Thank you to everyone who helped to make the 2005 National Youth Summit, "Youth in Action – Making a Difference" a huge success! Attended by over 1,100 youth and adults, representing forty-eight states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam, this year's Summit enhanced the knowledge and skills of youth and adults who want to make a difference in their communities.

Highlights included:

Alma Powell, co-founder of America's Promise, addressed the Summit and reminded everyone that we must fulfill five promises to build the character and competence of our nation's youth: provide caring adults, safe places, a healthy start, marketable skills and opportunities to serve. Learn more about America's Promise at www.americaspromise.org.

Kenny Long, a college student from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, shared his transformation from lost high school student to youth leader. Today, he said, "I'm just an average guy with a huge dream, a huge ‘why' in life, a purpose." Telling Summit attendees, "You have a purpose, too," Kenny advised them to choose to succeed, hang out with dreamers, read and learn, and have faith.

Josh Shipp: Between jokes about his mother ("Martha Stewart on Red Bull"), his roommate, and his cooking abilities (think exploding microwave), motivational speaker Josh Shipp talked about being abandoned by his birth parents, abused in foster homes, and misunderstood in school. Repeating the mantra "Don't be average," Josh told audience members to "look at any problem you face as an opportunity."

	"Gift of Art" Project: Youth at the Summit organized and packaged 70 cartons of art supplies, donated by Summit attendees and various contributors. Art supplies were shipped to Baghdad to be distributed to youth centers throughout Iraq. The Iraqi Minister of Youth and Sports and a delegation from the Ministry were on hand to witness the youth service activity. They expressed delight at the enthusiasm and commitment to service of the young people at the Summit.
	The President's Volunteer Service Award: David Eisner, CEO of USA Freedom Corps, presented this award to two deserving Summit participants for their commitment to volunteer service, as well presenting a posthumous award to the sister of a young woman. Learn more about The President's Volunteer Service Award at www.usafreedomcorps.gov.
	NYS Cares & Shares: Through a coin drive for charity, Summit attendees raised over $400 for Heifer International, an organization which helps sustainable living by providing animals that can contribute to help families be more self-reliant.

Each National Youth Summit, hosted by the Family and Youth Services Bureau of the Department of Health and Human Services, turns a spotlight on the positive role of our nation's young people. At this year's Summit we asked, "What's Next?" How will attendees take the ideas and skills they gained at the Summit back to their own communities? Over the next year, we expect to learn just how this call to action is reaching schools, neighborhoods, and service organizations across the nation. We'll keep you posted.

Continuing in the spirit of the National Youth Summit, in 2006 the Family and Youth Services Bureau is directing its resources to the President’s "Helping America's Youth" (HAY) initiative. This innovative outreach effort, led by Mrs. Bush, promotes building strong supports for youth within their families and communities. The initiative offers a valuable online tool, the Community Guide to Helping America’s Youth, to help communities assess their needs and resources and come together to support youth and families.