Royal Rangers is a worldwide movement of the Assemblies of God designed to provide young people with activities while providing them with religious instruction. A camping theme is at the heart of most activities, along with a merit award system whereby Royal Rangers must demonstrate specific knowledge and abilities. Since 1962, this program, developed originally by North Texas Youth Director Rev. John Henry "Johnnie" Barnes, has since spread from the Assemblies of God to many other denominations (notably the International Pentecostal Holiness Church) and from the United States to over 73 countries. Most of the sponsoring churches sponsor Royal Rangers as an alternative to more secular youth movements such as Scouting. Royal Rangers International and Royal Rangers America do not consider themselves as part of the Scouting movement, although Royal Rangers Germany does.
The Royal Rangers Emblem is a stylized compass rose containing points in three different colors: Red, Blue, and Gold. Each color has a different meaning.
Age groups In the United States, the boys in Royal Rangers are divided into four groups
Ranger Kids (Kindergarten-2nd Grade) Discovery Rangers (3rd Grade-5th Grade) Adventure Rangers (6th Grade-8th Grade) Expedition Rangers (9th Grade-12th Grade.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Basque Nationalist Party
The Basque Nationalist Party is a Basque nationalist party; as of 2007 is the largest political party in the Basque Autonomous Community. It led Basque regional government under the Spanish Second Republic and has done so again during the democratic decades following the rule of Francisco Franco.
In Basque it is called Eusko Alderdi Jeltzalea (EAJ) and in Spanish it is called the Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV). In Spain it is commonly referred to as EAJ-PNV. The French branch is the Parti Nationaliste Basque (PNB).The chairman of the EBB of EAJ-PNV is Iñigo Urkullu.
The youth wing of the Basque Nationalist Party is Euzko Gaztedi-EGI.
The party also has offices among the Basque diaspora, mainly Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile and the United States.
Initially, the Defence Committees in Biscay and Guipuzcoa were dominated by the Popular Front. Although with enough difficulties, Basque autonomy was granted within the Second Spanish Republic and the new Basque Government immediately organized the Basque Army, consisting of militias recruited by each of the political organizations, including PNV.
In Basque it is called Eusko Alderdi Jeltzalea (EAJ) and in Spanish it is called the Partido Nacionalista Vasco (PNV). In Spain it is commonly referred to as EAJ-PNV. The French branch is the Parti Nationaliste Basque (PNB).The chairman of the EBB of EAJ-PNV is Iñigo Urkullu.
The youth wing of the Basque Nationalist Party is Euzko Gaztedi-EGI.
The party also has offices among the Basque diaspora, mainly Venezuela, Argentina, Mexico, Uruguay, Chile and the United States.
Initially, the Defence Committees in Biscay and Guipuzcoa were dominated by the Popular Front. Although with enough difficulties, Basque autonomy was granted within the Second Spanish Republic and the new Basque Government immediately organized the Basque Army, consisting of militias recruited by each of the political organizations, including PNV.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Coptic orphans
Coptic Orphans (CO) is a non-profit organization founded in 1989 with the goal of the long-term development of the physical and intellectual well being of children in Egypt. Every year it help hundreds of needy children and their families financially, intellectually and socially.
Coptic Orphans exists to improve the lives of orphans and other vulnerable children in Egypt by providing basic needs, education, and mentoring so that they may realize their potential to become productive members of society. Coptic Orphans also exists to raise awareness about poverty in Egypt and promote cultural understanding.
Since its inception, Coptic Orphans has assisted over 10,500 children through the Not Alone program, bringing educational, nutritional, and social support to children who would otherwise have limited to none of these options. Through this program, child advocates and reps are made available to families in order to both, create awareness of, and to take advantage of their rights, such as those that relate to pensions, literacy classes, and other community activities available to them in the area. Children who enter the Not Alone program remain in the program until they graduate from high school or university, for which they are also given different forms of assistance.
The Serve to Learn program allows volunteers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia to serve in high-poverty areas of Egypt, such as Beni-suef, Matay, King Mariut, Qus/Nekada and other by volunteering to teach English summer courses to children.
Coptic Orphans exists to improve the lives of orphans and other vulnerable children in Egypt by providing basic needs, education, and mentoring so that they may realize their potential to become productive members of society. Coptic Orphans also exists to raise awareness about poverty in Egypt and promote cultural understanding.
