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National Youth Leadership Council The National Youth Leadership Council advances service-learning and supports its practitioners – young people and adults – by developing model programs, conducting action research, advancing legislation, codifying best practices, and training. Each year it hosts the National Service-Learning Conference, a multi-day gathering of K-12 teachers, researchers, policy-makers and supporters from across the country and around the globe. NYLC's signature programs include the Generator School Project (gsn.nylc.org) a professional development initiative for teachers; the annual National Youth Leadership Training; the WalkAbout summer school service-learning immersion program, Project Ignition, a teen driver safety program; and the Growing to Greatness research project.

Action for Healthy Kids At the 2002 Healthy Schools Summit in Washington, D.C., former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher asked America to address the burgeoning crisis of childhood overweight and obesity, and Action for Healthy Kids was formed to answer. A public-private partnership of more than 50 national organizations and government agencies representing education, health, fitness and nutrition, Action for Healthy Kids addresses the epidemic of overweight, sedentary, and undernourished youth by focusing on changes in schools to improve nutrition and increase physical activity.

Their mission is to engage diverse organizations, leaders, and volunteers in actions that foster sound nutrition and good physical activity in children, youth, and schools.

American Association for Health Education An association of health educators and health promotion specialists which promotes the health of all people by providing leadership in diverse areas of health education. Phone 800-312-7193.

American Association of School Administrators An organization of school system leaders which supports and assists administrators and other education leaders to achieve the highest quality education for all learners through personal, professional, organizational, and leadership development and advocacy for public education. Phone 703-528-0700.

American Bar Association Division for Public Education Through its School Programs unit, the Division provides leadership in developing and promoting programs and materials that (1) educate elementary, middle and secondary school students about law and the legal system, and (2) prepare young people for effective and responsible citizenship. The Division works with lawyers, educators, and juvenile justice and other professionals nationally and in each of the states to achieve these goals. Phone 312-988-5735.

American Contract Bridge League ACBL is the world's greatest bridge club for the world's greatest game. Our mission is to promote the fun and challenge of bridge and support educational and playing opportunities for bridge enthusiasts throughout North America.

Young people love to learn by playing games. Millions of people play bridge to engage their love of learning while applying analytical, communication and social skills. As the world's most challenging mental sport, bridge is a game of skill and infinite possibilities. We want to see more young people sharpen their mental skills by applying the techniques learned through the game of bridge.

American Counseling Association An organization of professional counselors and counseling students worldwide with an extensive network of 17 specialty divisions and 56 local branches. The association assist counselors by providing leadership training, continuing education and advocacy services. Phone 703-823-9800.

American School Counselor Association

America's Promise Alliance America's Promise Alliance was born of the recognition that when too many children are at risk, the nation is at risk. With a goal to reach 15 million young people with more Promises over the next five years, America's Promise Alliance has launched the 15 in 5 Campaign Network, an online resource to engage, support, and recognize individuals and organizations working to help young people succeed. Through increasing awareness, advocating for children and engaging in a few powerful initiatives, America's Promise Alliance relies upon the strength of a partnership network to more effectively and strategically bring the power of the Five Promises to America's children—enabling them to have the resources they need to lead happier, healthier and productive lives and build a stronger society.

Anti-Defamation League founded in 1913 and now one of the nation's premier civil rights/human relations agencies, ADL fights anti-Semitism and all forms of bigotry, defends democratic ideals and protects civil rights for all, carrying out its mission through a network of 30 Regional and Satellite Offices in the United States and abroad.

Association of Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) A community of educators, advocating sound policies and sharing best practices to achieve the success of each learner. ASCD is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that represents more than 175,000 educators from 119 countries. Members span the entire profession of educators—superintendents, supervisors, principals, teachers, professors of education, and school board members.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America A federation of over 500 Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies located throughout all 50 states, including the federal district, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The children and youth served range in age from 6 to 18 years of age, with most of the children from single parent families. The program makes a positive difference in the lives of children and youth, primarily through a professionally-supported One-To-One relationship with a caring adult, and assist them in achieving their highest potential as they grow to become confident, competent and caring individuals, by providing committed volunteers, national leadership and standards of excellence. Phone 215-567-7000.

NMSA and Big Brothers Big Sisters Strengthen Partnership
The National Middle School Association and Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) have recently been working to further enhance their partnership, in order to further their goals to help provide support and guidance for adolescent youth.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America A nationwide affiliation of local, autonomous organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs of America working to help boys and girls of all backgrounds, with special concern for those from disadvantaged circumstances, developing the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. Based on physical, emotional, cultural and social needs and interests of girls and boys, and recognizing developmental principles, Clubs offer diversified program activities in six areas: Personal & Educational Development; Citizenship & Leadership Development; Cultural Enrichment; Health & Physical Education; Social Recreation; and Outdoor & Environmental Education. Phone: 404-815-5700.

