Dear friends,

This month we were invited to preside over the closing bell at NASDAQ. Of course everyone wanted to know if we had suddenly gone public (we haven't). It was quite a unique experience (more here)!

It brought into consideration the role of corporations in our work - how and when we align ourselves with them, as well as the role of the private sector in development efforts and social organizing. Besides the clearly different goals of the public and private sector, collaboration between them can create lasting positive impact for communities. The growing public demand today for corporations to be more accountable, coupled with the need for more comprehensive consumer education, creates a ripe atmosphere for these partnerships to benefit wide populations, while still creating an increasing profit.

In recent years, a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been sweeping across the sector, with the launch of CSR departments in companies, new philanthropy initiatives, and many web sites that measure, compare and give awards to corporations with the strongest CSR record. In fact, it's even been proven that customers are willing to spend more when they know their purchases are actually helping to improve the lives and communities or others.

We here at the Global Youth Action Network know that young people are one of the highest cash spending populations, and are sought out by companies in every which way possible. This is why we have taken great care to safeguard the independence and integrity of our work, aligning only with a small handful of corporations that have a demonstrated track record of stewardship. We hope to now explore greater partnerships with the private sector. Ideally, non-profits can help corporations find better ways of increasing their profit while benefiting the communities they serve, and sharing in that success as a result.

Best wishes,

Benjamin Quinto
Executive Director

South Africa Needs Young People Willing to Serve Their Communities
BuaNews, South Africa 6-13-06
...The National Youth Commission denies that is promoting slavery by promoting community service, ensures that in order to make South Africa strong it needs young people to volunteer... More here.

Struggle for Justice Continues in South Africa
Socialist Worker Online 6-17-06
...Young people in South Africa feel hopeless and apathetic towards their government as the conditions in the twonships worsen and HIV/AIDS still spreads unchecked... More here.

Whatever! Church Launches Discussion to see what Young People Really Want
Black UK Online, UK 6-11-06
...Because of the large number of young people that churches have access to it is time to start discussing issues with young people and finding out what they want... More here.

Government Continues Meeting with Young People Across the Country
Grenada Broadcasting Network, Grenada 6-12-06
...The Government is continuing a round of meetings with young people around the island regarding the needs and state of young people living on the island... More here.

Young People Convene Shadow National Assembly in Ha Noi
Viet Nam News, Viet Nam 6-12-06
...Through an initiative of the NA Office along with Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union with funding from Sweden's Internationa Development Agency, young people envisioned a world with better opportunities... More here.

Japan Failing to Wake Up to the Dangers of AIDS
Mainichi News, Japan 6-11-06
...Dr. Kunio Kitamura of the Japan Family Planning Association worries that the relaxed attitude towards testing and HIV/AIDS in Japan will contribute to the spread of the disease... More here.

For Youth- Advice on Military and Dissent
Boston Globe, USA 6-11-06
...Activists are educating young people on their rights regarding military recruitment in and out of schools... More here.

Zambia's Growing Unemployment Crisis
The Post, Lusaka Zambia 6-8-06
...Thousands of young people coming out of secondary schools cannot find a place in a university or employment, highlighting a major problem with achieving the Millennium Development Goals... More here.

GYAN Arab Region Speaks at World Economic Forum on the Middle East
GYAN Arab Region Coordinator, Mohammed Hamad Al-Ghanim, was invited by the World Economic Forum to participate and speak at its annual Middle East Session which was held during May 19-21, 2006 at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt under the theme of “A Promise of a New Generation.” Al-Ghanim spoke at a session entitled “Putting Young People in the Driver's Seat” and was joined by panelists from the private and public sectors and civil society. His remarks highlighted the achievements of young people and outlined the steps required to ensure that the Arab World will not fail in creating a generation of able and responsible leaders. He also made interventions at the “Taking Education Further” and “Gender Equality Before the Law” sessions. While at the summit, the coordinator held important meetings with high-level officials from Kuwait, Jordan, Lebanon and Oman; representatives from the private sector and renowned academic figures all in an effort to create more partnerships with renowned institutions working in the region.

GYAN's Local Jam Holds 3rd Retreat!
GYAN's local organizing strategy, the Local JAM Project, just celebrated its third successful local JAM retreat in New York City. On June 8-12, fifteen young leaders of diverse movements in New York City came together to collaborate across issue areas in order to de-fragment NYC's local youth movements and create a shared vision for a better world. With 43 NYC local JAM Alumni representing 39 organizations, the NYC Local JAM Project is helping to shape the future of local youth organizing.

UNGASS AIDS 2006 Review Youth Events
The Five Year Review of the United Nations General Assembly Special Session Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS took place from May 31- June 2 at the United Nations Secretariat in New York City. The Global Youth Coalition on HIV/AIDS and Advocates for Youth co-organized a Youth Summit on May 29 and 30 that brought 60 young people from 30 countries to New York for the week. The youth statement is available at the GYCA Website. At the end of the summit it was clear that young people can make a deep impact at the United Nations.

