Youth Friendly City

Overview

A youth-friendly city is the embodiment of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child at the local level, which in practice means that youth rights are reflected in policies, laws, programs, and budgets. We believe that the holistic, positive development of District of Columbia youth is essential to the healthy present and future of our city. We recognize that a Youth-Friendly City benefits everyone, not just youth. We envision a city committed to honoring the rights of all young people.

In a Youth-Friendly City:

 The interests of young people are the primary concern of any action taken in their name

 Youth influence decisions about their community

 Youth experience positive family, community, and social encounters

 Youth receive the highest quality basic human rights including education, career pathways, housing, health care, a clean environment, and nutritious meals

 Youth are protected from exploitation, violence, and abuse

 Youth have opportunities for enrichment, cultural exploration, and play

 Youth have full access to resources and services, regardless of who they are or where they live.

All of DCAYA's work contributes to the creation of a "Youth-Friendly DC".

If you are interested in learning more or contributing to specific part of the campaign, please contact DCAYA Policy Analyst Anne Abbott.

News and Events

The Trust Seeks Grant Reviewers for the Service Coalition Funding Competition

Challenge Councilmembers to #InvestInYouth

We’re inviting you to join DCAYA on May 1^st for our Call to Action Campaign.

DCAYA Members Testify to Raise CYITC Funding

During the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corps Budget Hearing on April 17th 2013, DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Executive Director Maggie Riden along with numerous community and advocacy members, testified for additional funding to the CYITC Budget. By boosting funding, the CYITC could target three main areas of their mission: reach more youth in year-round programming, ensure youth development programs during the summer of 2014, and increase capacity for quality data collection.

OSSE Budget Hearing Sees Huge Turnout

On Monday April 22, 2013 the Office of the State Superintendent for Education, the DC State Board of Education and the Deputy Mayor for Education had their FY'14 budget hearing with Chairman of the Committee on Education David Catania.

Testimony of Anne Abbott, DCAYA Policy Analyst

Testimony of Soumya Bhat, DCFPI

DCAYA Staff and Members Testify at FY'14 DCPS Hearing

On April 17, 2013 DCAYA staff, members and allies testified on the Mayor's Proposed FY'14 budget for DCPS. Copies of testimony are available below:

Testimony of Maggie Riden, DCAYA Executive Director

Testimony of Anne Abbott, DCAYA Policy Analyst

Member Organization DCLY Testifies at the DYRS Budget Oversight Hearing

Executive Director, R. Daniel Okonkwo of DC Lawyers for Youth provided testimony at the Department of Youth Rehabilitative Services Budget Oversight Hearing on April 15th, 2013. Okonkwo explained to the council members that 90% of DC youth who become court involved live below the federal poverty line and 70% live in under resourced neighborhoods. DCLY takes a holistic approach to juvenile justice and advocates for preventative program funding before youth reach the "deep end" of the system.

Ward-specific Summer Strategy Sessions for CBOs

The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp recieved a great response thus far for our Ward-specific Summer Strategy Session on February 28. There are opportunities for community-based organizations that work in specific Wards to gather to partner, share resources and ideas, and get support around planning engaging programs for youth. If you haven’t already registered, please see the link below. As well, please see the dates and locations for all our other upcoming sessions. Some District agencies will also have representatives at the sessions.

The goals of the sessions are:

Anne Abbott Testifies at the OSSE Performance Hearing

During the March 8th 2013 Office of the State Superintendent of Education Performance Oversight Hearing, policy analyst Anne Abbot provided testimony commending their resent community outreach. OSSE has especially made improvements in connecting with community groups on their graduation requirements proposal as well as voicing the need to expand SLED into early learning, college enrollment and adult education data sharing.

DCAYA Along with Member Organizations Testify at the CYITC Performance Hearing

DC Alliance of Youth Advocates Executive Director Maggie Riden, along with a number of member organizations, testified at the Children and Youth Investment Trust Corp Oversight and Performance Hearing March 4th, 2013. At the hearing, Riden acknowledged the progress the CYITC has made over the past year stating "The work undertaken by CYITC staff as part of the one city initiative is a strong example of their work to coordinate cross sector initiatives in a data driven and outcomes focused manner.".

Policy Analyst Anne Abbott Testifies at the DOES & WIC Performance Hearing

On Monday March 4th, 2013 Anne Abbott along with many of DCAYA's member organizations testified at the Department of Employment Services and Workforce Investment Council Oversight Hearing. While Abbott acknowledged the improvements made by DOES and WIC she also voiced her concern over issues such as performance benchmarks and data tracking.