November 2, 2009

For Immediate Release
New Orleans –

A coalition of local non-profit youth advocacy organizations led by the Afterschool Partnership has announced plans to host a mayoral candidates public forum exclusively devoted to community youth issues on Wednesday, January 6th, at 7:00pm at Walter L. Cohen High School, moderated by WDSU anchor Rachel Wulff.

In addition to the Afterschool Partnership, sponsoring organizations include:

• Agenda for Children
• Children’s Defense Fund
• Juvenile Justice Project of New Orleans
• Operation Reach
• Youth Empowerment Project

Youth coalition event organizers said all major mayoral candidates will be invited to participate in the unique forum, the first of its kind ever devoted exclusively to youth advocacy issues. The forum will include questions from youth and parents on subjects ranging from NORD to afterschool and summer programs, juvenile justice and funding for youth programs.

“This event will be a key benchmark in our efforts during this campaign to light a fire under our political leadership on behalf of youth,” said Gina Warner, Afterschool Partnership Executive Director. “Families and schools need more safe places and high-quality opportunities for young people to learn during the hours outside of the school day, and scores of hard working community and faith-based organizations who serve youth simply need more public support.”

The Afterschool Partnership has published a youth initiatives reform blueprint, 10 for 2010, which includes specific policy solutions for leveraging improved outcomes for underserved youth throughout the community. Plan components include:

• Committed mayoral leadership to champion children and youth programs and initiatives
• Streamlined and coordinated public and private funding resources
• Expanded opportunities for youth to learn and work
• Increased youth voice in municipal decision-making

Contact: Dara Lum Shackelford, 504.304.9591, ext 33, dlum@gnoafterschool.org