Boys Town USA A non-sectarian, non-profit organization which has developed a variety of programs and services to help children and families. Direct care to children and families includes Emergency Services, Residential Services, Family Preservation, Treatment Foster Family Services and CommonSense Parenting services for over 20,000 children at 17 sites nationwide. For best practice information relating to contemporary children's and family issues visit their Web Site. Phone: 402-498-1342.

Cable in the Classroom A non-profit public service effort of the cable television industry which provides commercial-free educational programs to the K-12 audience. Cable in the Classroom programming has become a tool parents can use to build both home and school video libraries for their children and it provides another tool for educators to enhance learning. Phone 1-800-743-5355.

Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation seeks to reach young people in disadvantaged communities throughout America and teach them the skills needed to be healthy, happy, and successful in life through a variety of innovative programs. Collaborating with community youth organizations and schools in these neighborhoods, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation uses the baseball and softball fields to teach life's critical lessons through their "Healthy Choices, Healthy Children" youth development program. This year-long program encompasses twelve vital life lessons that include: sportsmanship, communication, choosing your future, respect, leadership, positive thinking, personal responsibility, work ethic, good life habits, choosing to be healthy, choosing your teammates, and teamwork.

The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation's goals include helping young people learn and understand the importance of choosing a healthy lifestyle, making smart and productive decisions, and giving back to their communities. By helping them learn to take positive steps now they will be exposed to opportunities, individuals, and experiences that will help them to become successful and contributing members of our society.

Close-Up Foundation The Close Up Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, informs, inspires, and empowers people to exercise the rights and accept the responsibilities of the citizens in a democracy.

Close Up connects individuals of all ages to their communities and institutions through challenging educational programs and products.

By building partnerships with the education community, the private and philanthropic sectors, and all branches and levels of government, we make civic participation a dynamic and meaningful experience.

The College Board An educational association that supports academic preparation and transition to higher education for students around the world through the on-going collaboration of its member schools, colleges, universities, educational systems and organizations. Phone 212-713-8000.

Community of Caring A project of the Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. Foundation, Community of Caring is a K-12 comprehensive whole school approach to values education composed of five core components: values across the curriculum, school coordinating committee, student forums, community service-learning, and family involvement. Information pertaining the program can be obtained by calling 202-393-1251.

Council of Chief State School Officers The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public.

Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) For more than 80 years, the Council of Educational Facility Planners International (CEFPI) has been engaged in the vital work of improving the places where children learn. CEFPI members are the front-line decision makers regarding the built environment. They set and govern policy and are the professionals who plan, design, build, maintain and operate learner-centered school facilities. CEFPI embraces a diverse group of professionals with one single goal – building healthy, safe, high performing and sustainable learning environments that enhance student and teacher performance and support culture and community vitality.With 4,000 educational facility practitioners dedicated to this important mission, CEFPI serves its membership through professional development opportunities, innovative resources, information distribution and partnerships with affiliate groups that have similar interests and related initiatives.

Council of the Great City Schools Founded in 1956 and incorporated in 1961, the council is located in Washington D.C., where it works to promote urban education through legislation, research, media relations, instruction, management, technology, and other special projects designed to improve the quality of urban education.

The council serves as the national voice for urban educators, providing way to share promising practices and address common concerns.

GLSEN, The Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network, established in 1995, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for ALL students. GLSEN, in collaboration with Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing, and over 40 national education, social justice, and health organizations sponsor No Name-Calling Week. This annual week of educational activities, aimed at stopping verbal bullying for students in grades five to eight, grew out of concern about the pervasive nature of name-calling among today's youth and the destructive impact it has on the targets of bullying, the bullies themselves, and the entire school community. A resource kit with lesson plans, a video for classroom use, and promotional materials such as stickers and posters, are available at www.NoNameCallingWeek.org.

Education Commission of the States (ECS) is an interstate compact created in 1965 to improve public education by facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences among state policymakers and education leaders. As a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization involving key leaders from all levels of the education system, ECS creates unique opportunities to build partnerships, share information and promote the development of policy based on available research and strategies.

Forty-nine states, three territories and the District of Columbia constitute the commission's current membership. Each member state or territory is represented by seven commissioners—the governor and six other individuals, typically legislators, chief state school officers, state and local school board members, superintendents, higher education officials and business leaders.

