We envision a community where no youth is considered at- risk and where all are respected as valued members of society. To this end, we work to establish structured opportunities for adolescents to become safe, healthy, resilient, and confident community members.
The Impact
As a result of recent advocacy and awareness campaigns, we’ve made major investments in our issue areas.
Who We Are
DCAYA has over 120 members, who all share our vision for a District committed to all of its citizens.
Stay Involved
Parents, providers, and other youth advocates can connect with us through events and volunteering.
Our Issue Areas
We promote a citywide strategy to youth development that is data and outcome driven in these issue areas.
2018 Election Advocacy Guide Toolkit
The 2018 District of Columbia elections present a critical opportunity. Now is the time to push for the needs of the over 120,000 children and youth who call DC home—but lack a direct political voice—to the forefront of every candidate’s agenda.
Learn More
November is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month
Join the fight to end youth homelessness here in the District, by making a pledge to support our advocacy for homeless youth this Giving Tuesday.
Pledge NowYouth-Friendly DC
Keep up with news and updates from DCAYA staff and occasional guest bloggers, with a new post every Wednesday.
Stand For Youth
Reflecting on 2018 As 2018 comes to a close, I want to say thank you. 2018 showed us once again what we can accomplish when we stand together as a community. Your support, time, energy over the last year: Provides thousands of DC’s youngest residents with new opportunities to play, learn, and grow after school…
Member Monday shout out to YWCA National Capital Area
It’s a Member Monday shout out to member organization YWCA National Capital Area! Our Mission is to eliminate racism, empower women, and to promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. And if you work with young people in the District, consider becoming a member or renewing your organization’s membership.
Kicking Off Youth Homelessness Awareness Month with an Inocente Screening
As you may know, November is Youth Homelessness Awareness Month. And DCAYA has partnered with the National Museum of Women in the Arts to co-present Inocente. The Academy Award-winning film Inocente is an inspiring coming-of-age story of a 15-year-old girl in California. Though homeless and undocumented, she refuses to give up on her dreams to become…