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.
DCAYA Statement: COVID-19 and Homeless Youth Services
**Note: This is the first in a series of public statements and letters we’ll be creating related to COVID-19 in the coming few weeks. The next will focus more broadly on the ways in which government and philanthropy can support /sustain youth development programming in light of COVID-19. Our third (we anticipate) will focus on…
Announcing: Exciting Changes at DCAYA
DCAYA’s staff and board have spent the last 7 months listening, talking and thinking about the next phase of organizational development for DCAYA. Throughout these discussions we’ve consistently heard about the importance of our mission. That a diverse and engaged coalition of youth advocates is vital to elevating the policies, practices, and funding needed to give…
DCAYA’S FY21 Budget Advocacy Agenda
With performance hearings in full swing and budget hearings on the horizon, the time has come to share our FY21 Budget Advocacy Agenda. In this post, we’ll be sharing our two primary budget asks, talking points and advocacy resources, and upcoming opportunities for action. As always, if you have any questions about what we’re advocating…