National Advocacy
The collective need.
Each year, Congress must decide how to allocate money for discretionary programs, which is funding that is optional and implemented under an appropriations bill. Discretionary funding includes determining funding levels for programs and services that support the youth we serve. Given the growing number of demands for scarce public dollars, it is essential that Congress hear from the experts and organizations that are working on the streets and in our local communities.
Our unified response.
We build a strong collective of key allies who are well-positioned to protect critical funding sources. By leaning on the expertise of our local members, we educate policymakers by:
- Providing focused messaging on national trends and current events - translating local developments into national policy and vice versa;
- Coordinating face-to-face meetings with key Members of Congress and their staff; and
- Building strategic relationships with decision-makers at all levels, leveraging the collective strength and knowledge of our membership to improve federal policy.
Each year, Youth Collaboratory prioritizes its advocacy efforts to focus on the critical issues identified by our member organizations. In 2020, Youth Collaboratory will focus on:
- Increase funding for the Runaway and Homeless Youth Program.
- Increase funding for the Youth Mentoring Program.
- Supporting a program that ensures all communities have the opportunity to implement the best practices and lessons learned through the previously funded Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program.
- Support our peer organizations in securing a full reauthorization of the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, including programmatic changes and robust funding.
- Provide effective advocacy tools and timely knowledge to Youth Collaboratory Members.
- Respond to emerging public policy crises, as necessary.
How you help.
Youth Collaboratory Members invest in our advocacy agenda and are committed to advancing federal public policy and funding to meet the needs of the youth development field, and the children, youth, and young adults we serve.
Advocacy related Membership benefits include:
- A dedicated, experienced team working year-round to advance the federal funding and policies important to your work.
- Access to “Public Policy Office Hours” - our policy discussions with members.
- The opportunity to apply to be part of the Youth Collaboratory Advocacy Action Committee.
- Policy updates and alerts on relevant issues.
Information for every day advocacy.
We also support the field in becoming every day advocates – providing access to experts and colleagues that can help organizations tell their story and move the conversation forward. Check out our most recent Government Relations blog posts and statements:
- May 2021: Foster Youth Mentoring Act of 2021
- April 2021: Federal Updates
- March 2021: Three Major Funding Updates: The American Rescue Plan, Infrastructure & Economic Stimulus Package and FY22 Appropriations
- February 2021: FY2021 Currently Open Federal Grant & Grant Forecasts
- December 2020: Congress Passes $2.3 Trillion Package for COVID Relief and FY2021 Appropriations
- November 2020: Biden wins Presidency; Control of the Senate Runs Through Georgia; Democrats’ House Margin Shrinks; COVID Relief and FY21 Approps Loom in the Lame Duck Session
- October 2020: Progress on Federal Funding
- August 2020: Statement Against the Modification to the Equal Access Rule
- July 2020: COVID-19, Capitol Jam, and FY21 Appropriations
- July 2020: National Housing Advocates Statement on Policing and Black Communities
- June 2020: A message to fellow Executive Directors in the field (specifically the white majority)
- April 2020: COVID-19 Relief & Stimulus Legislation
- March 2020: Progress on $2 Trillion Relief & Stimuls Bill for COVID-19
- March 2020: Youth Collaboratory's Recommended COVID-19 Response & Relief for Youth Homelessness
- February 2020: President Trump Releases FY2021 Budget Proposal
You can also access the entire collection of posts in our Government Relationships Blog Series.
