Highlighting America’s 100 Best Communities for Young People
The 100 Best Communities for Young People competition honors outstanding efforts on behalf of young people by multiple sectors of communities. In cities, suburbs, small towns and counties across the country, this annual competition is leading communities to assess their efforts, work more effectively together for young people, and share best practices. Each week one of the 2007 100 Best Communities will be highlighted in the America’s Promise Bulletin and on our web site.
Anchorage, Alaska
By Cynthia Hobgood
Though Anchorage is located in the far reaches of the United States, it is a community that is embracing the power of the Five Promises to serve its youth.
The Municipality of Anchorage believes that it is vitally important to ensure that children and youth have the resources they need to learn, develop, and achieve to their greatest potential. Through these partnerships with nonprofits, businesses, policy makers, community leaders, youth and families, Anchorage’s Promise works collaboratively ensure that all of Anchorage’s youth five crucial resources - the Five Promises: caring adults, safe places, effective education, a healthy start and opportunities to help.
Anchorage Youth Development Coalition has more than 100 individual members committed to the vision that “all Anchorage youth are valued, involved, and thriving members of our community.” Twelve sectors are represented, including faith based, youth-serving organizations, tribal organizations, business, parents, and youth.
Some of the other initiatives in Anchorage that led to its selection as one of 100 Best Communities for Young People include:
The Municipal Youth Advisory Commission (MYAC): Established in 1980, MYAC consists of fifteen members, ages 14 - 22, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Assembly. The (MYAC) advises the Mayor and the Assembly on issues, services and programs related to youth.
KidsDay: Working collaboratively with seventy youth serving organizations, Anchorage’s Promise coordinates the largest youth event of its kind in Alaska. KidsDay introduces and encourages continued commitment to providing the five essential resources/promises to Anchorage’s youth. With help from exhibitors, interactive booths are created that demonstrate the importance of each resource and educate families. Youth are introduced through interactive games, crafts and activities, reinforcing and teaching all Five Promises.
Alaska Covering Kids Coalition: Dedicated to improving quality health care for children and expanding enrollment to eligible families through outreach, retention strategies, policy development, marketing, and networking.
Alaska Youth Environmental Action: A youth environmental education and leadership program of the National Wildlife Federation, works to inspire, educate, and take action on environmental issues facing Alaskan communities. Anchorage youth work through hands-on projects and skills training events that increase participation and achieve identified goals.
Red Ribbon Coalition of Alaska: Includes municipal partners such as the Mayor’s Office, Anchorage School District, Alaska State Troopers, Boys and Girls Clubs of Alaska, Alaska National Guard, and the ASD Student Council work to improve the well being and success of youth through activities and anti-drug messages for students and parents.
The Anchorage Mentoring Alliance: A multi-sector collaboration that includes faith-based, tribal and Division of Juvenile Justice programs. Sharing resources and knowledge to increase mentoring opportunities and accomplish a common media campaign to increase the number of caring adults in kids’ lives.
Child Care Connection (CCC): Supports parent networking and offers child development classes. CCC participates in Alaska System for Early Education Development providing oversight and support for Success By 6.
Youth serving organizations representing the diverse and cultural communities of Anchorage share a common commitment to actively involve youth in the decision making process surrounding issues, services and interventions that affect them.
That shared vision is strongly supported by Mayor Mark Begich and Superintendent of Schools Carol Comeau. The Mayor’s Advisory Youth Commission, (MYAC), is charged with advising the Mayor and Assembly on issues, services and programs related to youth. Members are appointed by the Mayor and approved by the assembly. MYAC meets annually with Superintendent Comeau to discuss Anchorage School District issues and suggest solutions.