What is the NYLN? The National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN) is a non-profit organization run by young people with disabilities. We empower all young people to reach their maximum potential. We are made up of young leaders with disabilities from across the U.S. and its territories. The Governing Board leads the Network. And the Governing Board is also made up of young people. The NYLN: · Helps young leaders set and reach their goals. · Helps young people get more involved at national, state and local levels. · Shows young people how to find supports in their communities. This could include education, employment, independent living, health and wellness. · Listens to young people’s priorities when it comes to social change.		NYLN Mission/Services Mission Statement NYLN's mission is to promote youth leadership and education. We teach youth how to advocate. Our goal is to make sure that youth with disabilities have the chance to set and reach their own goals. Webcasts We hold webcasts. You can participate on the phone or on the Internet. They are trainings led by youth experts, and they are free. You will have a chance to talk with other young people all over the country. You will also have a chance to ask questions and get more information. Resource Consultants Young people are experts! NYLN leaders are asked to serve on boards and committees all over the country. There are also opportunities to give public presentations in schools or at community events. Sometimes there are even chances to speak at conferences. Just register to become a member!		NYLN Activities National Youth Information Center The NYLN also serves as a Youth Information Center. This is a national site for information. Go to our web page and visit the Clearinghouse page. You will find resources that other young people have created on their own or in teams. Committee Activities NYLN activities happen all year. These are led by our committees. · Accessibility Committee: This committee creates public documents. These documents empower young people. And they are used for trainings all over the country. · Advocacy Committee: This committee hosts webcasts. Young people from around the country can participate. · Public Outreach: This committee makes newsletters. There are four newsletters each year. This team also works with other Youth Information Centers.
NYLN Publications Newsletter NYLN writes four newsletters each year. It has articles written by young people. There are stories about current events, personal profiles of young leaders, and opportunities around the country. NYLN and KASA NYLN works with KASA to make youth-to-youth information documents. KASA (Kids As Self-Advocates) is a program made up of young people, too. We work together to write about things that young people find important. So far we have made the following documents: · Accessibility and Accommodations: Making opportunities accessible to all · Respectful Disability Language: Here’s what’s up! · Accessibility Checklist	Empowerment Resources National Clearinghouse The Clearinghouse is a place where you can find information. There are resources for: · Education · Employment · Healthcare · Disability History/Disability Culture · Advocacy · Policy · Youth-made Materials (this includes links to websites, blogs, and more!) Become a Member! Just go to www.nyln.org. You will find a link that says: Become A Member. Once you are a member, you will get updates and resources right away. There is no cost to be a member of NYLN. For more information, contact: Betsy Valnes NYLN Executive Director 1-866-480-6565 E-mail: bvalnes@tie.net www.nyln.org		Youth-Led Youth-Driven Youth Voice Youth Power “Young people play a very important role in uniting the Disability Community. They have the power and creativity to create change. And NYLN will support them in doing it.” Stacey Milbern NYLN President