Youthled Research, Selfdetermined Priorities

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Youth-led Research, Self-determined Priorities

• June 24, 2008
• Betsy Valnes
• National Youth Leadership Network

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• Organizational Definition and Makeup
• Non-profit organization, 501(c)(3)
• Led by and for young people with disabilities,
  ages 16-28
• Overseen by Governing Board, 18 members, all
  young people
• Staff are also young adults with disabilities,
  under 30 years old
• Includes people from throughout the U.S. and its
  territories

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• Organizational Structure
• Staff
• Executive Director, Public Outreach Specialist,
  Technical Support Specialist, Linguistic
  Diversity Specialist
• Governing Board
• President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer
• Committees
• Accessibility, Advocacy, Public Outreach
• Committee Members
• General Members
• Allies

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Diversity Disability
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Diversity Race and Ethnicity
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• What is the National Youth Leadership Network?
• Products
• Informational E-mails
• Newsletters
• National Teleconferences/Webcasts
• Tools for Youth Direction/Clearinghouse
• Public Education Documents
• Outreach Activities
• National Youth Information Center
• Resource Consultants
• Organizational Collaboration

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What do you think is most important? (Ways to
succeed in education and employment goals.)
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What do you think is most important? (Ways to
succeed in education and employment goals.)
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What do you think is most important? Comparison
of Lowest Scores vs. Highest Scores
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• Specific Details
• 77 - NYLN increased their networking with
  disability leaders
• 76 - NYLN increased their desire to be employed
• 76 - NYLN increased their desire for more
  education
• 76 - NYLN increased their understanding of the
  issues for youth with disabilities
• 70 - NYLN increased their knowledge of
  disability-related laws

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• Mentoring
• 74 had a mentor
• 63 served as a mentor
• Organizational Involvement
• 90 served in a leadership group
• 70 served in decision-making positions
• 33 started an organization

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• Personal Development
• 85 attended conferences / leadership training
• 79 read books relating to leadership
• 75 spoke / presented at conferences
• 21 independently worked for a political campaign
  / candidate

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• Become a Member/Ally
• Learn More about NYLN
• Betsy Valnes
• bvalnes_at_tie.net
• 1-866-480-6565
• www.nyln.org