Since its inception, Coptic Orphans has assisted over 10,500 children through the Not Alone program, bringing educational, nutritional, and social support to children who would otherwise have limited to none of these options. Through this program, child advocates and reps are made available to families in order to both, create awareness of, and to take advantage of their rights, such as those that relate to pensions, literacy classes, and other community activities available to them in the area. Children who enter the Not Alone program remain in the program until they graduate from high school or university, for which they are also given different forms of assistance.
The Serve to Learn program allows volunteers from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia to serve in high-poverty areas of Egypt, such as Beni-suef, Matay, King Mariut, Qus/Nekada and other by volunteering to teach English summer courses to children.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
CommonAction
CommonAction, founded in 2005, is a U.S. nonprofit organization promoting civic engagement for youth throughout society based in Olympia, Washington. Their programs, operating in Washington State, New York State, Florida, and Alberta, Canada, include The Freechild Project and SoundOut.
The mission of CommonAction is to create uncommon solutions to common problems by engaging young people and adults together for democracy. In order to accomplish this mission, CommonAction offers programs that provide training, tools, and technical assistance to community organizations, foundations, schools, and individual youth and adults. Topics addressed in these programs include youth voice, student voice, youth participation, and youth rights among others.
CommonAction is presided over by a Board of Directors, and supported by Advisory Boards, and staff members. Currently, the Board of Directors includes James Livengood, Jessica Vavrus, Kari Kunst, Adrienne Wiley-Thomas, Patricia Finnegan, Sarah Rich, and Doug Smith.
Adam Fletcher is the Executive Director of CommonAction. has worked in youth-serving nonprofit organizations, including AmeriCorps, the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Points of Light Foundation, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, since 1997.
Fletcher is a recognized international authority on youth. The United States Department of Education has cited Fletcher's work related to student voice, along with state education agencies and national education associations, as well as by independent education experts. Additionally, Fletcher has been cited for his work with focused on youth engagement in social change. Fletcher has been featured in one newspaper, and is quoted on a variety of youth issues by magazines, newspapers across the country, and youth themselves.
At present Fletcher also serves as a contributing editor to the academic journal Review of Education, Pedagogy and Cultural Studies and on boards for the Generation Y Foundation and the National Youth Rights Association.
The mission of CommonAction is to create uncommon solutions to common problems by engaging young people and adults together for democracy. In order to accomplish this mission, CommonAction offers programs that provide training, tools, and technical assistance to community organizations, foundations, schools, and individual youth and adults. Topics addressed in these programs include youth voice, student voice, youth participation, and youth rights among others.
CommonAction is presided over by a Board of Directors, and supported by Advisory Boards, and staff members. Currently, the Board of Directors includes James Livengood, Jessica Vavrus, Kari Kunst, Adrienne Wiley-Thomas, Patricia Finnegan, Sarah Rich, and Doug Smith.
Adam Fletcher is the Executive Director of CommonAction. has worked in youth-serving nonprofit organizations, including AmeriCorps, the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, the Points of Light Foundation, and the Corporation for National and Community Service, since 1997.
Fletcher is a recognized international authority on youth. The United States Department of Education has cited Fletcher's work related to student voice, along with state education agencies and national education associations, as well as by independent education experts. Additionally, Fletcher has been cited for his work with focused on youth engagement in social change. Fletcher has been featured in one newspaper, and is quoted on a variety of youth issues by magazines, newspapers across the country, and youth themselves.
At present Fletcher also serves as a contributing editor to the academic journal Review of Education, Pedagogy and Cultural Studies and on boards for the Generation Y Foundation and the National Youth Rights Association.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Youth for Equality
Youth for Equality (YFE) is an Indian organization involved with the 2006 anti-reservation protests, working to counter the Government of India's move to implement 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in institutes of higher education (twenty central universities, the IITs, IIMs and 9 premier medical colleges like AIIMS and JIPMER).
On April 5, 2006, Human Resources Development minister of India, Arjun Singh, announced to the media that the government intended to introduce reservations for OBCs by 27% in central colleges, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, MAMC, JIPMER, JNU, Delhi University, and many others. Youth for Equality was conceived by students at University College of Medical Sciences expressing discontent over the proposal; other founding members include students from AIIMS, LHMC (Lady Hardinge Medical College), VMMC (Vardhman Mahavir Medical College) and MAMC (Maulana Azad Medical College). later different chapters of YFE like YFE DU were made and these institutions carried forward the movement on social and legal fronts like filling writ petition in supreme court and running school for kids from underprivileged section in DU campus.
