COYA is Alaska's premier forum for engaging young Alaskans and celebrating what it means to be Alaskan. This year's conference theme of North IS the Future asks 55 Alaskans between the ages of 16 and 25 to consider "Our Role in Alaska; Alaska's Role in the World."

The conference - held in Juneau from January 4 - 7, 2012 - draws delegates from across the state to consider the challenges facing Alaska and her people.

Over the course of four days, delegates to COYA will address critical issues facing the state, learn more about Alaska's history, and work toward a strategic plan for ensuring future success.

Apply by September 30th, 2011 to be considered for selection as a delegate. Visit www.youngalaskans.org or contact coya@institutenorth.org or call Nils Andreassen at 907 771-2448 to learn more.

Native American Youth Challenge 

President Obama is seeking youth doing extraordinary things to make a difference in their tribe, village or community. The White House wants to hear your stories and invite a group of exceptional Native youth community leaders to the White House. Write a brief essay and you might be selected.

Requirements:

• You must be 13-25
• Maximum of 250 words
• Submissions may be about yourself or another leader in your community, however all submissions must be written by people age 25 or younger
• Any individuals invited to the White House will be responsible for obtaining their own travel and lodging.

Submissions should include a description of the leadership or community activity, the number of people involved or impacted, key examples of success, and barriers or challenges for the leadership efforts and how they were overcome. More information is available here. 

All submissions must be received by September 30, 2011. Share your story!

Youth Service America will award 25 Sodexo Youth Grants of $500 each to support youth-led service projects in the United States addressing the issue of childhood hunger during National Hunger & Homelessness Awareness Week (November 13-20, 2011).

They're looking for projects that engage peers, friends, families, neighbors and other community members with creative, youth-inspired solutions to ending childhood hunger in your community.

Hurry, applications are due by September 16, 2011!

Congratulations on being nominated for recognition from Spirit of Youth. You will receive Spirit of Youth's newsletter each month highlighting community service opportunities, scholarships, and fun activities in Alaska.

Sincerely,

The staff and teens at Spirit of Youth

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" button at the bottom of this e-mail. 

Spirit of Youth is dedicated to creating, promoting and recognizing youth involvement in communities across Alaska.

Each year, over 150 youth are nominated for the Spirit of Youth Award.  Nominations are made by anyone who wishes to recognize a hard-working, inspiring teenager or youth group in one of 11 award categories.

Spirit of Youth is governed by a board of directors and the Teen Advisory Council.   

If you are interested in joining the board of directors please complete our online application. If you are a middle or high school student interested in joining the Teen Advisory Council contact Rosey Robards at rrobards@spiritofyouth.org 

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