Background
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National Youth Conventions |
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In order to improve citizenship and youth engagement, Youth in Action - in collaboration with over 100 non-profit organizations, foundations and corporations - created two non-partisan National Youth Conventions in 1996. Held concurrently with the '96 Republican and Democratic conventions in San Diego and Chicago, the conventions were developed to provide a sustainable vehicle for a national voice of youth to address their most important concerns and offer their solutions for improving America.
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National Youth Conventions 2000 |
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Prior to the conventions, our national partners and Youthlink.org web site provided the communication link necessary for thousands of youth from across the nation to contribute their ideas for improving America. Over 500 youth delegates summarized these top issues and solutions to create a National Youth Platform. This historical document was presented to Presidential Candidates, Governors, Senators, and Mayors (the platform was later distributed to youth organizations and all middle and high schools to encourage and award youth action based on their solutions). Youthvote collaborative and the League of Women Voters encouraged youth to vote for the candidate that best represented their issues and solutions. CNN, MTV, NBC, USA Today and other media outlets helped create attention to the voice of America's youth.
What Happened in 2000
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National Youth Conventions 2000 |
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Through funding from the Pew Charitable Trust, Heinz Family Foundation, Wisenbaker Foundation and others, the 2000 National Youth Conventions were held concurrent to the Republican and Democratic Conventions in Philadelphia (Aug. 1-4) and Los Angeles (Aug. 14-17). Presidential Candidates and National Leaders attended and participated in an interactive dialogue with youth towards a new cooperative youth/adult partnership for improving America. These events were connected via EarthTrain to generate a cross-country rally for youth voices, ideas and solutions. Scholastic Magazine, Shine, City Kids, UNITY, 4-H, NAACP, YMCA, YWCA, City Year, Council for Excellence in Government and others helped to recruit youth delegates and provide outreach for youth issues and solutions for the National Youth Platform 2000. Mc Kecuen Consulting provided magazine and television outreach and communications strategies.
The Road towards 2004
Currently, Youth In Action is gearing up for the 2004 National Youth Conventions, to be held in Boston and New York concurrent with the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. Leading up to the Conventions, the National Youth Platform is again being developed through a nationwide poll to determine the top concerns and solutions of youth in America. See the National Youth Platform section to learn more or add your voice!
Opportunities
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National Youth Conventions 2000 |
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Youth serving organizations can participate by:
- Collecting the issues and solutions of youth through our Speak Out Flyer and/or by connecting to the Youthlink.org website go to Speak Out! National Youth Platform.
- Choose up to 10 youth delegates (ages 16-24 with a history of active leadership) to attend.
- Apply to become a Youth Convention Sponsor.
Please contact
Mr. Peter Raducha, Executive Director
Foundation of America, Youth In Action Campaign
43-D Malaga Cove Plaza
Palos Verdes Est, CA 90274
Telephone: (310) 373-3359
E-Mail: peter@youthlink.org
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