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:
First Lady Laura Bush
spoke at the Summit on the importance of turning youthful
idealism into practical ideas. She urged all youth
at the Summit to continue their service as they grow
into adulthood. She said, "By staying committed to
your work and sharing your experiences with others,
you'll inspire others to dedicate their time and talent
and energy to helping their communities." Read the
First Lady's remarks on her Web site at www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady.
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."
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"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. |
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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. |
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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.
 In
the coming weeks, we'll post pictures from the 2005
National Youth Summit. The Report from the Summit
also will be available online. Check this site often
for updates!
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