As of June 2006, YFE's website states that it has over 16,000 members, and links to 12 regional chapter weblogs. The group's membership includes medical students and professionals, students at public and private colleges (including IITs, IIMs and JNU), parents of students, Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) (under the banner of United Residents Joint Action), and corporate bodies.
On April 5, 2006, Human Resources Development minister of India, Arjun Singh, announced to the media that the government intended to introduce reservations for OBCs by 27% in central colleges, including IITs, IIMs, AIIMS, MAMC, JIPMER, JNU, Delhi University, and many others. Youth for Equality was conceived by students at University College of Medical Sciences expressing discontent over the proposal; other founding members include students from AIIMS, LHMC (Lady Hardinge Medical College), VMMC (Vardhman Mahavir Medical College) and MAMC (Maulana Azad Medical College). later different chapters of YFE like YFE DU were made and these institutions carried forward the movement on social and legal fronts like filling writ petition in supreme court and running school for kids from underprivileged section in DU campus.
As of June 2006, YFE's website states that it has over 16,000 members, and links to 12 regional chapter weblogs. The group's membership includes medical students and professionals, students at public and private colleges (including IITs, IIMs and JNU), parents of students, Residents' Welfare Associations (RWAs) (under the banner of United Residents Joint Action), and corporate bodies.
Youth Service America
Youth Service America, or YSA, is a resource center that partners with thousands of organizations committed to increasing the quality and quantity of volunteer opportunities for young people, ages 5-25, to serve locally, nationally, and globally." YSA has a reputation for supporting and promoting youth voice, youth service, and service-learning through advocacy and resource sharing. Steve Culbertson is the President & CEO.
Founded in 1986, Youth Service America’s mission is to expand the impact of the youth service movement with communities, schools, corporations, and governments. With programs focused on young people ages 5-25, Youth Service America envisions a global culture of engaged youth who are committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement.
According to research by Independent Sector and Youth Service America (Toppe; Golombek), youth service is a fundamental correlative to lifelong volunteerism and philanthropy as adults. Americans gave $260 billion to charity in 2005, and most of these donors are also volunteers for various health, education, human service, and environmental causes. Surveys show the majority of these volunteers started the practice as children.
With the support of the State Farm Companies Foundation and PARADE Magazine, Youth Service America organizes National & Global Youth Service Day, a public education campaign to highlight the amazing contributions that young people make to their communities 365 days of the year. As the largest service event in the world and YSA's premier program, it draws together a remarkable consortium of local, regional, national, and international partners. Working with Global Youth Action Network, YSA developed Global Youth Service Day program in 2000, now coordinating the event in more than 100 countries.
Founded in 1986, Youth Service America’s mission is to expand the impact of the youth service movement with communities, schools, corporations, and governments. With programs focused on young people ages 5-25, Youth Service America envisions a global culture of engaged youth who are committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement.
According to research by Independent Sector and Youth Service America (Toppe; Golombek), youth service is a fundamental correlative to lifelong volunteerism and philanthropy as adults. Americans gave $260 billion to charity in 2005, and most of these donors are also volunteers for various health, education, human service, and environmental causes. Surveys show the majority of these volunteers started the practice as children.
With the support of the State Farm Companies Foundation and PARADE Magazine, Youth Service America organizes National & Global Youth Service Day, a public education campaign to highlight the amazing contributions that young people make to their communities 365 days of the year. As the largest service event in the world and YSA's premier program, it draws together a remarkable consortium of local, regional, national, and international partners. Working with Global Youth Action Network, YSA developed Global Youth Service Day program in 2000, now coordinating the event in more than 100 countries.
Friday, January 25, 2008
American Youth Congress
American Youth Congress (AYC) was an early youth voice organization composed of youth from all across the country to discuss the problems facing youth as a whole in the 1930's. It met several years in a row - one year it notably met on the lawn of the White House. The delegates are known to have caused a disturbance when they attempted to access the United States Congress. They focused on the draft, which was taking youths at age 18 off to war. At the time in the United States one was not legally an adult in any way until one was 21. They also focused on the economic exploitation of youth.
The formation of the AYC is also widely seen as a precursor to the establishment of the National Youth Administration. Both the AYC and the NYA are notable for the support which First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt lent to them.
