Washington, DC – Youth Service America announces 68 Lead Agencies for Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), the largest service event in the world.

The GYSD Lead Agencies are organizations across the United States and Canada that increase the scope, visibility, and sustainability of GYSD by leading city, regional or statewide service campaigns. With funding provided by State Farm Companies Foundation, the Lead Agencies engage young people in substantive roles to transform their communities through simultaneous volunteering efforts. GYSD is April 24, 25, and 26, 2009. Each Lead Agency will receive $2,000 to help plan their GYSD project.

Spanning three days GYSD is the largest service event in the world and involves young people, ages 5-25, from schools, community organizations and congregations of faith. Youth volunteers will address critical problems, such as climate change, literacy, poverty, human rights, high school dropout rates, malaria, and many other issues.  GYSD participants are encouraged to develop a 14-week service-learning project that launches on the Martin Luther King Day of Service, January 19, 2009, and culminates on the weekend of GYSD.

“It is a distinct honor to work with such amazing organizations,” said Steve Culbertson, president and CEO of Youth Service America. “Their leadership increases the scale and visibility of youth service year-round, and helps youth in America play a lead role in learning about community needs, while giving their time, energy, commitment, and idealism.”

“Millions of young people serving together on Global Youth Service Day performing strategic service sends a powerful message of hope and healing around the globe,” Culbertson added.

View the listing of lead agencies* across the United States and Canada.

For more information on Global Youth Service Day, please contact Kathy Zarate or call (202) 727-8006.