Tell Us What You’re #Hopeful4!

This week, Youth Engaged 4 Change (YE4C) launched its #Hopeful4 contest, asking young people 13-24 to submit an original image depicting what they’re hopeful for and what keeps them going with hope and courage.

There are many things to have hope about and we want to hear about what sparks that positive feeling for young people from all backgrounds and experiences!

The contest submission period is open until August 30, 2019, at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. Share with your networks to give young people the opportunity to receive a $50 gift card!

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Good Reads from SparkAction and Our Partners

• Your Guide to Navigating Professional Spaces as an Adult
  by Amanda Shabowich

Amanda Shabowich, community leader with the Opportunity Youth United’s Boston Community Action Team, used her own experience to create a guide to help other young leaders effectively navigate professional spaces. Read the blog post.

• “Exercising the Muscle of Hope” and Other Insights from an LGBTQ+ Panel
  by Sher Jamal Stone

Ahead of Pride Month in June, the American Express Leadership Academy’s LGBTQ+ Panel explored how queer professionals “exercise the muscle of hope” during trying times. Read for insightful reflections on how queer people are not just surviving but thriving, making workplaces more equitable overall, and how hope plays an important part in creating positive change. Read the article.

• U.S. House Hearing on Strengthening Federal Support to End Youth Homelessness
  by National Network for Youth

4.2 million young people experience homelessness each year in America. Many won’t have the same stories to share of opportunities to reach their potential and hope to achieve their dreams. The National Network for Youth attended a hearing on how to strengthen federal support in order to testify on why it’s crucial we end youth homelessness. Read the article.

• Youth Development in Nature: An Interview with Karen Pittman
  by Richard Louv

The Children and Nature network explores views on the importance of connecting all children, families and communities to the natural world in this interview with Karen Pittman, CEO of the Forum for Youth Investment. Read the full story.