The American Youth Congress, or AYC, was formed in 1935 to advocate for youth rights in U.S. politics, and was responsible for introducing the American Youth Bill of Rights to the U.S. Congress. This organization's strong relationship with the Roosevelt Administration led its leader, Joseph P. Lash to later describe the AYC as "a student brain of the New Deal." First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's relationship with the American Youth Congress eventually led to the formation of the National Youth Administration. Speaking of the National Youth Administration in the 1930s, Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her concern about ageism, stating that "I live in real terror when I think we may be losing this generation. We have got to bring these young people into the active life of the community and make them feel that they are necessary."
On July 4, 1936, the AYC issued a Declaration of the Rights of American Youth, which addressed several issues, mainly inalienable rights issues that affected youth, and the economic issues. By 1939 the movement claimed 4,697,915 members in 513 affiliated organizations nationwide. The same year the Dies Committee subpeaned leaders of the AYC, consisting of a core from the Young Communist League. Eleanor Roosevelt was in attendance at the hearings and afterwards invited the subpoenaed witnesses to board at the White House during their stay in Washington D.C.
The formation of the AYC is also widely seen as a precursor to the establishment of the National Youth Administration. Both the AYC and the NYA are notable for the support which First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt lent to them.
The American Youth Congress, or AYC, was formed in 1935 to advocate for youth rights in U.S. politics, and was responsible for introducing the American Youth Bill of Rights to the U.S. Congress. This organization's strong relationship with the Roosevelt Administration led its leader, Joseph P. Lash to later describe the AYC as "a student brain of the New Deal." First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt's relationship with the American Youth Congress eventually led to the formation of the National Youth Administration. Speaking of the National Youth Administration in the 1930s, Eleanor Roosevelt expressed her concern about ageism, stating that "I live in real terror when I think we may be losing this generation. We have got to bring these young people into the active life of the community and make them feel that they are necessary."
On July 4, 1936, the AYC issued a Declaration of the Rights of American Youth, which addressed several issues, mainly inalienable rights issues that affected youth, and the economic issues. By 1939 the movement claimed 4,697,915 members in 513 affiliated organizations nationwide. The same year the Dies Committee subpeaned leaders of the AYC, consisting of a core from the Young Communist League. Eleanor Roosevelt was in attendance at the hearings and afterwards invited the subpoenaed witnesses to board at the White House during their stay in Washington D.C.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Armenian Youth Federation
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) (Armenian: Հայ Երիտասարդաց Դաշնակցութիւն) is an Armenian youth movement founded in Boston, Massachusetts in 1933 by Garegin Njdeh. It serves as the youth organization of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF). The five pillars that guide its activities are: Educational, Political, Social, Athletic, and Cultural.
In the late 1980s and the early 1990s the AYF found a new challenge: Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1988 the struggle for independence in the Karabagh region started. AYF became involved in fund raising activities to supply much-needed funds to the people in Karabakh. Even after the independence of Nagorno-Karabagh in 1991 and the cease-fire in 1993, the AYF continued to help the region. In 1994 the AYF Western Region decided to create a program, called the AYF Youth Corps, that sent about ten youths that year and continues to send up to 15 each summer. The mission of the Youth Corps is to help rebuild schools, camps, churches, etc. in the various regions of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On January 14, 1933, which is marked as the founding date of the Armenian Youth Federation, the ARF Central Committee of America decided to create a national youth organization by combining the existing ones and setting up new chapters where such groups did not exist. After the decision was made an invitation was sent to representatives of interested youth groups on the East Coast to join a conference on Sunday, July 16, 1933, in the old Hairenik Hall in Boston. The conference was to discuss the unification of the interested youth groups.
In the late 1980s and the early 1990s the AYF found a new challenge: Nagorno-Karabakh. In 1988 the struggle for independence in the Karabagh region started. AYF became involved in fund raising activities to supply much-needed funds to the people in Karabakh. Even after the independence of Nagorno-Karabagh in 1991 and the cease-fire in 1993, the AYF continued to help the region. In 1994 the AYF Western Region decided to create a program, called the AYF Youth Corps, that sent about ten youths that year and continues to send up to 15 each summer. The mission of the Youth Corps is to help rebuild schools, camps, churches, etc. in the various regions of Nagorno-Karabakh.
On January 14, 1933, which is marked as the founding date of the Armenian Youth Federation, the ARF Central Committee of America decided to create a national youth organization by combining the existing ones and setting up new chapters where such groups did not exist. After the decision was made an invitation was sent to representatives of interested youth groups on the East Coast to join a conference on Sunday, July 16, 1933, in the old Hairenik Hall in Boston. The conference was to discuss the unification of the interested youth groups.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Australian Air League
The Australian Air League is a not-for-profit, civilian operated aviation youth organisation in Australia. Its objective is to encourage the spirit of aviation and air-mindedness in the youth of Australia. Its Latin motto is A Vinculo Terrae (Free From the Bonds of The Earth).
