Help Found A New Era of Youth Service in America
Michael Minks
Hi K-12 service-learning leaders,
As Youth Service America (YSA) looks forward to America’s Semiquincentennial in 2026, we know that only 1 in 4 young people regularly participate in their communities. That means 64 million young Americans are left out of participating in our democracy. To ensure that we are adding maximum value to the thousands of organizations that engage youth across the country, YSA is conducting a listening tour to consult with hundreds of organizations at the local, state, and national levels to assess how we can help remove barriers, provide critical resources, and elevate successful strategies. These consultations will inform the New Era of Youth Service in America National Strategy that will launch around America 250.
Complete the New Era of Youth Service in America Community Partner Survey by November 30
Share the barriers you face to engaging more young people and provide feedback on which activation, training, funding, and recognition strategies you think would be most useful to you. https://forms.gle/pTx77e28YCG6Dq227
If you are connected to a statewide or regional organization, please share this opportunity:
YSA is seeking a statewide organization in each state to host a New Era of Youth Service in America Statewide Partner Forum on/around MLK Day of Service (Monday, January 19, 2026).
- Host organizations will receive a $1,000 grant. Grant funds may be used to cover your staff time and/or Forum event costs (technology, local transportation, food/refreshments, space, and/or meeting supplies).
- We are looking for host organizations in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
- Apply by December 1 for priority consideration at https://www.tfaforms.com/5199491.
Thanks,
Mike
Michael Minks
Vice President of Operations
YSA (Youth Service America)
1050 Connecticut Ave NW #65525
Washington, DC 20035-5525