The Hampton Coalition for Youth, as a department within local government, is the coordinating, planning, and catalyst organization for youth issues in Hampton. Current Coalition activities include the following major initiatives.

The Mobilization for Youth

This city-wide initiative creates a foundation for the healthy development of all youth by ensuring that Hampton has the necessary services, supports and opportunities for youth success.

The core of this work is the Developmental Assets® Campaign that involves the entire community in providing the "assets" or building blocks all children need to succeed. The campaign supports the major youth-serving systems in making a shift to an assets approach.

It offers many opportunities for volunteer involvement and partnerships with neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Speakers are available to present to community groups and resources are available on how parents, youth, neighbors, schools, business, and the faith community can participate.

Hampton Youth Commission

This board of 24 youth members serves as a "youth voice" for the city. They identify and promote youth issues and provide input into city planning and decision making. They also appropriate funding annually for youth activities developed by youth, and champion their own component of the city-wide Hampton Community Plan.

The Youth Commission meets at least four times a year in public forum where any youth or adult can address the Commission about important youth concerns. For the current schedule of public meetings and other related youth activities, see the calendar of the Youth Commission website.

Youth Civic Engagement

This initiative develops young people as community leaders and prepares community members to work in youth/adult partnerships within neighborhoods, schools and organizations to address important youth issues. Hundreds of opportunities are available for any teenager to participate.

Leadership groups are organized in each secondary school and neighborhood district to address important issues and tackle youth concerns. Alternatives, Inc. staffs this initiative.

City departments are encouraged and supported to involve young people in meaningful roles within city government. Over 100 youth each year serve as paid staff, interns or volunteers in various city departments. The Mayor and other city officials honor these youth at an annual recognition reception hosted by the Coalition.

Youth Issues and Policy

As the champion of the city's youth agenda, the Coalition office coordinates and serves as a catalyst for youth issues. Long term and strategic planning is guided by advisory teams of city staff, youth and adult citizens.

Ongoing data collection explores the conditions for young people in Hampton. Data includes a survey of "youth space" and the survey of Developmental Assets. More information on these reports is available at the Coalition office.

Support for Youth-Serving Organizations

The Coalition provides ongoing support and technical assistance for youth-serving organizations by identifying best practices for youth development. An ongoing email and resource network, Link 'N' Learn is available to all local youth workers. As a sponsor of the BEST Initiative, the Coalition helps to support an extensive training and certification program for youth workers.

Contact the Coalition office to be placed on our mailing list for updated information.