As a not for profit organisation, the Australian Air League relies on the help of a network of volunteers to carry out the various tasks which need to be fulfilled in order for the organisation to exist.
Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, these volunteers bring a variety of different skills to the League and contribute by joining the League as either an associate or League member, from where then can play a vital role in the operation of various levels of the league.
Associate membership provides a way for adults to join as non-uniformed, but financial, members of the League. Associate members are eligible to serve on the Squadron 'Branch Committee' or 'Parents Association', from where they can directly assist the squadron by helping to keep track of the Squadrons finances and co-ordinating fund-raising activities.
Associate members are also eligible to participate in most functions and activities that are open to uniformed members.
As a not for profit organisation, the Australian Air League relies on the help of a network of volunteers to carry out the various tasks which need to be fulfilled in order for the organisation to exist.
Coming from a wide range of backgrounds, these volunteers bring a variety of different skills to the League and contribute by joining the League as either an associate or League member, from where then can play a vital role in the operation of various levels of the league.
Associate membership provides a way for adults to join as non-uniformed, but financial, members of the League. Associate members are eligible to serve on the Squadron 'Branch Committee' or 'Parents Association', from where they can directly assist the squadron by helping to keep track of the Squadrons finances and co-ordinating fund-raising activities.
Associate members are also eligible to participate in most functions and activities that are open to uniformed members.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Boys & Girls Aid Society
The Boys & Girls Aid Society (or Boys & Girls Aid Society of Oregon) is a non-profit organization that provides services to children in crisis in the state of Oregon, USA.
The Boys & Girls Aid Society of Oregon was founded in 1885 by a group of community leaders and people from the business community. This non-profit organization started as an orphanage, and it is considered by some as a pioneer in applying the Foster care model instead of the typical orphanage model. Later on, the services provided by the organization included a wider range of services for children in different age groups. The organization grew into several branches in different parts of the state of Oregon.
The organization's mission is to help children in crisis, this has been its mission for over 120 years. It has also evolved from an agency that takes care of adoption to a wider range of services for children in need. It currently has many programs that serve older children and even young adults that need help in a time of crisis. The organization’s prospective is to be able to provide help to all the children in the area that require such care.
The Boys and Girls Aid have helped in more than seventy-thousand adoptions. The annual report for the years 2004 – 2005 recorded about 1,236 children who have been helped by the organization during that year. About two hundred of whom been helped in the prevention program that involves children who are mentored by a responsible adult. About seven hundred were in the intensive services, these children receive care during times of crisis. More than three hundred were placed in loving adoptive homes. Both prevention and remedial services help more than 75,000 children a year.
The Boys & Girls Aid Society of Oregon was founded in 1885 by a group of community leaders and people from the business community. This non-profit organization started as an orphanage, and it is considered by some as a pioneer in applying the Foster care model instead of the typical orphanage model. Later on, the services provided by the organization included a wider range of services for children in different age groups. The organization grew into several branches in different parts of the state of Oregon.
The organization's mission is to help children in crisis, this has been its mission for over 120 years. It has also evolved from an agency that takes care of adoption to a wider range of services for children in need. It currently has many programs that serve older children and even young adults that need help in a time of crisis. The organization’s prospective is to be able to provide help to all the children in the area that require such care.
The Boys and Girls Aid have helped in more than seventy-thousand adoptions. The annual report for the years 2004 – 2005 recorded about 1,236 children who have been helped by the organization during that year. About two hundred of whom been helped in the prevention program that involves children who are mentored by a responsible adult. About seven hundred were in the intensive services, these children receive care during times of crisis. More than three hundred were placed in loving adoptive homes. Both prevention and remedial services help more than 75,000 children a year.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Students Against Destructive Decisions
Students Against Destructive Decisions is a peer-to-peer youth education, substance and alcohol use and abuse prevention organization in the USA, with over 10,000 chapters in middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
SADD was founded as "Students Against Driving Drunk" at Wayland High School in Wayland, Massachusetts, in 1981 after two Wayland High School hockey players were killed in separate car crashes. The students were motivated to challenge the culture in which drinking and driving was accepted.
Originally, SADD's mission was to help young people say "No" to drinking and driving, and to alcohol consumption. In 1997, SADD expanded its mission from preventing intoxicated driving to preventing the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs and other problems and adopted a new name, "Students Against Destructive Decisions." SADD now highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving, violence, and suicide.
