Youth Groups

Use these links to learn about the programs of major national organizations serving young people and, in many cases, to find contact information for the local affiliate in your own community.

4-H Afterschool

4-H Afterschool is a collaborative effort of the Cooperative Extension System and the National 4-H Council. The program helps 4-H and other youth-serving organizations create and improve after-school programs in urban, suburban, and rural communities across the U.S. Call your county extension agent or use the searchable online map to find the extension office nearest to you.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America

Career education, community service, computer skills, and a national photography competition are just some of the programs offered by the Boys and Girls Clubs.

Boy Scouts

Scouting offers teenagers numerous opportunities for conservation and community service projects. More than 300 local council service centers help local troops effectively use Scouting programs and partner with other community groups.

Future Farmers of America

While focused on helping young people prepare for careers in agriculture, FFA also offers award-winning chapter projects as "models of innovation" in such areas as environmental stewardship, community development, and citizenship.

Girl Scouts

Programs in community outreach and education, environmental awareness, health, the arts, and science, technology, engineering, and math, offer numerous potential links to local and regional planning. Use your zip code to find the Girl Scout Council in your area.

YMCA

Many Y's offer programs in the arts and humanities, youth and government, and community development, all of which could relate to the themes of National Community Planning Month. Use the online search function to Find Your YMCA.

YWCA

The YWCA's current "hallmark program" is devoted to eliminating racism and empowering women. Civic participation, choice and affordability in housing and transportation, environmental justice, and many other planning issues resonate with these challenging goals and may serve as a basis for developing activities during National Community Planning Month and beyond. Use a searchable map to find regional councils and local associations.