TYC-Led Youth Service Coalition Nearly Triples Membership
By Christina Wessell
In its third year as a lead agency in Texas to organize Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) activities, the Texas Youth Commission announced Tuesday greater-than-expected participation in the project. Still a month away from the event, 186 partners have committed to being involved compared to 70 total coalition members last year. Since 2006, the Texas Youth Commission has been selected by Youth Service America, the event’s organizer, to forge coalitions of partner agencies and entities to participate in this event. “Service to others is the type of positive behavior we want to instill in every child in TYC,” said TYC Conservator Richard Nedelkoff. “Working with our volunteers, the kids can learn that they still have an important role in our communities.” GYSD is an annual global event that highlights and celebrates the contributions of youth to their communities through volunteer service. During GYSD, youth around the world organize simultaneous community service projects to address local needs. In 2008, the event will be held the weekend of April 25-27, and youth from more than 100 countries in every region of the world will be involved. Most of the partner organizations in Texas this year involve TYC facilities, a number of county juvenile probation departments, local youth detention centers, and some private sector partners. The types of service projects in which the youth will engage range from assisting elderly residents of nursing homes and promoting cancer awareness to communitywide cleanup and beautification projects. The youth choose the projects they are able to complete and that will impact the greatest needs in their communities. In 2007, the TYC-led GYSD coalition in Texas had 5,655 youth who participated in 88 projects benefiting 82 communities and directly affecting an estimated 50,636 people.  Youth-oriented organizations are invited to join the coalition by contacting Tammy Vega at tammy.vega@tyc.state.tx.us. # # # Media Contact: Jim Hurley, Director of Public Affairs (512) 424-6016/ jim.hurley@tyc.state.tx.us Tim Savoy, Communication Director (512) 424-6005/ tim.savoy@tyc.state.tx.us
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