SADD is well known for developing the Contract for Life, a document signed by both parents and student. It stipulated that students would try their best to avoid drinking and driving if parents agreed to do the same. Parents also agreed to pick up their own child at a party upon request, with no questions asked, if students saw harmful substances being used. The next day the family was to discuss the matter. The Contract is still in use today and has been updated to reflect the expanded scope of the Students Against Destructive Decisions mission.
SADD was founded as "Students Against Driving Drunk" at Wayland High School in Wayland, Massachusetts, in 1981 after two Wayland High School hockey players were killed in separate car crashes. The students were motivated to challenge the culture in which drinking and driving was accepted.
Originally, SADD's mission was to help young people say "No" to drinking and driving, and to alcohol consumption. In 1997, SADD expanded its mission from preventing intoxicated driving to preventing the consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs and other problems and adopted a new name, "Students Against Destructive Decisions." SADD now highlights prevention of all destructive behaviors and attitudes that are harmful to young people, including underage drinking, substance abuse, impaired driving, violence, and suicide.
SADD is well known for developing the Contract for Life, a document signed by both parents and student. It stipulated that students would try their best to avoid drinking and driving if parents agreed to do the same. Parents also agreed to pick up their own child at a party upon request, with no questions asked, if students saw harmful substances being used. The next day the family was to discuss the matter. The Contract is still in use today and has been updated to reflect the expanded scope of the Students Against Destructive Decisions mission.
Friday, January 18, 2008
Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) is a national organization whose mission is to “enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.” It offers many programs that provide kids with a fun and educational experience, as well as a safe after-school environment.
The first Club was founded in 1860 by several women in Hartford, Conn., who believed that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative. It was for boys only, and soon other communities in New England decided that such places would be good for their young men. In 1906, 53 independent Boys' Clubs, as they were known then, came together in Boston to form a national organization, the Federated Boys' Clubs, and in 1931 they became Boys Clubs of America. In 1956, the group was chartered by Congress. To reflect its increased service to young women, the organization became Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. In 1996, Roxanne Spillett, current president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was appointed to head the organization.
The first Club was founded in 1860 by several women in Hartford, Conn., who believed that boys who roamed the streets should have a positive alternative. It was for boys only, and soon other communities in New England decided that such places would be good for their young men. In 1906, 53 independent Boys' Clubs, as they were known then, came together in Boston to form a national organization, the Federated Boys' Clubs, and in 1931 they became Boys Clubs of America. In 1956, the group was chartered by Congress. To reflect its increased service to young women, the organization became Boys & Girls Clubs of America in 1990. In 1996, Roxanne Spillett, current president of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, was appointed to head the organization.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Young Americans for Freedom
Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) is a conservative youth organization that was founded in 1960. While the 1960s were its most successful years in terms of numbers and influence, YAF continued to be active as a national organization until the late 1990s. Today, a number of college students have started independent student groups at universities nationwide bearing YAF's name and logo.
In the spirit of the once prominent organization, a number of college students have created campus organizations bearing the YAF's name and logo. The only actual organization left can be found in California. California YAF is a statewide political action committee that endorses and assists conservative candidates for public office.
On college campuses, the independent YAF chapters have been involved in activities including rallies supporting the armed forces, advocacy for strict control of illegal immigration, demonstrations against affirmative action and protesting liberal campus speakers. YAF has also organized protests against legislation enacting anti-discrimination protection for transsexuals.
Notable YAF chapters exist at Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
In the spirit of the once prominent organization, a number of college students have created campus organizations bearing the YAF's name and logo. The only actual organization left can be found in California. California YAF is a statewide political action committee that endorses and assists conservative candidates for public office.
On college campuses, the independent YAF chapters have been involved in activities including rallies supporting the armed forces, advocacy for strict control of illegal immigration, demonstrations against affirmative action and protesting liberal campus speakers. YAF has also organized protests against legislation enacting anti-discrimination protection for transsexuals.
Notable YAF chapters exist at Pennsylvania State University, Michigan State University and the University of Michigan.
Generation YES
Generation YES (Youth and Educators Succeeding), is a U.S. technology education corporation that works with schools around the world. Dennis Harper is the founder and President. Their programs focus on student centered, project-based learning "experiences that impact student's lives and increase student involvement in school and community through technology. In addition, all Generation YES programs improve the use of technology in the school as a whole."
