INTERNATIONAL YOUTH HALL OF FAME

International Youth Hall of Fame&reg (IYHF) builds developmental assets by helping communities come together to recognize, celebrate, encourage, document and publicize the positive efforts of everyday youth who are making a difference at home, in school and in the community. These school-age youth of all cultures, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds, remind us all that it’s the “ordinary human virtues” that make us extraordinary!” Unlike other recognition programs, IYHF is not a competition. Rather, IYHF seeks to find the best in all youth.

Young people are nominated “in secret” by schools, nonprofits, faith community, service clubs, parks and recreation programs, business, media, government, families and friends. Local Youth Councils play an active role in implementing the program, distributing nomination forms, calling references, managing the database and Web site and planning the community celebration.

Another unique component of the program are the IYHF Youth Walls of Fame&#153. These permanent monuments are built in high traffic areas of each IYHF community and provide honorees and opportunity to leave a living legacy. “Gangs leave their mark with graffiti,” says Larry Sagen, Founder and Executive Director. “The Youth Walls of Fame are positive expressions of children who are making a difference.”

IYHF is more than just recognition. Honorees pledge to serve as mentors for other youth, demonstrating their commitment to being responsible role models. Since 1990, the IYHF has recognized more than 2,100 youth in Seatte, Federal Way, Bellevue, Redmond, Issaquah, Kirkland, Tacoma, and Spokane, WA; Boise, ID; and Portage County, OH. To date, more than 5 million people have viewed IYHF Youth Walls of Fame.

Beginning in September 2000, IYHF will launch their On The Road With Kids Tour. Following in the “tire tracks” of famed correspondent, Charles Kuralt, the IYHF RV equipped with a digital video studio and web broadcasting will travel to rural and urban communities around the country starting IYHF Chapters and recognizing and publicizing 2000 youth.

To start an International Youth Hall of Fame Chapter or become a part of the “On The Road With Kids Tour,” please contact Larry Sagen, International Youth Hall of Fame, PMB #201, 300 Queen Anne Ave. N., Seattle, WA 98109. You can also visit the Web site at www.youthhall.org or call (206) 623-6770. Give the gift of acknowledgment and appreciation to a young person.