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 MoreUpcoming Events
- Jan 24 Friday
Out of School Time: Advocacy for Action Event
- 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Join DCAYA, out of school time providers, volunteers, parents and partners in educating DC council and other policy makers on the importance of youth development programming! This 2 hour series of council walk arounds and office visits is a great chance to get your voice heard! Who should attend this event? Anyone who can speak passionately…
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.
A Celebration of DCAYA
We hope you will help us celebrate the accomplishments of fearless Executive Director, Maggie Riden before she begins her next adventure. In her 7 years as our fearless leader, Maggie has: Informed and influenced over $878 million in public funding Spearheaded the 2011 Youth Homelessness report that was the first of its kind in DC, and…
Join Today for a Better Tomorrow
As we gear up for the start of advocacy season this fall (yes, it’s just around the corner), we’re asking you to show your support for sustained youth voice on the issues that matter to them, by becoming a dues paying member. This year, we have 3 extra compelling reasons why you should join or…
The Times They Are a-Changin’
Dear Friends, Earlier this year I made the exciting decision to begin my transition from DCAYA. It has been an incredible 9 years. We’ve accomplished things I could not have imagined at the start of this journey. We accomplished them because we were clear in our values and beliefs. Because hundreds of people from all…