International Youth Foundation An independent, international, nongovernmental organization dedicated to improving the conditions and prospects of children and youth. Working in partnership with national and regional foundations, IYF and its partners identify, strengthen, and expand existing programs that have proven effective in meeting young people's needs. The programs identified and supported by IYF and its partners are preventive in nature and promote the confidence, character, competence, and "connectedness" of young people to their family, peers, and community. Phone 410-347-1500.

Kiwanis International – Builders Club
Builders Club is the largest service organization for middle school and junior high students, with more than 40,000 members worldwide. Builders Club is a "student-led" community service organization that is supported by the Kiwanis International Office in Indianapolis, Indiana, which provides programs, literature, and opportunities to relate to young adolescents from countries worldwide.

Military Child Education Coalition (MCEC) Why are the Military Child Education Coalition's Efforts are Essential? Military children generally move from six to nine times during their K-12 school years. Many make multiple moves during high school years alone, some even during their senior year. Academic standards, courses, access to programs, promotion and graduation requirements, programs for children with special needs, and transfer and acceptance of records vary greatly from state to state and even from school to school. These frustrations, in addition to giving up friends and associates with whom a rapport has been established, cause further anxiety. Separation from a deployed parent (or parents) raises an additional issue. MCEC's role is to help families, schools and communities be better prepared to support children during these frequent moves and difficult times.

National 4-H Council An education organization focusing on youth issues which creates partnerships with corporations, foundations, the Cooperative Extension System (CES) and others to bring together the resources for addressing the needs and issues of young people. The organization builds partnerships for community youth development that value and involve youth in solving issues critical to their lives, their families and society. Phone 301-961-2800.

National Alliance of Black School Educators An association of teachers, superintendents, school administrators, higher education officials and school board members, as well as corporate and institutional members. The Association is dedicated to improving the educational development of African American youth through the development and deployment of instructional and motivational methods which increase levels of inspiration, attendance and overall achievement. Phone 800-221-2654.

National Art Education Association The National Art Education Association is the world's largest professional art education association and a leader in educational research, policy, and practice for art education. NAEA's mission is to advance art education through professional development, service, advancement of knowledge, and leadership.

Membership (approximately 40,000) includes elementary and secondary art teachers (and middle and senior high students in the National Art Honor Society programs), artists, administrators, museum educators, arts council staff, and university professors from throughout the United States and several foreign countries. It also includes publishers, manufacturers and suppliers of art materials, parents, students, retired art educators, and others concerned about quality art education in our schools.

The Association publishes several journals, papers, and flyers on art education; holds an annual convention; conducts research; sponsors a teacher awards program; develops standards on student learning, school programs and teacher preparation; and cosponsors workshops, seminars and institutes on art education.

National Association for Sport and Physical Education An association of K-12 physical educators, college and university faculty, researchers, coaches, athletic directors and athletic trainers, NASPE develops and supports quality sport and physical activity programs which promote healthy behaviors and individual well-being. Phone 703-476-3410.

National Association of Elementary School Principals A professional organization of elementary and middle school principals and other educators dedicated to assuring that every American boy and girl receives the world's best elementary and middle school education. Phone 800-38-NAESP.

National Association of School Psychologists An organization of currently working or credentialed school psychologists, consultants or supervisors of psychological services, most of whom work in educational settings from preschool through higher education; or students in the field. The organization publishes a variety of books of interest to those working with young adolescents. Phone 301-657-0270.

National Association of Secondary School Principals An organization of middle level through secondary education leaders, serving as a resource on various aspects of middle level education and leadership. Phone 800-253-7746.

The National Beta Club is dedicated to promoting the ideas of character, service, and leadership; providing activities and settings to develop relationship skills; rewarding meritorious achievement; and developing lifelong learners. Phone 800-845-8281.

National Coalition for Parent Involvement in Education An association made up of over 50 national education and advocacy organizations seeking to serve as a visible representative at the national level for strong parental involvement initiatives. NCPIE works to build comprehensive family-school partnerships that encompass a wide variety of approaches. Phone 202-822-8405 ext. 53.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the nation's 50 states, its commonwealths and territories. NCSL provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. NCSL is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

The National Conference of State Legislatures was founded in 1975 with the mission:

To improve the quality and effectiveness of state legislatures
To promote policy innovation and communication among state legislatures
To ensure state legislatures a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system

The Capitol Comes to the Classroom
In collaboration with National Middle School Association's "Month of the Young Adolescent" and National Conference of State Legislatures' "America's Legislators Back to School" programs, Hopkins West Junior High School in Minnetonka, Minnesota invited their state legislators to visit their school and participate in Civics classes. (Many NMSA members will remember this school as one of the school visits at NMSA's annual conference in Minneapolis in 2004.)