Today, the company provides K-12 schools across the U.S. with technology programs. GenYES (originally known as www.GenY) has students assist teachers as they integrate technology in classrooms. This program provides curriculum to elementary and middle school teachers, who in turn teach technology skills to students. These students are then partnered with a different teacher to support their efforts to integrate technology in their classrooms.
TechYES focuses on students earning a certification by completing project-based learning activities demonstrating their technology literacy. In this program schools purchase access to a website with links and discussion forums for students. In the classroom students mentor other students, who are in turn illustrating their technology literacy through hands-on learning projects. Their student mentors help guide these projeccts.
Generation TECH engages students in providing technology support to schools. This program occupies the career technology end of GenYES' offerings, as teachers support students while they command a school's technology resources.
Today, the company provides K-12 schools across the U.S. with technology programs. GenYES (originally known as www.GenY) has students assist teachers as they integrate technology in classrooms. This program provides curriculum to elementary and middle school teachers, who in turn teach technology skills to students. These students are then partnered with a different teacher to support their efforts to integrate technology in their classrooms.
TechYES focuses on students earning a certification by completing project-based learning activities demonstrating their technology literacy. In this program schools purchase access to a website with links and discussion forums for students. In the classroom students mentor other students, who are in turn illustrating their technology literacy through hands-on learning projects. Their student mentors help guide these projeccts.
Generation TECH engages students in providing technology support to schools. This program occupies the career technology end of GenYES' offerings, as teachers support students while they command a school's technology resources.
European Youth Forum
The European Youth Forum (YFJ) is a platform that brings together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe and represents their common interests. Independently established by youth organisations, the YFJ is a platform made up of more than 90 National Youth Councils and International Non-Governmental Youth Organisations, which are federations of youth organisations in themselves. It brings together tens of millions of young people from all over Europe and defends their common interests.
As the biggest regional youth platform in the world, the European Youth Forum works to deepen European integration while also contributing to the development of youth work in other regions of the world.
Presidents: Bettina Schwarzmayr (2007-today); Renaldas Vaisbrodas (2005-2006); Giaccomo Fillibeck (2003-2004); Mr Henrik Soderman (2001-2002); Mr Pau Solanilla (1999-2000); Ms Pauliina Arola (1997-1998).
Increase the participation of young people and youth organisations in society, as well as in decision-making processes;
Positively influence policy issues affecting young people and youth organisations, by being a recognised partner for international institutions, namely the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations;
Promote the concept of youth policy as an integrated and cross-sectoral element of overall policy development;
Facilitate the participation of young people through the development of sustainable and independent youth organisations at the national and international level;
Foster the exchange of ideas and experience, mutual understanding, and equal rights and opportunities among young people in Europe;
Uphold intercultural understanding, democracy, respect, active citizenship and solidarity.
As the biggest regional youth platform in the world, the European Youth Forum works to deepen European integration while also contributing to the development of youth work in other regions of the world.
Presidents: Bettina Schwarzmayr (2007-today); Renaldas Vaisbrodas (2005-2006); Giaccomo Fillibeck (2003-2004); Mr Henrik Soderman (2001-2002); Mr Pau Solanilla (1999-2000); Ms Pauliina Arola (1997-1998).
Increase the participation of young people and youth organisations in society, as well as in decision-making processes;
Positively influence policy issues affecting young people and youth organisations, by being a recognised partner for international institutions, namely the European Union, the Council of Europe and the United Nations;
Promote the concept of youth policy as an integrated and cross-sectoral element of overall policy development;
Facilitate the participation of young people through the development of sustainable and independent youth organisations at the national and international level;
Foster the exchange of ideas and experience, mutual understanding, and equal rights and opportunities among young people in Europe;
Uphold intercultural understanding, democracy, respect, active citizenship and solidarity.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Junior State of America
The Junior State of America (formerly Junior Statesmen of America) (“JSA”) is an American non-partisan student-run youth organization. The purpose of the JSA is to help high school students acquire leadership skills and the knowledge necessary to be effective citizens and voters. The JSA is sponsored by the Junior Statesmen Foundation (“JSF”), which also assists in the operation of the JSA Summer Schools.
After the school year is over, JSA chapter members can participate in numerous student-run events over the summer. The biggest events, which are held at various universities, are the JSA Summer Schools. The Summer Schools, conducted by the JSF, offer students an opportunity to study local, state, or national government at an advanced level. These programs are meant to prepare young leaders for active participation in public affairs.
