International Youth Day in the United States

International Youth Day is observed annually on August 12. It was designated by the United Nations in 1999 with the intention of highlighting issues affecting young people around the world. The day serves as an opportunity to celebrate and mainstream young peoples’ voices, actions, and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal, and equitable engagement.

History

• 1998: First proposed by a group of youth at the first session of the UN World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth.
• 1999: The UN General Assembly endorsed the recommendation, and International Youth Day was declared.
• 2000: The first International Youth Day was observed.

Traditions

In the United States, while International Youth Day is not a public holiday with any official traditions, various organizations and communities engage in activities that focus on the empowerment of young people. These might include:

• Conferences & Workshops: Events that aim to discuss youth issues and empower young leaders.
• Community Service: Volunteering projects to support local communities.
• Educational Campaigns: Programs aimed at educating people about issues affecting youth.
• Arts & Cultural Exhibitions: Showcasing young talent through performances and art displays.

Activities

On this day in the U.S., individuals and organizations might:

• Participate in social media campaigns to raise awareness about youth issues.
• Organize youth forums or roundtable discussions on topics such as education, employment, and climate change.
• Collaborate with international organizations to align with global themes for International Youth Day.
• Advocate for policies that support youth development.

Each year has a specific theme determined by current youth-related challenges; participants are encouraged to tailor their activities around these themes.