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August 7th, 2012 | Summer Victories and Youth Insights
Congress is on its August recess, with Members working in their home districts for the rest of the month. One item on the agenda is the federal budget -- are they keeping children in mind? Many child advocates say no. Bruce Lesley of First Focus says we can create a budget that addresses our economic crisis and makes longer-term investments in our nation's children and our future; check out his proposal.
In other budget news, Stateline.org reports on a likely reprieve for SNAP, the nation's food stamp program, which has been threatened by severe cuts that would allow more families to go hungry.
Too many of these important debates don't include the voices of youth themselves, even though they are among those most affected by the decisions and often have unique insights based on their experiences. This week, SparkAction's Thaddeus Ferber argues that the time has come to make youth voice a part of the federal policymaking process. You can sign on today to show your support for a Presidential Youth Council.
This week's Update includes victories we can learn from, and ways to take action now to secure a better future for kids and families.
Jan is on a well-deserved vacation this month. Julee Newberger is writing the Update.
We appreciate your feedback and ideas, send them to julee@sparkaction.org.
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Connect with SparkAction!
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| BlogSpot
New from SparkAction this week: 
A Finish Line in Sight for Youth Voice in Federal Policy? by Thaddeus Ferber
Many advocates agree that we need a youth voice in policymaking. Thaddeus Ferber makes a case for it and explains how a new movement could work.
Quick Social Media Tips, Infographics Style by Alison Waldman
In her latest Social Media SparkNotes, Alison Waldman shares a slick infographic of quick tips for nonprofits using social media. |
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| Ways to Take Action Today
Invest in America's Workforce Each Wednesday in August
Workforce development programs are a key part of the nation's economic recovery and job creation effort, but federal programs that support these efforts face at least $55 billion in funding cuts as of January 2013. Join National Council of La Raza (NCLR), National Skills Coalition, and others each Wednesday in August as they help policymakers understand the importance of investing in workforce development and the potential benefits to their communities.
Join National Voter Registration Day
In 2008, six million Americans didn't vote because they missed a registration deadline or didn't know how to register. On September 25th, Mobilize.org and its partners are hosting National Voter Registration Day to make sure that no one is left out in 2012.
Nominate a Youth Ambassador
Over 6.7 million U.S. young people are disconnected from education and employment. The Youth Leadership Institute is looking for youth ages 16-24 who have been disconnected and want to share their experiences and ideas for creating solutions (PDF).
Get on the Road (to Shared Prosperity) - StoryBank
In just one year, Half in Ten and the Coalition on Human Needs collected 175 stories from more than 40 states showing the value of programs such as Head Start, SNAP, job training, child care, and many more to real families and communities. If you're a service provider, business leader, recipient, or past recipient of any federal programs, they'd like to hear from you. Submit your story so that advocates will be well-equipped as these and other programs go under attack. |
| Infographic of the Week
For young people to get out and vote, they need to understand their state rules. CIRCLE research shows that young people lack critical information.
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| Mark Your Calendar
Webinar Series: Strengthening Citywide After-School Opportunities Beginning Aug. 16, 2012
This series on new insights and tools for strengthening after-school programs will feature speakers from the Forum for Youth Investment and the David P. Weikart Center for Youth Program Quality, as well as local system builders from New York City and Austin.
Paid Internships Plus Training for Youth
Year Up is recruiting for its competitive year-long program, which provides youth up to $260 per week while learning technical, financial, and professional skills. Participants are placed in six-month corporate internships with Fortune 500 companies. The program is open to people ages 18-24 with a high school diploma or a GED. Apply online or call (212) 785-3340. |
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Caitlin Johnson and Thaddeus Ferber
SparkAction and the Forum for Youth Investment
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