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Stories
Blanca D. Martinez Gavina
"YALT allowed me realize my potential in the movement towards ensuring a safe future for all children in America. It allowed me to regroup and expand my knowledge on the issues that can be tackled on behalf of children." Read more
Stories
Megan Argillander
"Often times I get overwhelmed in the work I do, but being surrounded by all the amazing, talented, dedicated, and accomplished individuals at YALT inspired and motivated me to keep going and push forward." Read more
Stories
Sherita Diaz
"I just wanted to say that YALT was definitely a life-changing experience! It was an awesome learning experience that made me anxious to return to my community more strengthened and renewed in an effort to impact the lives of children and families." Read more
Stories
Kayla Vinson
"Attending YALT 2009 infused me with a new drive to advocate for America's children. It opened my eyes to the difference between direct service and advocacy and helped me to understand the necessity for both." Read more
Stories
Kadi Janssen
"Attending the YALT program affirmed my passion for advocacy around children's issues, and I was inspired to see so many other young people who are eager to be involved in this work and create a better path for children." Read more
Young Advocate Leadership Training (YALT®) Program
CDF's vision is to develop the next generation of leaders who are committed to social justice and improving the lives of all children in America. To help achieve this goal, one of the many programs that CDF offers is the Young Advocate Leadership Training (YALT®) program.
Application Information for the Fall YALT Program
The application process is now closed for the October 2-4, 2009, YALT program. Please revisit this site at a later date to learn more about the 2010 YALT program.
More than 100 young adults from across the country will gather to strengthen their skill set and their commitment to improve the lives of children in America. The YALT program is a three-day, intensive organizing training that will connect young adults with CDF’s legislative campaigns and priorities, specifically around education reform and health coverage for all children and pregnant women. Participants will be taught new tactics and strategies that can be implemented in their communities and on their college campuses.
For additional information or questions regarding the YALT program, please contact yalt@childrensdefense.org or call Jalaya Liles Dunn at (202) 628-8787.
Highlights of past YALT programs include:
- Targeted training sessions on developing organizing and advocacy skills;
- Facilitated action plan development that will assist you in determining how you can improve the lives of children on your campus and in your community;
- Dynamic and interactive workshops focused on developing skills in targeted areas and using best practices to engage elected officials and build the public will needed to improve the lives of children.
A Look at the March 2009 YALT program!
In March 2009, 116 young adults from 33 states and the District of Columbia attended the YALT program at CDF Haley Farm in Clinton, TN. The training focused on organizing communities and campuses around health care reform in 2009, especially health care reform for children. Participants developed their own customized action plans to organize a variety of activities to support health reform such as meeting with elected officials, letter writing campaigns, petition drives, rallies and collecting personal stories to deliver to elected officials.
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