National Council of La Raza The largest constituency-based national Hispanic organization which exists to improve life opportunities for the more than 22 million Americans of Hispanic descent. NCLR has four missions: applied research, policy analysis, and advocacy on behalf of the entire Hispanic community; capacity-building assistance to support and strengthen Hispanic community-based organizations; public information activities designed to provide accurate information and positive images of Hispanics; and special innovative, catalytic, and international projects. Phone (202) 785-1670.

National Council for the Social Studies The largest association in the nation devoted solely to social studies education. Its 26,000 individual and institutional members are organized into a network of more than 110 affiliated local, state, and regional councils and associated groups composed of pre-k through 12 classroom teachers, college and university professors, school officials, supervisors, and consultants. NCSS strives to ensure that middle level social studies programs respond to the unique developmental needs of young adolescents to explore, experience, and develop a purposeful sense of the world, with the goal of preparing them to be effective and compassionate citizens in a participatory democracy. Phone: 800-296-7840.

National Dropout Prevention Center/Network a membership organization of more than 3,000 teachers, counselors, school administrators, state department of education staff, and business and community leaders who are concerned with dropout issues. The mission of the organization is to reduce America's dropout rate by meeting the needs of youth in at-risk situations through reshaping school and community environments to ensure that all youth receive the quality education and services to which they are entitled. Phone 864-656-2599.

National Helpers Network, Inc. an organization active in developing and supporting service learning programs. Phone 800-646-4623.

National Dissemination Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities NICHCY, is the national information and referral center for issues of childhood disability, ages birth to about 21 years, with an emphasis on education. NICHCY maintains a comprehensive Web site (including Zigawat! a page for kids), an on-line database of information and specialized organizations across the country, a toll free number to talk to an information specialist in either English or Spanish, and a selection of printed materials on disability and education, again in both English and Spanish. You can visit the Web site at www.nichcy.org or phone us between 9:30 - 6:30 Eastern time to request a free catalog or ask your questions.

National Education Association

National League of Cities' Institute for Youth, Education, and Families The Institute for Youth, Education, and Families, a special entity within the National League of Cities (NLC), helps municipal leaders take action on behalf of the children, youth, and families in their communities on five core program areas: education, youth development, early childhood development, the safety of children and youth, and family economic security. Staff at the Institute provide guidance and assistance to municipal officials, compiling and disseminating information on promising strategies and best practices, building networks of local officials working on similar issues and concerns, and conducting research on the key challenges facing municipalities in the core program areas.

National Middle School Association An organization of teachers, parents, administrators, professors, collegiates, consultants, community leaders, and anyone who is interested in improving the education experiences of young adolescents. NMSA resources include books, pamphlets, videos, a workshop series, Annual Conference, Urban Conference; Middle School Journal, research quarterly, Middle Ground magazine, and much more. Phone 800-528-6672.

National PTA National PTA is the oldest and largest volunteer association working exclusively on behalf of children and youth reminding our nation of its obligations to children. We are a grassroots association whose membership advocates before decision makers and works closely with other advocacy and educational organizations to ensure every child's right to better health, education, and overall well-being. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who has an interest in children and supports the PTA mission.

To support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children; To assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children; To encourage parent and public involvement in the public schools of this nation.

You can find a summary of National PTA's efforts within our President's brochure, "Your Children, Our Mission," found on our website at http://www.pta.org/aboutpta/presidentsmessage.asp. We hope you find this information helpful. Please contact us again if you need further assistance.

National School Boards Association NSBA's mission is to foster excellence and equity in public elementary and secondary education through school board leadership. NSBA achieves its mission by representing the school board perspective before federal government agencies and with national organizations that affect education, and by providing vital information and services to state associations of school boards and local school boards throughout the nation.

NSBA advocates local school boards as the ultimate expression of grassroots democracy. NSBA supports the capacity of each school board-acting on behalf of and in close concert with the people of its community-to envision the future of education in its community, to establish a structure and environment that allow all students to reach their maximum potential, to provide accountability for the people of its community on performance in the schools, and to serve as the key community advocate for children and youth and their public schools.

Founded in 1940, NSBA is a not-for-profit federation of associations of school boards across the United States. NSBA represents the nation's 95,000 school board members, who govern 14,890 local school districts serving the nation's more than 47 million public school students. Virtually all school board members are elected; the rest are appointed by elected officials.

