National Network for Youth (NN4Y) was founded in 1974 as the National Network of Runaway and Youth Services (NNRYS). Back then, NNRYS was the
membership
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* Military jury, referred to as "Members" in military jargon
* Element (mathematics), an object that belongs to a mathematical set
* In object-oriented programming, a member of a class
** Field (computer science), entries in ...
association of community-based organizations that had emerged in the 1970s to focus on the needs of youth in runaway and homeless situations. Today, NN4Y represents more than 500 community-based organizations serve youth and families in the United States and territories. NN4Y members work with their neighborhood youth, adults,
association
Association may refer to:
*Club (organization), an association of two or more people united by a common interest or goal
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*Voluntary associatio ...
s, and
regional
In geography, regions, otherwise referred to as zones, lands or territories, are areas that are broadly divided by physical characteristics (physical geography), human impact characteristics (human geography), and the interaction of humanity and t ...
and state networks of youth workers to provide street-based services, emergency shelter, transitional living programs, counseling, and social, health, educational and job-related services to over 2.5 million youth each year.
Funding
Many members of the NN4Y receive funding through the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act of 1974. Funds and practices from the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the McKinney-Vento Act on homelessness, and the Workforce Investment Act
also assist local program operators in leveraging state, local and private funding. NN4Y was the architect of the federal Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA). Additionally, NN4Y works with Learn & Serve America to engage young people volunteer projects in their communities.
Activities
National Network for Youth has five focus areas: public policy, professional development, program dissemination, development and publication of training and information materials, and Symposium.
* Public Policy: This includes education, networking, training, and policy work to connect with federal, state, and local lawmakers. NN4Y advocates for youth policy and protects legislation and spending affecting youth; provides testimony at governmental hearings; works in coalition with other national youth and homelessness organizations; distributes information to state, local and national policy makers.
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Professional development
Professional development is learning to earn or maintain professional credentials such as academic degrees to formal coursework, attending conferences, and informal learning
Informal learning is characterized "by a low degree of planning and ...
: NN4Y provides training through workshops and conferences. NN4Y works with community-based organizations, schools, state agencies and in state and local health departments and clinics. Training includes HIV prevention, adolescent health, sexual and reproductive health, youth development, and sexual minority youth.
* Program Dissemination: NN4Y distributes information about prevention programs to reduce health risk-taking behaviors to community-based and youth organizations, health educators, and state and local health education agencies.
* Materials Development & Publication: NN4Y publishes training materials, newsletters, and other resources for youth advocates.
* Symposium: NN4Y hosts an annual conference in Washington, D.C., for youth workers, young people, decision makers and local, state, and national leaders.
See also
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Timeline of children's rights in the United States
The timeline of young peoples' rights in the United States, including children and youth rights, includes a variety of events ranging from youth activism to mass demonstrations. There is no "golden age" in the American children's rights movement. ...
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History of youth rights in the United States
References
{{Authority control
1975 establishments in Washington, D.C.
Children's rights organizations in the United States
Youth organizations based in Washington, D.C.
Youth organizations established in 1975