These programs, at which students take a full semester each of two courses over four weeks (with the exception of the Georgetown programs, lasting three weeks), for which they can receive high school credit, take place at Stanford, Georgetown, Princeton, and Yale. Past speakers have included Mike McCurry, Andy Card, Lee Hamilton, Norman Mineta, Joe Trippi, Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry, Harry Reid, Barack Obama, Ted Rall, George H.W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Ed Meese, William Perry, Brian Williams and Karl Rove.
Summer symposia are also held in different regions, such as the summer school symposium of Ohio State University, University of Washington and University of Southern California. These events are one- to two-weeks long and venture into politics, world studies, history, and discussions of current events.
Every summer, the newly elected governors each choose a select few from his or her state/territory to attend the Montezuma National Leadership Summit (affectionately known as "Zuma"). The summit is held in early-to-mid August at Presentation Center in Los Gatos, California, the former site of the Montezuma Mountain School where JSA was founded in 1934. Students ("Zumans") at this summit learn more about the history and national dynamics of JSA and attendance is considered an honor.
After the school year is over, JSA chapter members can participate in numerous student-run events over the summer. The biggest events, which are held at various universities, are the JSA Summer Schools. The Summer Schools, conducted by the JSF, offer students an opportunity to study local, state, or national government at an advanced level. These programs are meant to prepare young leaders for active participation in public affairs.
These programs, at which students take a full semester each of two courses over four weeks (with the exception of the Georgetown programs, lasting three weeks), for which they can receive high school credit, take place at Stanford, Georgetown, Princeton, and Yale. Past speakers have included Mike McCurry, Andy Card, Lee Hamilton, Norman Mineta, Joe Trippi, Dennis Kucinich, John Kerry, Harry Reid, Barack Obama, Ted Rall, George H.W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, Ed Meese, William Perry, Brian Williams and Karl Rove.
Summer symposia are also held in different regions, such as the summer school symposium of Ohio State University, University of Washington and University of Southern California. These events are one- to two-weeks long and venture into politics, world studies, history, and discussions of current events.
Every summer, the newly elected governors each choose a select few from his or her state/territory to attend the Montezuma National Leadership Summit (affectionately known as "Zuma"). The summit is held in early-to-mid August at Presentation Center in Los Gatos, California, the former site of the Montezuma Mountain School where JSA was founded in 1934. Students ("Zumans") at this summit learn more about the history and national dynamics of JSA and attendance is considered an honor.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Agents of Change
SustainUS, Inc. (The United States Youth Network for Sustainable Development) is a national, United States registered 501(c)(3) tax-deductible nonprofit charity whose mission is to improve youth participation in sustainable development. SustainUS works particularly with youth aged 13-26 and on United Nations' conferences related to youth and/or sustainable development.
Founded in 2001, SustainUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan youth-led organization advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment in the United States. Through proactive education and advocacy at the policy-making and grassroots levels, SustainUS members are attempting to build a future in which all people recognize the inherent equality, value, and interdependence of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
What is Sustainable Development, anyway? The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “a form of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In the SustainUS view, sustainable development requires economic, social, and environmental issues to progress together.
Since 2003, Agents of Change (AoC) has brought delegations of U.S.-based youth to conferences and summits related to international sustainability policy, primarily at the United Nations. The young people serving on the delegations work with government delegates, fellow civil society members, and other youth to promote cooperation, focusing on youth-friendly and future-oriented policies.
Thus far in 2007, AoC has been active at the International Forum on the Eradication of Poverty, the Commission for Social Development, and the Commission on Sustainable Development.
Founded in 2001, SustainUS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, nonpartisan youth-led organization advancing sustainable development and youth empowerment in the United States. Through proactive education and advocacy at the policy-making and grassroots levels, SustainUS members are attempting to build a future in which all people recognize the inherent equality, value, and interdependence of social, economic, and environmental sustainability.
What is Sustainable Development, anyway? The Brundtland Commission defined sustainable development as “a form of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." In the SustainUS view, sustainable development requires economic, social, and environmental issues to progress together.
Since 2003, Agents of Change (AoC) has brought delegations of U.S.-based youth to conferences and summits related to international sustainability policy, primarily at the United Nations. The young people serving on the delegations work with government delegates, fellow civil society members, and other youth to promote cooperation, focusing on youth-friendly and future-oriented policies.
Thus far in 2007, AoC has been active at the International Forum on the Eradication of Poverty, the Commission for Social Development, and the Commission on Sustainable Development.
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