Global Youth Service Day

Global Youth Service Day

What is Global Youth Service Day?

Global Youth Service Day (GYSD) is the largest youth service event in the world with millions of youth in more than 100 countries engaged in community service and service learning projects. UT Arlington’s Big Event will again be partnering with GYSD, making it one of the largest community service events of its kind in North Texas. Over 3000 youth plus 1000 college students will make great contributions to our communities. Listen to past youth groups tell their story (click here).

This year we will recognize Youth Service Month and your service project can take place any day during the three weekends (April 12, 2024 through April 14, 2024 or April 19, 2024 through April 21, 2024 or April 26, 2024 through April 28, 2024).  Feel free to give your youth a Thank You Celebration that coincides with your selected Youth Service Day.  Make sure you inform us if you plan to host a Thank You Celebration for your youth by indicating it on the registration form and emailing coagysd@gmail.com.

Key 2024 Calendar Events:

 

  1. GYSD Deadlines/Activities: 
    • April 12: Youth Group Registration Deadline – DEADLINE TO REGISTER for GYSD – https://forms.gle/KtX5YXjj6g9iGivu7
    • April 27: Grant and Contest Day – Group checks; contest submissions deadline. All youth group leaders or designated representatives are required to turn in contest submissions and pick up checks unless other approved arrangements are made in advance (Venue TBD)  NOTE: Participation in the contests is Not a requirement to participate in GYSD.
    • April 12th thru April 14th or April 19th thru April 21st or April 26th thru April 28th -Global Youth Service Day – Select any day during the three weekends to complete your GYSD project.  Must register in advance to be considered for Arlington Alliance for Youth Global Youth Service Day support (recognition, grants, awards, etc.)
    • May 18th: Data Day when all youth groups submit Completion Reports
  1. Events and Completion Reports: 
    • April 12th thru April 14th or April 19th thru April 21st or April 26th thru April 28th: Global Youth Service Day (Youth Group can select a day in either of the three weekends as their Global Youth Service Day)
    • May 18th: Data Day when all youth groups submit Completion Reports

How Can Your Youth Group be Involved?

If you have a youth group that is interested in participating in Global Youth Service Day, please register.  Your group will host its own project for Global Youth Service Day.  Registration Deadline is April 12, 2024. Click here to register your group here: https://forms.gle/KtX5YXjj6g9iGivu7

In addition to participating in GYSD, are there any contests or awards?

Yes, there are contests and awards by age group (Elementary, Jr. High, High School and College (up to age 25)) to provide a level of fairness and encourage participation. Winners will be announced, and awards made available on or before May 18, 2024.

  1. Best Service Project of the Year Contest: Every youth group participating in GYSD or in our Small Grants Programs may participate in this contest if they have completed service projects from April 2023 through March 2024. Entries must be delivered to the GYSD Chair or designated place by April 27, 2024 or submitted electronically.  Please refer to rules for digital submissions.  Honors for the winners include an award and a GYSD grant to help that group complete additional community service projects prior to April 2025.
  2. Click this link for the details.  http://arlingtonalliance4youth.org/programs/service-project-of-the-year/   Please see attached updated information and note that college students can participate in this contest as well.
  3. Arlington’s Youth Service Leaders of the Year Contest: Every youth group participating in GYSD or in our Small Grants Program may participate in this contest if they have completed service projects from April 2023 through March 2024.  This contest honors Sheris Growe for being a servant leader.  (see details).

Facts about Global Youth Service Day (GYSD)

GYSD Goals:

  • To mobilize youth to identify and address the needs of their communities through service and service learning.
  • To support youth on a lifelong path of service and civic engagement.
  • To educate the public, the media and policy-makers about the year-round contributions of young people as community leaders.

To Learn more about GYSD, click here.

Global Youth Service Day Sponsors:

We appreciate Youth Service America’s role in organizing this event in the United States. A very special thanks also goes to the State Farm Companies Foundation, the presenting sponsor for Global Youth Service Day.

Our major local sponsors that want you to succeed include:

  • Arlington Alliance for Youth
  • Arlington Independent School District
  • The University of Texas at Arlington, Student Affairs Division
  • City of Arlington
  • First Rate Inc.
  • Star-Telegram

Note: If you or your organization would like to become a major sponsor or sponsor a coalition in your neighborhood, please contact us (click here).

Our Supporters