In a video message, President Obama announced the challenge at the 2011 UNITY Youth Conference, calling for young American Indian and Alaska Native leaders to submit their stories of leadership and service in their communities.
The stories submitted will be considered and evaluated based on a demonstrated record of service to one’s tribe, nation, village, or community. Young leaders who have sought to improve their communities are encouraged to submit stories in one or more of the following areas:
o Education, Mentorship or Afterschool Programs;
o Sports, Nutrition or Let’s Move! n Indian Country;
o Substance and Alcohol Abuse Prevention;
o Health and Wellness, including outh Suicide Prevention;
o Building Healthy Relationships and Peer Relationships;
o Cultural Preservation and Native Languages;
o Anti-Bullying and Personal Empowerment;
o Self Expression through Arts and Crafts;
o Emerging Leadership in Government Service; and
o Economic and Community Development.
As a part of the challenge, a handful of Native youth community leaders will be invited to the White House this fall in conjunction with the activities of Native American heritage month in November.
Submissions should include a description of the leadership initiatives or community programs; the number of people involved or effected; key examples of success; and explanations of the barriers or challenges and how they were overcome.
For more information see the website:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/nativeamericans/take-native-american-youth-challenge program.
