YSA (Youth Service America) and State Farm are proud to support up to 100 Global Youth Service Day & Semester of Service Lead Agencies for GYSD 2012 (April 20-22, 2012).
Lead Agencies are local, regional, or statewide organizations across the United States, and the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Ontario, or New Brunswick that increase the scale, visibility, and impact of Global Youth Service Day by leading GYSD in their city, region, or state.Lead Agencies convene a planning coalition of at least 10 partner organizations that collectively engage at least 600 youth volunteers in service on GYSD, engage local media and elected officials, and plan a high profile signature project or celebration of service. Lead Agencies receive a $2,000 GYSD planning grant sponsored by State Farm, travel support to attend the Youth Service Institute, and ongoing training and technical assistance from Youth Service America to ensure a successful Global Youth Service Day or Semester of Service. Past Lead Agencies have leveraged their position as a GYSD Lead Agency to strengthen their programs, form new partnerships, expand their volunteer base, garner media attention, gain support from local public officials, and secure additional funding.
Program Timeline:
- July 22, 2011 - Application Deadline
- Early August 2011 - Applicants notified of grant status, 2012 GYSD & Semester of Service Lead Agencies announced
- October 24-26, 2011 - Lead Agency training at the Youth Service Institute in Philadelphia, PA (travel and lodging paid by YSA)
- January 16, 2012 - MLK Day of Service, Semester of Service 2012 launches
- April 20-22, 2012 - Global Youth Service Day
Grant Benefits:
- $2,000 planning grant
- Travel, lodging, and discounted registration for 2012 Youth Service Institute – October 24-26, 2011 in Philadelphia
- Preference for Lead Agency, and your partners and project organizers for YSA's other grant programs
- Free printed copies of GYSD and Semester of Service posters, Semester of Service Stategy Guides
- Ongoing networking opportunities and training and technical assistance from YSA
Grant Responsibilities:
- Engage at least 600 youth volunteers, age 5-25, in community service or service-learning projects during Semester of Service or on Global Youth Service Day
- Organize high-visibility signature service projects or demonstration/celebration events on Global Youth Service Day
- Build or strengthen partnerships with at least 10 partner organizations to achieve scale and impact
- Serve as the lead convener for GYSD & Semester of Service in your city, region, or state, working with affiliates of YSA's National Partners and other interested organizations in your area
- Track and report impact on the scale, diversity, youth outcomes, community outcomes, and outreach efforts of your service programs
- Increase public awareness of the issue through the engagement of media and elected officials
- Engage State Farm employees in projects where possible
How to Apply:
