestyles, alumni of
Public Policy, YouthBuild, a national program
Community where young people learn job
Service, the skills by building houses for
Economy, and Creativity – was homeless and low-income peo-
designed in response to com- ple while studying for a GED or
ments and feedback from the high school diploma, described
2004 Summit and in subsequent how the program changed their
planning discussions with our outlooks and goals for the future.
Participants in Delivering the
Federal partners. As you know, + “Incredibly inspirational –
Five Promises in Your
we want to provide youth with made me rethink the level of Community broke into small
workshop choices in identified my commitment to service and groups to discuss appealing
themes that will enable them to realize I can do much more.” ways to explain the Five
make a difference in their com- Promises to peers. Then, in a
munities when they return home. 360-Degree Leadership
large group shout-out, youth
[These] ... workshops will do showed ways to reach leader-
generated ideas for projects.
just that.” ship potential and enhance lead-
They also heard a description of
Harry Wilson, ership skills through roundtable
planning steps, tools, and
Associate Commissioner discussion and interactions with
resources available to youth
Family and Youth Services Bureau other highly motivated youth.
leaders.
+ “It is good to have youth
+ “I loved the workshop
go out and work with [the]
Workshops have always formed because what I didn’t know
community. I didn’t know
the educational cornerstone of before – now I do.”
much before and now I want
National Youth Summits. This to go get involved more! Now
year, youth and adult copresen- I have ideas.”
ters created a dozen interactive
workshops for youth. Additionally, In Dynamic Leadership,
seven research-based workshops presented by Family, Career
were structured with adult- and Community Leaders of
directed content. America from Georgia and
Nebraska, youth explored
various leadership styles,
learned tips for working with
different types of leaders, and
completed a personality profile
assessment.
Youth and Public Policy
+ “I thought it was great, funny,
During Shake It Up, representa-
smart, straight to the point.”
tives from the STAR (Students
Taking Active Roles) Leadership
Training program in Sarasota,
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+ “Youth-driven! Youth did
involve adults, but youth took
the lead.”
During Looking Toward the
Future – Learning About 21st
Florida, showed how youth can Century Demand-Driven
impact local public policy around Careers, U.S. Department of
issues such as transportation, Labor specialists introduced
education, and law enforcement. attendees to the Department’s
+ “Very organized and interest-
Career Voyages and Skills to
Build Web sites and demonstrat- In Scoop Your Way to
ing. Broke down steps and Success, the rewards of “social
ed steps to take charge of their
made action empowering.” enterprise” were explored
education and career pathways.
+ “It showed me how to plan through Washington, DC’s Latin
America’s Promise representa-
American Youth Center’s partner-
tives encouraged young people more for the future and
ship with Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
to make their home States into my goals.”
company. Attendees learned how
States of Promise where they
community-based nonprofit
could build collaborative networks
organizations can raise money
that provide greater resources to
for their programs by running
youth.
PartnerShop franchises.
+ “Very, very, very good
+ “Interesting idea to allow non-
conversation, presentation,
profits to purchase and run a
and information exchanged.
franchise. With youth involved
Idaho has it figured out!”
in operations, the potential for
Lead, Follow, or Get Out of leadership and business devel-
the Way focused on service opment, employment, and
learning and decisionmaking, community service is great.”
with small groups sharing and
discussing models that have
successfully engaged youth in
communities around the country.
+ “I learned a lot of resources
that I can take back to my Be Financially Fit! showcased
community, as well as differ- the Family, Career and Com-
ent viewpoints.” munity Leaders of America’s
Youth and the Economy program to assist youth in learn-
ing how they and their peers
In Youth Social Entrepreneur-
can become financially fit by
ship – Empowering Youth To
Create Innovative Change, earning, saving, and spending
Youth Venture demonstrated money wisely.