New MDG Publication from GYAN and TIG
In 2005, GYAN and TakingITGlobal (TIG), in partnership with the UN Millennium Campaign, developed an MDG Youth Campaign Kit that were shipped out to hundreds of young people around the world. GYAN and TIG have now collected reports from people who used the kit to plan and implement MDG-related activities and events, and we have compiled these reports into a publication that showcases the amazing work being done by young people on the MDGs around the world. Download the report here.

GYAN Rings NASDAQ Closing Bell on Friday June 9th!
Surrounded by staff and friends GYAN rang the NASDAQ's closing Bell on Friday, June 9th. NASDAQ, located in the heart of Manhattan in Times Square, is an international trading floor. The opportunity gave GYAN visibility not only in the corporate world but also on the giant screens outside in the square! As GYAN gains more visibility the opportunities are bound to increase and we look forward to sharing them with you. For more information and pictures from the event, click here.

Stop Child Poverty
The focus of the Stop Child Poverty campaign is to raise awareness of child poverty worldwide, and to help everyday world citizens make a difference in the lives of children in need. Stop Child Poverty works to promote the United Nations Millennium Development Goals to halve extreme poverty by 2015. Join this global campaign to end poverty amongst children and work to end extreme poverty in our lifetime. Stop Child Poverty Now!

Help the Victims of the Recent Indonesian Earthquake!
The Association of Indonesian Migrant Workers in Hong Kong are asking you to make a donation to the children of Indonesia. This is the second natural disaster in a little over one year for the area. You can provide a donation in cash, baby milk and food, medecines (especially child medecines), and vitamins. If you would like to send a donation or goods please contact Eni Lestari or Lisa by emailing them at Help Indonesia!

KZN Hosts Youth Parliament
BuaNews, Tshwane SA 6-8-06
...The KwaZulu-Natal legislature has announced a number of events to commemorate Youth Month- including hosting the Youth Parliament which will enable young people to be involved in their government... More here.

The National Youth Act Addresses Youth Issues
Malaysia Star, Malaysia 5-28-06
...In Malaysa a National Youth Act is due to be voted on in June that states leaders of youth organizations are to be under 40 years of age, ensuring that the leaders of youth organization are young involved people... More here.

Minster Advises Organizations to Register with Youth Ministry
Freeport News, Bahamas 5-30-06
...Aware of the problems facing young people living in housing projects in several districts the Youth, Sports and Housing Minister called for youth organizations to work with youth ministries during the summer on Grand Bahama... More here.

Plotting to Be Heard at the World Urban Forum
Vancouver Sun, Canada 5-30-06
...Young people from all around the world are demanding that they be heard and have a greater voice at the UN regarding Urbanization... More here.

Youth Participate in UNAIDS Meeting
Voices of America, USA 5-31-06
...At the UNGASS on HIV/AIDS young people and youth advocacy groups participated in demanding greater emphasis on youth and HIV/AIDS. 50% of new infections are among young people... More here.

Homeless Young People Warn about the Dangers of Cash Incentives
Innovations Report, UK 6-6-06
...Homeless young people are willing to give their time and bodies to ongoing medical studies, but warn about the dangers of offering large financial incentives... More here.

More than 100 Youth Gain Employement and Life Skills in First Year of Toronto Sport Leadership Program
CNW, Canada 6-6-06
...Through sponsorship from the Toronto Community Foundation young people in inner suburban neighborhoods gained valuable skills and certifications for employment and volunteering, enriching the Toronto community... More here.

Malta Hosts SALTO Networking Training Course for EU Young People
Di-Ve.com, 6-7-06
...An EU Youth Programme strives to get younr people involved in government by offering young people and youth organizations opportunitites... More here.

Laura Bush to Speak at Indianapolis Youth Conference
WISH-TV, Indianapolis 6-6-06
...First Lady Laura Bush is scheduled to speak at the two-day Helping America's Youth conference, which is aimed at helping America's at-risk youth avoid drugs and crime... More here.

Youth rally around Bill 164
Cambridge Times, Canada 6-6-06
...Students at an Ontario secondary school marched last week to honor those who have died or fallen ill due to using tobacco-related products or secondhand smoke. The march was part of Cambridge's Youth Action Alliance (Y-ACT) in rallying youth behind the Smoke-Free Ontario (Bill 164) legislation... More here.

Zuma takes centre stage on Youth Day
The Mercury, New Zealand 6-6-06
...The ANC Youth League in South Africa is planning to celebrate Youth Day at Absa stadium in Durban. Planners are expecting to fill the 45,000-seat stadium to capacity... More here.

:: PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Youth Employment Summit (YES)
The YES Campaign was launched in response to the enormous challenge of youth unemployment facing most countries and affecting millions of young people around the world. In over 60 countries, YES is bringing together diverse stakeholders through the YES Country Networks to work collaboratively in taking actions that result in productive and sustainable employment for youth.
For more information, click here.

:: EVENT SPOTLIGHT [Full Calendar]

Americans for Informed Democracy Summer Conferences
Date: July 8, 2006 and July 22, 2006
Location: New York City, NY and New Haven, CT USA
Globally conscious young leaders wishing to make a difference in the world are invited to apply for one of Americans for Informed Democracy's Young Global Leaders Summits, which are taking place across America in the summer of 2006! The summits will bring together student leaders from across the U.S. for workshops, speakers, and discussions on how young people can take positive action to ensure a principled and collaborative U.S. role in the world. Students will hear from top experts and then be immersed in breakout sessions where the y will have the chance to weigh in with their own view on the U.S. role in global issues. For more information, click here.

Building Peace Skills Training
Date: August 19-25, 2006
Location: Bakhchisaray, Crimea, Ukraine
The United Network of Young Peacebuilders (UNOY Peacebuilders) invites you to apply for participation in our Building Peace Skills Training 2006 in Crimea/Ukraine. We are a global network of young people and youth organisations active in the field of peacebuilding, mostly working in violent conflict and post-war regions. Our core activities focus on: networking, training, empowerment, advocacy, campaigning and practical research. UNOY Peacebuilders has a long experience in organising training seminars and has developed its expertise in this field since 1989. Application Due June 30th, 2006
For more information, send an email.

Global Young Leaders Conference
Date: July 2-13, 2006 and July 8-20, 2006
Location: New York City, NY- Vienna, Switzerland- Prague, Czech Republic
Sponsored by the Congressional Youth Leadership Council, the Global Young Leaders Conference (GYLC) offers students, aged 16-18, from countries all over the world the opportunity to interact with each other and explore global leadership issues. Specifically, the students focus on communications, peace and security, economics, law and human rights, diplomacy and the role of the United Nations. By participating in activities that highlight these topics, GYLC scholars gain a greater understanding of the complexities of global issues as well as their future roles and responsibilities as leaders. Sessions are held throughout the summer in Washington, DC and New York City, as well as in Vienna, Budapest, and Prague.
For more information, click here.

Persistently Safe Schools 2006
Date: September 19-21, 2006
Location: Washington, D.C. USA
Join an informed, lively and creative discussion about the prevention of youth and community violence at Persistently Safe Schools 2006: Collaborating with Students, Families, and Communities, the national conference of the Hamilton Fish Institute on School and Community Violence which will be held on September 19-21,2006 in Washington, D.C. The conference will provide informative discussions about the state of school violence prevention research, while encouraging partnerships among public, private, and not-for-profit enterprises. Special Interest Discussions on brain trauma, gangs, the national Stop Bullying Now Campaign, and school law.
For more information, click here or send an email.

World Youth Forum
Date: August 10-15, 2006
Location: Bucharest, Romania
The World Youth Forum (WYF) is the annual international conference of youth that will bring together 140 young persons from over 35 countries. This event is organized on the occasion of the International Youth Day and its main themes shall be those specific to youth policies. The event shall take place over a five-day period, and shall include workshops, seminars, plenary sessions and case studies on various youth-related issues in the participant countries.The official language of the conference shall be English and all documents drafted during the conference shall be written only in this language.
For more information, click here or send an email.

:: BE CAUTIOUS - POTENTIAL SCAMS
Many scams invite people to register for a youth conference, and intend only to collect registration fees. Please beware and only pay fees when you are certain it is a legitimate event. Common schemes include events taking place both in the USA and other countries.

• International NGO/CBO Summit This summit is promising a summit through the Overseas Development Foundation regarding the 21st Century and the Environmental Issues that will bring together 214 representatives of NGOs and CBOs during the days of the 27th until the 30th of JUNE 2006 in New York, USA. The hoax email states that your organization has been selected for sponsorship from the Overseas Foundation.
• Bill Gates Foundation Lottery for Internet Expansion in Africa This hoax email states that the Bill Gates Foundation has 50,000,000 EUROS to give to organizations working to spread the internet in Africa.
• Canada Foreign Workers Recruitment Programme Two conferences taking place in United States and Republic of Benin. This is a hoax, do not send any money or information to these organizations. They are also promoting the 1st International Conference on Children Affected by War in North Henderson City, Kentucky USA from the 25th to 30th of July and then in Benin from the 5th to the 10th of August. This is a hoax.
• National Conference Against Racism Discrmination and Safety Recently we received yet another hoax conference promotion for the National Conference Against Discrmination and Safety (NCARDS) taking place in July.
• World Youth Organization for Human Welfare Proposing a conference in California, U.S.A. and in Dakar, Senegal this coming August. This is a hoax conference.