National School Public Relations Association A professional organization which strives to build support for education through responsible public relations. It has a reputation in the field for practical approaches to solving school district and agency communication problems. NSPRA has useful communication products, maintains resource and research files, has contacts and resources within the corporate communication industry, and has chapters throughout the country. Phone 301-519-0496.

Parents Leadership Institute Parents Leadership Institute helps parents acquire the skills they need to build and rebuild close connections with their children. We also encourage parents to build close connections with other parents, so they are able to learn and share with others, and work together to build a healthier community.

PBS Teachers® supports educators by providing opportunities to engage, connect, contribute and grow, deepening the educational impact of public broadcasting content and services. As America's #1 trusted resource, PBS continues to set the bar by offering high-quality multimedia content and professional development for educators and their students.

Powell Center for Economic Literacy The mission of the Powell Center for Economic Literacy is to promote economic literacy among young people. Founded in 1979, the Powell Center for Economic Literacy is a leading resource for the development of classroom-ready tools and materials for K-12 economic and financial literacy education. The offerings of the Powell Center, many of which are available free of charge via the Center's Web site, can be applied in any school environment by teachers or administrators who are interested in improving students' understanding of economics.

SchoolTube provides students and educators a safe, world class, and free media sharing website that is nationally endorsed by premier education associations. SchoolTube is the recognized leader for moderated, internet media sharing for teachers and students. All student created materials on SchoolTube must be approved by registered teachers, follow local school guidelines, and adhere to our high standards.

The Student and Youth Travel Association of North America SYTA was formed in 1997 and has quickly grown to include more than 500 members. SYTA's primary goals are to provide a voice for the student and youth travel industry and to foster credibility of its members within the marketplace. All SYTA members must meet financial integrity criteria and adhere to a stringent code of ethics.

Formed in the year 2000, the SYTA Youth Foundation is the 501(c)(3) philanthropic, sister organization of the Student & Youth Travel Association of North America. The purpose of the Foundation is to design and implement programs that "give something back" to student and youth travelers. By providing volunteer and financial resources, the foundation continues to make a positive difference in the young lives of tomorrow's global citizens.

The SYTA Youth Foundation sponsors a Youth Day Out, where members are encouraged to adopt a group (or a middle school) and provide them with a trip to a local attraction at no charge. This Youth Day Out is a great MOYA activity.

Turtle Hook Middle School "Adopted" as Part of MOYA
The Student & Youth Travel Association (SYTA) is a supporter of Month of the Young Adolescent. At their annual conference in Memphis in 2005, SYTA members were encouraged to "adopt a middle school" for a day and provide a day trip for a group of students who normally would not be able to afford it. The president of SYTA, Judd Gerber of Gerber Tours, Inc. took the challenge. He and his company "adopted" Turtle Hook Middle School for a day. Turtle Hook Middle School is located in Uniondale, NY, and is 97% minority with 41% of the students qualifying for free or reduced price lunches.

Tiger Woods Foundation
Our mission:

Provide opportunities for our children to dream "big dreams" and then support them to take the necessary steps toward achieving those dreams.
Encourage children to find and become mentors for others.
Utilize education-based programs and opportunities to maximize one's own potential.
Continue to introduce the game of golf to children in "underserved" communities

The Tiger Woods Foundation accomplishes this mission using two methods:

The foundation awards grants to schools, agencies, and organizations that work with children.
The Start Something program which encourages children ages eight to seventeen to identify goals and take the necessary steps to achieve their dreams. Through this process, children discover the personal values and attitudes needed to reach their objectives. More than 1,029,000 children have enrolled in the program.

Young Adult Library Services Association, a Division of the American Library Association An organization of school librarians, young adult specialist in public libraries, other librarians who are youth advocates, and professors of higher education and students of librarian science. The organization advocates, promotes and strengthens services to young adults, ages 12 through 18, as part of the continuum of total library services and serves as a voice for better service and equal access for young adults in all types of libraries. Services regarding intellectual freedom and equal access issues that arise in schools can be obtained through the ALA Office of Intellectual Freedom. Also a source for the latest recommended books and videos for young adults. 800-545-2433 ext 4390.

Young Citizens, Inc. The Young Citizens programs are a leading resource for educators in schools, school districts, youth programs and community agencies nationwide who are interested in developing high-quality service-learning experiences. Young Citizens programs support quality service-learning by creating and piloting innovative models, supporting educators through professional development, and producing high-quality curriculum materials and training. For further information please contact us at dcm214@young_citizens.org