Bring
Change
Up2Us is dedicated to increasing the impact of youth sports as a tool
for positive youth development and to increasing access to quality
Sports-Based Youth Development programs, especially for
disadvantaged youth.
Up2Us Newsletter October 2009 |
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| Space is Limited! Register Now for the
Up2Us National Conference |
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The Up2Us National Conference in DC - October 21-23, 2009 - is the first-ever conference to unite all stakeholders in the field of Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD). The conference's goal is propel SBYD into the national spotlight as a critical tool for solving the major issues facing youth today. The two-day event will bring together organizations, researchers, practitioners, world renowned athletes and political leaders. Conference participants will share ideas, learn from each other, identify opportunities and celebrate the important work being done in the field.
Featured speakers and presenters include: Nicola Goren - CEO of Corporation of National Community Service; Olympic Speed Skater Kevin Jennings; Monica Seles - Professional Tennis Player and Member of the International Tennis Hall of Fame; Jim Thompson - Founder and Execuive Director of Positive Coaching Alliance; and many others in the Up2Us coalition.
Register Today:
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Follow Up2Us on Facebook and Twitter
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Be on the lookout for updates during the National Conference!
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| Coach For America Receives Americorps Funding
for a January Launch |
Up2Us is thrilled to announce an AmeriCorps three-year pilot grant for $1.1 million to launch Coach For America (CFA). This program will use a unique national coaching and service model to inspire and reinvigorate a generation of young Americans threatened by obesity.
CFA is the first nationwide effort to mobilize highly trained AmeriCorps members as Sports-Based Youth Development practitioners.
In the pilot year, Up2Us members in twelve states will host 98 CFA members.
CFA will provide comprehensive training to certify members as
coaches and experts in health/nutrition, parent engagement, and
service-learning. CFA members will then serve, teach and support youth and youth development organizations in underserved communities. They will also work to engage an additional 5,000 volunteers in their activities. In the years ahead, Up2Us hopes to expand CFA to additional member organizations around the country.
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| Nike Partners in Up2Us' Mission to Promote SBYD |
 Up2Us and Nike have teamed up to develop a national campaign to address the budget shortfalls jeopardizing youth sports programming. The "Save Youth Sports" campaign will challenge public and private sector groups to jointly develop creative solutions for communities that lack resources for Sports-Based Youth Development (SBYD) programs. In addition, Up2Us and Nike will create a web portal where the sports community can exchange necessary resources to sustain and launch sports activities in underserved communities. |
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House Passes National Coach Appreciation Week Resolution
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On September 14th, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the National Coach Appreciation Week Resolution. In a press conference recognizing the week, Former NFL Quarterback and current Representative Health Shuler (D-NC) said, "I know firsthand the important role coaches play in helping to instill the values of hard work and commitment in young people on and off the field."
Rep. Mike McIntyre (D-NC), Shuler's colleague and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Youth Sports added, "Coach Appreciation Week is a time to recognize the contributions
of coaches across the U.S. who engage youth in sports programs and
serve as leaders, mentors, and role models. It is also an opportunity
to recruit new volunteers to be coaches in communities that lack sports
programs and adult role models to lead them."
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| UnitedHealth HEROES Grant Available |
 The UnitedHealth HEROES grant supports youth-led service-learning projects that address childhood obesity. Grant recipients will receive up to $1,000 in support for service-learning projects that focus on childhood obesity, engage youth ages five-25 in the planning and implementation process, and take place during Semester of Service 2010 (MLK Day on January 18 through Global Youth Service Day on April 23-25). The deadline for the application is October 22nd. For more information, contact Sarah Guy ( sguy@ysa.org) of Youth Service America. |
Up2Us Recognizes 9/11 Day of Service and Remembrance by Reclaiming a Soccer Field
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Up2Us, the Corporation for National & Community Service (CNCS), and Up2Us member organizations across the country conducted service-learning activities in honor of the inaugural September 11th Day of Service. In Washington, DC, volunteers from the White House, CNCS and PlayWorks participated in a special project hosted by DC SCORES. Community volunteers, parents and students prepared a formerly neglected field for a lifetime of use. As a result of their efforts, local teams and Sports-Based Youth Development programs will be able to use the field to help students excel on the field and in the classroom.
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Up2Us Regional Conference Update: Next Stop Milwaukee
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Throughout the year, Up2Us hosts free half-day Regional Conferences across the country. These conferences introduce organizations to Up2Us, educate Up2Us members on how to improve program quality and capacity, engage funders and build momentum for the national Sports-Based Youth Development movement.
The Milwaukee Regional Conference will be held at the the Bradley Center on Tuesday, October 27th, 2009. Registration is now open through the Up2Us website.
If you'd like more information or are interested in bringing an Up2Us Regional Conference to your city, please contact Heather Langerman at hlangerman@up2us.org. |
Not an Up2Us Member? Sign Up Here!
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To become an Up2Us member, visit the link below and complete the short survey. Membership in Up2Us is free.
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Up2Us Member Organizations
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For a complete list of Up2Us member organizations, click here:
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