+ “This was a good workshop Youth and Creativity
how starting a social entrepre-
neurship program can be a pow- because whatever you didn’t The Choice Colors: Connect,
erful vehicle for community know about finances, Create, Contribute, Celebrate
change and a great way to build you could learn from this workshop used a brief perform-
leadership and social skills. workshop.” ance, group interaction, role play,
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unity, respect, knowledge, and Positive Youth Development
wisdom) can enhance Positive Policy and Deployment –
Youth Development and promote Kentucky’s Experience
academic achievement, self- described the statewide project
esteem, citizenship, and career Kentucky is implementing to
development. promote Positive Youth Develop-
+ “This was pretty sweet. I liked ment strategies and collabora-
the atmosphere. The open tion on youth issues at the local
discussion was great.” and State levels. This enterprise
is funded, along with eight other
Workshops: Research and State collaboration grants, by
Program Development the Family and Youth Services
Adult-oriented Research and Bureau.
and presentations to show Program Development work- + “I am impressed with the
participants that noticing form, shops provided an opportunity confidence and presentation
color, sound, and smell can lead for those who work with and on style of the youth.”
to viewing every choice as a behalf of youth to hear from col-
creative process. Attendees leagues in the field involved in Lessons From the Alley –
were introduced to a process – seven youth development pro- How Strategically Changing a
Life Pieces to Masterpieces’ grams and research studies. Street Corner Changes Young
Shield of Faith – where every- Lives revealed how a group of
day decisions are guided by The Five Promises: What We dedicated young people in
wisdom and intelligence. Know and What We Need to Indianapolis, Indiana, has played
+ “I really loved it. It was very Know About Improving the a crucial role in a unique com-
Lives of All Children and munity collaboration involving
enlightening and spiritual.”
Youth in America consisted of local government, businesses,
Knowing Yourself and Others a panel discussion of recent and faith-based organizations.
Through Poetry used poetry to findings and new initiatives The cooperative effort has sig-
explore who participants have America’s Promise – The nificantly lowered crime and
been, who they are, and who Alliance for Youth is undertaking. strengthened the community.
they may become – and who + “Great information.”
may be affected by the differ-
ence they make. A sometimes
tentative audience found that,
with the guidance of a poet/
educator and writer/activist,
youth gained a new understand-
ing of their creative ability to
make community change.
+ “I have never expressed an
interest in poetry before. But I
found the workshop very
interesting.”
By Flippin’ da Script, Summit
participants could see that
applying the founding principles
of hip-hop culture (love, truth,
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+ “Great inspirational story. + “Great workshop. I want to time and body. It also showed
Concrete examples and look into getting this imple- me how we could involve
principles that we can ‘tweak’ mented in our school system ourselves better as females.”
to fit our communities.” in the next years. Thank you.”
Can Abstinence Work? An
Tools for Building Quality Analysis of the Best Friends
Youth Programs That Deliver Program presented the results
Results presented the latest and methodology of an inde-
quality standards, resources, pendent researcher’s analysis of
and tools developed for youth the Best Friends school curricu-
workforce and development lum and teacher training pro-
programs by the National Youth gram. The analysis provided
Employment Coalition’s Promising empirical evidence that the
& Effective Practices Network. program significantly reduces
+ “This was the best research risk-behavior.
session I attended. The infor-
What Youth Need To Flourish
mation is timely, useful, and
highlighted research by Child
comprehensive.”
Trends (a nonprofit, nonpartisan
Abstinence Education: The research organization) into
Research, the Reality, and the Positive Youth Development’s
Revolution provided What Girls Say: Healthy effect upon young people, using
information about positive absti- Living Inside and Out drew measures such as hope, spirituali-
nence trends among youth and from a national study being con- ty, gratitude, school engagement,
discussed research outcomes ducted by the Girl Scout and civic involvement.
from Operation Keepsake, an Research Institute, focusing on + “The research is great and the
abstinence program serving 130 the role of social environments presenters were involved in the
schools in the greater Cleveland (school, home, etc.) in shaping research as well as open to
area. The research was original- girls’ attitudes and behaviors suggestion for improvement
ly presented at the American related to healthy living. both in the process and during
Public Health Association’s 2004 + “It really showed me how the session.”
national conference. young females mistreat their
...................................................
“What’s Next?” — A New Summit Program
Planning exactly how to make a Action planning methods and
Distributed
difference was an important part the Action Planning Journal to all Summit
of the 2005 National Youth were introduced at the Youth attendees,
Summit. At the invitation of the Orientation on Thursday. the Action
Family and Youth Services Throughout the Summit, youth Planning
Bureau, Youth Service America used the journal as a planning Journal con-
developed an action program for guide at workshops and presen- sisted of
the Summit. In addition, tations and in conversations. At questions to
America’s Promise – The Saturday’s closing session, consider, tips and tools, and
Alliance for Youth provided fund- young people lined up at mikes pages where youth could record
ing for Action Awards to help to share their action ideas. resources and contacts.
youth turn great ideas into reality.
