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Download the following forms to participate in the City of Dreams on Nov. 7-8, 2009.

What is Youth Programs?
The Youth Programs department of Habitat for Humanity was founded with the mission to capture the imagination, energy and hope of young people worldwide, ages 5 to 25, in order to productively and responsibly involve them as leaders in the work of Habitat.

How has Youth Programs developed?
In November 1987, Baylor University in Waco, Texas, became the first university to form its own student-led, student-initiated Habitat for Humanity organization. The Habitat for Humanity International Board of Directors approved the Youth Programs department in December 1987. High school students became a part of the Youth Programs family in 1988 when Marist School in Atlanta, Georgia, formed the first secondary school campus chapter. The first international chapter was chartered in 1991 at the University of Technology in Lae, Papua New Guinea. Since 1987, more than 800 chapters have been chartered worldwide. While the vast majority of these student clubs are based in the United States, campus chapters exist in 35 countries.

As the department's programs expanded internationally, the Youth Programs department recognized that other youth programs models were needed for those areas where schools were not close by or where the youth had graduated. Begun in the Philippines in 2001, community youth groups (CYGs) allow an entire community to be involved.

What do we do?
The Youth Programs department exists to support Habitat for Humanity national organizations and affiliates in promoting youth involvement. We are also responsible for providing ongoing support to youth volunteers and those that support them through resources, training and special programs. We help young people involved in Habitat for Humanity set up special events, participate in travel service teams and engage in decision-making at the local level. The Youth Programs department is also the liaison between individual campus chapters and community youth groups and other Habitat for Humanity International departments. Youth Programs staff members are stationed in the field and in the international headquarters in Americus, Ga.

What do we believe?
At Youth Programs, we believe that young people are the builders and leaders of today and tomorrow. In that spirit, we seek to offer young people opportunities to partner with Habitat for Humanity in a sustained and productive way. We seek to create nurturing environments where youth can develop skills in community leadership and teamwork while providing continued valuable resources toward the elimination of poverty housing.

How can young people join in Habitat for Humanity's work? It's easy!
Volunteer! Call 203-596-0014 or email Doreen Ryan at d.ryan@waterburyhabitat.org and ask what opportunities they have for youth volunteers.