The Younger Americans Act, (YAA) (H.R. 17/S.1005) in Congress, would give $5.75 billion (over 5 years) to youth development programs throughout the country. As YAR is a successful model for youth development, YAR programs are prime candidates to be recipients of this money for youth development. As you may also already know, CYAR is a member of the National Collaboration for Youth (NCY), a coalition of 35 National youth-serving organizations such as America's Promise: The Alliance for Youth, United Way of America, Child Welfare League of America, National Network for Youth, Campfire Boys and Girls of America, Boys and Girls Club of America among others that all support this legislation. Here is a list of all the Organizations Supporting the Younger Americans Act

Momentum is picking up all across the county and we at CYAR are getting really excited! We think that this is an awesome opportunity for YAR programs to flaunt your ability to youth organize and make change in your community. Check out the latest YAA News.

The NCY is leading the effort to pass the YAA. All of NCY's members, especially us at CYAR, relize that out most powerful resource as a national organization are our local youth and adults at the grassroots level. We know that in order for this bill to pass and to make a real cahnge in our communities, the challenge to Congress must come from you. At the CYAR Program conference, we devoted an entire day to this YAA initiative. Hill Day 2001- Ask Us, Involve Us: America's Youth Challenge Congress was an amazing start!

In August and December members of Congress are home in their districts- making this an excelent oppertunity for YAR youth and adults to visit their members of Congress, tell them what YAR is all about, and encourage them to support the Younger Americans Act.