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such as the coin drive and the
During the closing session, youth proposed such ideas as: art supplies service project.
O Creating a statewide youth radio network in Santa Fe, New Mexico Youth and adults have told 2005
Summit planners that this year’s
O Expanding local community internships in Boise, Idaho event was amazing – one they
wouldn’t have wanted to miss!
O Collecting items to put into goody bags for children in hospital
emergency rooms in Mesa, Arizona We know that future National
Youth Summits will continue to
O Cleaning up trash along the Mississippi River in Lansing, Iowa engage youth and the adults
who support them. “What’s
O Conducting a parent education campaign about tobacco’s negative
Next” for future Summits? That’s
impact in Richmond, Indiana
easy. It will be young people
O Educating parents about how to relate to their children more continuing to offer their energy
effectively in Arecibo, Puerto Rico and enthusiasm to make each
Summit “even more interesting
O Educating the public about the needs of youth in foster care in and unique than ever,” as the
San Antonio, Texas 2005 Youth Council predicts.
O Creating a music program to teach young people how to read See you all in 2006!
music, play instruments, and develop discipline in Washington, DC
For more information on Youth Service America and the Action
Awards, please go to www.youthserviceamerica.org.
By focusing on service after the Federal partners, and feedback
Summit, youth will answer the from past Summit participants.
question “What’s Next?” as they Based on prior successes, help-
make lasting, positive differ- ful suggestions, and fresh ideas,
ences in their communities. each year the Summit has
grown. Planners have devel-
Closing Thoughts oped new features, introduced
Since 2002, the annual National additional inspiring youth speak- Please check www.ncfy.com
Youth Summit has been planned ers, included more youth-led for updates and information
with the guidance of its Youth interactive workshops, and about the National Youth
Councils, discussions among Summit.
created special Summit events,
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"I'm glad we were able to provide youth from the Runaway and Homeless Youth community the opportunity to be a
part of this wonderful event. Seeing the excitement on the faces of young people makes all the planning and hard
work worthwhile." Jacqueline Baker, Family and Youth Services Bureau
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services acknowledges the following individuals and organiza-
tions for their contributions to this year’s National Youth Summit. The Department particularly appreciates the
work of the young people who served on the Youth Council.
The Office of the First Lady Summit Planning Marcia Radin
Committee Jennifer Rich
Katie Loovis Fayola Wolfe
Associate Director Jacqueline Baker
of Public Liaison Youth Services Program Specialist JBS Design Center
USA Freedom Corps Project Officer Claire Speights
Family and Youth Services
Jeremy Broggi Bureau CBM Consulting
Office of the Deputy Secretary Constance Miller
Harry Wilson
Dr. Mounzer Fatfat Associate Commissioner Rosenberg Communications
Senior Consultant Family and Youth Services Jeff Rosenberg
Ministry of Youth Sports, Iraq Bureau Donna Sneyd
U.S. Embassy, Baghdad
Heather E. Guidry Special thanks to
Jim Russell Youth Council Coordinator The Family and Youth Services
Technical Advisor, Bureau for its work on behalf
Youth Development 2005 Youth Council of America’s youth
Office of Youth and Sports – IRMO Hillary Bullock
U.S. Embassy, Baghdad Keisa Carroll Joan Ohl
Jenoy Coleman Commissioner
Ralph Forsht David Harris Administration on Children,
Senior Vice President, Sam Herbert Youth and Families
Government and Community Lucas Hunt
Relations U.S. Department of Agriculture
Matt Lerner
America’s Promise – Elizabeth Pericak U.S. Department of Education
The Alliance for Youth Stephanie Taylor U.S. Department of Justice
Danielle Butler Marlene Valderrama
Director, Alliance Partnerships Tina Williams U.S. Department of Labor
America’s Promise – Corporation for National and
The Alliance for Youth National Clearinghouse on
Families & Youth Community Service
Nobel L. Schuler Leotta Britton USAFreedom Corps
Artist and Muralist Deborah Brouse
Adrian Burnim White House Office of Faith-
Stephen Wing Based and Community Initiatives
Rebecca Chalmers
Director, Government Programs
Marla Katz America’s Promise – The
CVS/pharmacy
Stephanie Olmstead-Dean Alliance for Youth
Celeste Pleasant
Eman Quotah Youth Service America
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Where We Live
2005 National Youth Summit Attendees
“One mentor, one person can change a life forever.”
President George W. Bush