This upcoming weekend is a special time in the world of service. Actually, in the world overall. The Global Youth Service Day(s), “is an annual campaign that celebrates and mobilizes the millions of children and youth who improve their communities each day of the year through service and service-learning. Established in 1988, Global Youth Service Day is the largest service event in the world, and the only day of service dedicated to children and youth. GYSD is celebrated each year in over 100 countries.” The event takes place this year April 15-17.

Global Youth Service Day is organized by Youth Service America and its Global Youth Service Network, which includes:

• Sponsors: State Farm, UnitedHealthcare, Disney, Sodexo, the Corporation for National and Community Service, and Learn and Serve America
• International Partners: 50+ Global Partners, 10 Regional Partners, dozens of Country Partners, and hundreds of Local Organizers
• U.S. Partners: 150+ National Partners, 75 GYSD Lead Agencies, 13 Semester of Service Organizers, and hundreds of YSA Grantees and Local Organizers

This should be a wonderful time to both reflect on youth and service but just as importantly, to act in the interest of both. We encourage you to visit the website to find a program near you. Get involved or help promote this wonderful event. That is what we are doing here.

If you are in the New York area, our friends at the great Up2Us are holding its “Service Through Sports Youth Leadership Summit,” which will focus on “the important role students, teams, coaches and their communities play in making positive change.  Participants will leave with an understanding of the importance of physical activity and civic responsibility. Service Through Sports Youth Leadership Summit will engage 600 youth, along with close to 100 adults in support of their service efforts.  In particular, the event will focus on our CNCS presence in New York City — with 8 VISTAs, 30 Coach Across America coaches and 12 other National Direct members leading activities and teams throughout the day.  Of the 600 youth that will be attending the event, over 80% will come with the AmeriCorps/VISTA member from their home organization.”

To register or for more information, contact Caitlin Barrett at cbarrett@up2us.org.